Hyundai Kona N Clutching To Greater Performance

Hyundai Motor has disclosed new technical details for the all-new Kona N SUV which is the company’s first high-performance SUV built for devotees.

This new technology from Hyundai is being offered on the Veloster N trim and is also a standard equipment on the all-new 2022 Kona N.

It is dubbed the ‘N DCT’, an 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission. The ‘N DCT’ is able to provide high-performance features and an engaging experience of a sequential manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The gearbox is based on an upgraded version of the company’s in-house-developed 8DCT, an 8-speed, wet-type, dual-clutch transmission. The new enhancements come in the form of its durability, enabling it to handle the demands of high-performance driving.

Paired with the existing 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected GDI engine, which offers approximately 276 hp of max output, it produces the best performance by applying specially-tuned gear ratios.

Furthermore, the transmission control unit is custom calibrated, which results in faster shifting and offers an array of exclusive driving features.

Making it similarly efficient at power delivery and shifting response, is due to the nature of the wet-type DCT, which is structurally similar to a manual transmission.

In contrast to a dry-type gearbox, the wet-type DCT uses two electric oil pumps to reduce friction between the moving parts and for better cooling of the clutch. This in turn, allows greater torque transfer through the gearbox.

Addition to the increased performance, the application of ‘N DCT’ also improves driving dynamics. The coolant oil system constantly keeps the clutch at the optimum operating temperature, reducing risk of overheating during high-performance driving.

Moreover, even on congested roads or steep inclines, where the transmission is being pressured, the new ‘N DCT’ can easily overcome the hurdles due to its flexible characteristics.

Aforementioned, with the new ‘N DCT’ comes a host of driving features. These features enhance the car’s capabilities by using a dedicated shift-logic management.

First feature is the N Power Shift (NPS). It engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent throttle, modifying the drops in torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power. This results in a lesser rubber-band effect and giving out a more ‘push feel’.

Second is the N Grin Shift (NGS). This feature maximizes the engine and DCT performance for 20 seconds. Thus, to produce maximum acceleration, the car will directly shift down to the most appropriate gear. 

To activate this feature, simply push a designated button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the instrument cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function. After the ‘boost’ has ended, drivers must wait at least 40 seconds to use it again.

Third and last is the N Track Sense Shift (NTS). It optimizes an adaptive shift for racetrack driving, which helps the driver to focus more on the steering. It also auto recognizes when the conditions are optimal for dynamic driving on a racetrack and activates it automatically. 

Also, this feature has a function which takes info from motorsport data and combines it with the driver’s behaviour, thus the car selects the right gear and shifts timing in sport driving conditions to provide optimal performance.

Other than these sporty N features, are five different drive modes categorised under the N Grin Control System. They are Normal, Eco, Sport, N and Custom.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission vehicle, with the N DCT, the driver can choose to turn off the ‘creep’ function. When it is turned ‘off’ and the car is in gear D, it will not roll automatically forward when the brake pedal is released. 

Albeit, depending on the driver, this racetrack feature can also be useful to enhance comfort and convenience. The ‘Creep-off’ mode can be activated or deactivated via the N custom settings.

Hyundai’s new ‘N DCT’ gearbox also features the option of switching to manual mode using the paddle shifters or the gear knob for better upshifting process control. 

Unique to this function is when in manual mode, the downshift memory logic will avoid downshifting during high RPM operation. Plus, the memory function will remember the command and executes only when the acceptable RPM is reached.

Overall, the all-new Kona N featuring the ‘N DCT’ transmission will be the latest addition to the Hyundai N trims, Hyundai’s high-performance, motorsport inspired line-up. It combines the uncompromising performance of an N model with the comfort and convenience of an SUV.