Hyundai Veloster N Goes Automatic for the People, Gets Dual-Clutch Transmission

We'd likely still choose the manual, but there's little doubt this will broaden the car's appeal.

We're big fans of the Hyundai Veloster N, and for good reason, as the manual-gearbox hot hatch offers exceptional handling and razor-sharp responses at a budget price. (That it can credibly be compared with the mind-melting Honda Civic Type R, as we did on this episode of Head 2 Head, should tell you a lot.) But the standard manual gearbox may actually be keeping its greatness from reaching a wider audience. Luckily for those who don't want to (or can't) row their own gears, Hyundai has announced the Veloster N soon will be available with an eight-speed double-clutch automatic transmission.

The announcement came via a short post on Instagram that also confirms it will use a wet-clutch arrangement. In the announcement video, we can see paddles on the steering wheel, as well as some snazzy-looking sport seats U.S.-market cars don't get. Eagle-eyed viewers will also notice the "NGS" button on the steering wheel, which looks like it will activate an "N Grin Shift" mode as shown on the gauge-cluster display. "N Grin" has appeared on other global N products—it's the name for the drive-mode select function on the European i30 N—but we aren't sure what it means in relation to gearshifts, or if we'll see it in the U.S. Currently, our Veloster N has a sportier "N mode" button that lacks an official Grin as part of its moniker but will make you smile all the same.

Until now the Veloster N was manual only, much like the aforementioned Civic Type R. We assume the dual-clutch is the same unit as buyers will find in the upcoming Sonata N-Line, given the cars' similar power outputs. The hot Veloster makes up to 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque with the Performance pack option (250 horses and identical torque—albeit in a narrower rpm band—without). That's a little bit less than the upcoming hot Sonata, which is said to make 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft, which means the eight-speed 'box should be able to handle the Veloster N's might with no issues.

The addition of an automatic will likely make the Veloster N much more appealing to those who want a quirky, fun car for their daily commute. Plus, with eight ratios in play instead of six, the automatic might also be more fuel-efficient than the manual, although we won't know for sure until the EPA ratings are released. It almost definitely will shave a tenth or two—if not more—from the manual N's 5.9-second zero-to-60-mph time.

Does the addition of an automatic dilute the purity of the Veloster N experience? Maybe a little, but we'll reserve judgment until we get to drive and test one. It certainly will make the car's performance more accessible and offering an automatic is increasingly going to be necessary to the survival of cars like the Veloster N. As long as a manual remains in play, we're cool with it.