Hyundai introduces a new eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission to the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N. The new Veloster N gets other upgrades as well.
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Hyundai’s Veloster N has gotten rave reviews from all the reviewers, and I owned the Veloster R Spec, so I’m sure the Veloster N will satisfy many hot hatch enthusiasts. Well, now Hyundai made the Veloster N performance accessible to more than just 5% of the population because a dual-clutch automatic will available on the 2021 Veloster N starting October 2020.
Hyundai’s Eight-Speed DCT
The new wet dual-clutch eight-speed transmission will, of course, come with paddle shifters and will have the thermal endurance capabilities to handle some aggressive driving. Something called “N Track Sense Shift” will be available along with launch control. I recently reviewed a 2021 Kia K5, and the highly anticipated 2.5l turbo version of the K5 is said to come with an eight-speed DCT as well.
Hyundai claims that the DCT is designed to improve acceleration and efficiency. The N DCT uses electronic actuators that operate the dual clutches and is a wet clutch system. The advantage this has as opposed to a dry-clutch is the use of oil for lubrication and improve cooling performance. An electric oil pump is used for increased thermal endurance and reduces direct parasitic drag on the powertrain. This DCT is an in-house designed and built transmission by the Hyundai N team.
N Grin Shift
A few custom shifting programs are available with the new N DCT. First is N Grin Shift, which increases peak torque from 260 LB. FT. to 278 LB. FT., which is a seven percent increase. This power increase is done through the use of temporary turbocharger over-boost and maximizing transmission response. The N Grin Shift mode allows the powertrain to shift in the sportiest setting for up to 20 seconds and can be used for passing.
N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift
N Power Shift (NPS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) are additional DCT features Hyundai includes with its new transmission. When over 90 percent of the throttle gets requested from the driver, NPS kicks in to mitigate torque reduction using upshifts to deliver max power to the wheels with each gear change. Hyundai estimates 0-60 times to be around 5.6 seconds. NTS works by deciphering the road conditions to select the optimal right gear and shift timing for optimal performance depending on circumstances.
Additional DCT Features
The new dual-clutch will offer rev-matching, launch control, and over-boost functions, which is critical for any cool car. The car will study your driving inputs to tailor the automatic experience to match your driving style. Lower gears will be selected during aggressive driving to engine brake and provide better acceleration in the corners. The entirety of the revs will get used if the car detects aggressive track driving. All of these functions can get calibrated in the infotainment.
The dual-clutch is used because one clutch controls the odd gears while the other clutch controls the even gears and reverse. The clutch actuator assembly uses a lightweight electric motor-driven system for efficiency, better shift response, and compact packaging. An external damper is used to improve NVH, and an electromechanical gear actuator gives the transmission a lightweight design. The electronic control unit also aids in better fuel economy and precise shifting control. Finally, the DCT gearing assembly takes advantage of hollow input shafts to reduce weight further and improve shifting.
2021 Hyundai Veloster N Seats
Other features include new N lightweight seats, which are composed of cloth and leatherette, which help hold you. These seats offer a 4.4-pound weight reduction. That’s cool, I guess. You also get some illuminated N logos on the backrest to show everyone you’re not in some plebian Hyundai.
The 2021 Veloster N comes with a whole host of safety features as standard now. These features include; Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning. All this in case you forgot how to drive.
2021 Hyundai Veloster N Conclusion
I can appreciate how Hyundai wants the N brand to appeal to more buyers by offering an automatic transmission for the Veloster N. I’ve tried the seven-speed DCT in vehicles like the Kia Soul Turbo and I was not a fan of it. Hopefully, Hyundai’s N division worked the magic with this new eight-speed DCT. I love Hyundai-Kia’s eight-speed torque converted transmission along with its CVT transmission. Let me know in the comments section if the 2021 Veloster N will be a car you are interested in buying and if you would get the manual or the automatic.
Read about the new 2021 Hyundai Palisade here.
Kevin Meyn is an automotive journalist for Torque News concentrating on Hyundai content. Kevin is the founder of Exhaust Sports Auto Youtube channel, where he does professional car reviews on new and used vehicles. Through the use of various resources and extended Automotive expertise, Kevin documents the latest in automotive news revolving around Hyundai. Kevin graduated from NC State University studying Supply Chain Management but has had a passion for cars since he was a child. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Instagram @exhaustsports.
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