Hyundai Is Giving Its N Cars A Big Powertrain Shakeup And One Loses A Manual

Hyundai’s N division has earned a reputation for building some of the most entertaining and affordable performance cars on the market in recent years, and it isn’t slowing down. The brand has confirmed that both the i20 N and the Elantra N (sold as the i30 Sedan N in some regions) will return for a second generation, though both are expected to undergo major updates.

Going Bigger Without Losing the Fun

Starting with the Elantra N, it will be based on the updated sedan that was recently spied testing under heavy camouflage in South Korea. The former head honcho of Hyundai N, Albert Biermann, has previously said the Elantra N will ditch the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder of the current model in favor of the larger 2.5-liter mill currently used by the Sonata.

Read: We Drove Hyundai’s Last i20 N And It’s The Hot Hatch You’ll Wish You Bought

This engine will comply with stricter emissions regulations and receive the “N treatment,” he told Australia’s Drive. While the engine has a larger capacity, it’s unclear if it will benefit from a big boost in power. In fact, Biermann noted that it may have “the same level” of power as the current model, meaning we can expect it to deliver at least 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, if not more.

The Baby N Will Embrace Electrification

Then there’s the i20 N. While it is not sold in the United States, it’s a little jewel in N division’s line-up, offering driving thrills in a compact package that makes the car stand out from European and Japanese rivals.

Whereas the current model relies solely on a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder for power, the new i20 N will get a small electric motor to work in conjunction with the combustion engine. This mill will be updated to comply with Euro 7 regulations and the addition of hybridization could boost power from the current 201 hp to nearer 270 hp, which would result in it nipping at the heels of the larger Elantra N.

Manual Fans, Brace Yourselves

Unfortunately, the hybrid system will force Hyundai to ditch the current six-speed manual in favor of a dual-clutch transmission. This could be the same eight-speed gearbox found in the Elantra N, or perhaps an upgraded version of the seven-speed found in lesser i20 models.

The new transmission, plus an electric motor and a small battery pack, will also result in a weight increase compared to the second-gen i20 N. It’ll also inevitably force Hyundai to jack up its price. But as long as it sticks around, you won’t hear us complaining.