Hyundai adds eight-speed DCT to hot N grade

HYUNDAI has announced it has developed an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for its high-performance i30 N and Veloster N pair, giving buyers an alternative to the existing six-speed manual option.

Set to arrive in Australia early next year in the i30 N hatch and Fastback, the new automatic transmission was debuted on the mechanically related Veloster N, which is not currently offered in Australia.

Hyundai developed the DCT box to provide additional practicality over the manual version, with the South Korean car-maker aiming to give buyers a sense of excitement and driver involvement similar to the three-pedal option.

The wet-clutch transmission uses electric actuators to operate the double clutch, which Hyundai claims improves ride comfort, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.

Hyundai’s engineers have also embedded a number of features into the DCT to improve performance, such as the N Grin Shift feature which increases turbocharger boost which allows for maximum transmission response and a seven per cent boost in torque for 20 seconds.

Another function, N Power Shift, activates when the car accelerates with 90 per cent throttle application or greater, which ensures maximum torque is being applied by optimising upshifts and giving the driver a feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting, similar to the feeling brought on by a manual.

The car is also able to discern when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving, and engages the N Track Sense Shift mode, which Hyundai says programs the transmission to optimise gear selection and shifting “like a professional race driver”.

Other features including rev matching, launch control and overboost will also be included, while engine braking is engaged when going downhill.

The eight-speed DCT’s various features can be configured by drivers via the i30’s 8.0-inch infotainment display.

Hyundai says the DCT allows the Veloster N to reach 100km/h from standstill in 5.6 seconds – for reference the manual-only i30 N Fastback manages the sprint in 6.1s, with the hatchback 0.1s behind.

Peak power remains unchanged, with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill continuing to develop 202kW at 6000rpm and 353Nm from 1450-4700rpm, driving the front wheels with the help of an electromechanical limited-slip differential.

Hyundai will also offer new N Light Sports bucket seats on N models, unibody bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara that weigh around 2kg less than the standard seats and feature an illuminated N logo on the upper side of the backrest.

Through the first quarter of the year, Hyundai has sold 6046 examples of the i30, remaining relatively steady over the 6222 it managed to the same point in 2019.