Prepared to compete at the Optima Batteries’ 2018 Search for the Ultimate Street Car, Hyundai unveiled an all-new special Veloster N. It will enter the Optima Batteries GTC class and compete at the last two events of the year. The reasoning behind this new special edition Veloster N is straightforward. Hyundai is about to reveal the performance-focused Veloster N in the U.S. Generating hype by competing in events like this can only further the cause of linking the Veloster N name with performance and excitement.

"The OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car competition is the perfect venue to allow Hyundai to showcase its expanding performance envelope and introduce the N-brand vehicles to performance enthusiasts," said Joshua Vedder, Senior Group Manager, Customer Connect, Hyundai Motor America. "The vehicles are modified in a way that mirrors a typical enthusiast – gripper tires and suspension, increased power, etc.; and then tested in this severe environment. This is one way we ensure our vehicle will exceed our customers' expectations."

Apart from the new specially prepared racing Veloster N, Hyundai unveiled an awesome Ioniq with the drivetrain from the Kona Electric. That one will try to defend the title it won at the 2017 National Championship in the GTE class. Nevertheless, we are focused now on the Veloster N as it did receive some serious upgrades over the streetcar that will come soon to our market, but it remain a street-legal machine.

Applying much the same magic as to the stunning i30 N, Hyundai translated the Veloster N into a car capable of competing with the likes of the Civic Type R, the Golf GTI, and the Focus ST, among others. We have been expecting the Veloster N for some time. Actually, ever since we saw that stunning mid-engine Veloster with a 2.0-liter, 296-horsepower turbocharged engine back in 2014.

What’s Up With The Veloster N For The Ultimate Street Car Competition?

First of all, the Veloster N for the Ultimate Street Car Competition isn’t that different compared with the streetcar we will eventually get here in the U.S. One of the main Optima Battery Ultimate Street Car segments is a competition where judges give marks for design and engineering and actually assess the “Daily Drive” capabilities of the car. So, the Veloster N competing here is more or less the same as the one that will soon be under the showroom spotlights. Interestingly enough, I am quite sure that with enough persuasion, you could spec your Veloster N to be really similar to what we have here for the Optima Challenge.

The changes Hyundai undertook to make it better suited for the challenge include optimization of the suspension, the wheels, the engine, the tires, and its aerodynamics.

The 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that develops 275 horsepower remained the same as before. Yet, with the new cold-air intake, better air cooler, and cat-back exhaust, it can breathe more freely. I would not be surprised if, with these modifications, the engine turns out to be more eager to claw the front tires to the ground and to surge a bit quicker to speed. After all, this could easily provide more power and torque at lower revs.

These hardware changes have been fine-tuned with a so-called Remus Powerizer. Yet another addition - the Remus Responder - improves throttle response and gives a brisk response when the throttle is applied. Read, this Veloster N will probably rev much faster than the stock version.

Despite power (275 horsepower) and torque (260 pound-feet of torque) remaining the same, these additions clearly show that enthusiasts and tuners will have a lot of options for aftermarket improvements on their hot-hatch.

Impressive Suspension Upgrades

Apart from the subtle engine upgrades, Hyundai reimagined some features of the suspension as well. In an effort to stiffen it all up, reduce body roll, and provide even more control over the suspension, Hyundai integrated prototype sway bars that are both thicker and adjustable. Engineers fiddled with the coilovers as well. Finally, the changes are complemented with 19-inch wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tires that measure 245/35.

Safety First With A Bit Of Fun

This is basically a one-off race car and it needed some proper safety gear to be compliant with the requirements of the Optima Battery Ultimate Street Car competition. Secondly, this Veloster N has Recaro Profi SPG XL with a Sparco Enduro 6-Point harness. All racing gear obviously.

Ironically, the cabin hasn’t been lightened or freed of creature comforts. As I was saying, the Veloster N has to prove it is a comfortable street car. For that task, Hyundai garnished it with special blue details on the dash and even installed a 390-Watt, eight-speaker system with Clari-Fi. Not exactly something one could expect in a race car. Come to think of it; I really like this Optima Battery Ultimate Street Car competition. Imagine all the hot hatches in almost stock form competing against one another. Wouldn't that be awesome?

Conclusion

Despite actually trying to compete in the Ultimate Street Car challenge that will start just after the 2018 SEMA show, I feel that Hyundai created this special edition Veloster N in order to promote possible aftermarket options. It is like Hyundai wants to say - even if you buy the Veloster N, you will still have a chance to live your tuning life to the fullest and compete even with the heavyweights of the hot-hatch country.

After all, the Veloster N is a fast car. We already know it will reach 62 mph in 6.1 seconds. It will be fun too. The N, among other things, stands for Nurburgring, as the car was developed there. Apart from appearing at the racing event, the car will wow the crowds at the 2017 SEMA show along with the Ioniq that is prepped for the same competition.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.

Read more Hyundai news.

Read more SEMA Show news.