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Motorsport

Hyundai Plans to Increase Engine Size in the Elantra N

Hyundai has recently revealed an updated version of the Elantra N with a redesigned grille, new bumpers, and a weight reduction of 33 pounds with the new wheels. However, there are already plans for the next generation of the high-performance sedan. A new gasoline-powered N version was announced almost a year ago, and in a recent interview with the Australian magazine CarExpert, Executive Technical Advisor Albert Biermann practically confirmed that the next car will feature a larger engine.

“Before I left Namyang, I made sure the Elantra can go on with the 2.5 turbo. It fits in there and everything. Australia is safe, the U.S. is safe, but someone needs to make a decision, right? And markets other than Australia, forget them. They’re all dreaming of the EV cloud, EV heaven, they don’t care for combustion cars.”

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

The mention of leaving Namyang refers to Biermann’s previous role as Executive Vice President and Head of Vehicle Testing & High-Performance Development. After 31 years at BMW, Albert Biermann joined Hyundai in April 2015, and three years later, he was appointed President and Head of R&D division at the Hyundai Motor Group.

Biermann played a pivotal role in the establishment of the N division before retiring as head of R&D in late 2021. Since then, he has served as Executive Technical Advisor, based in Europe.

The current Elantra N is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine generating 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The larger 2.5-liter unit produces 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft in the Sonata N Line, while the 2024 Genesis G70 offers 300 hp.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

Additional updates to the 2024 Elantra N include revised software for the power steering and a rear-suspension insulator that uses urethane instead of rubber to improve damping. Hyundai also modified the tire pressure, installed a new, low-friction universal joint, and adjusted the gearbox for a more direct feeling. The Elantra N continues to be offered with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N will be available at dealerships in January, with pricing yet to be announced. The outgoing model was offered at a starting price of $32,900.

News

Skoda Kamiq Gets a Tougher Look and Starts at £24,030

The Skoda Kamiq crossover has been given a mid-life refresh and the Czech automaker has announced that it will be priced from £24,030 in the UK.

The updated Skoda Kamiq will be available for order starting from 3 October. It will be released alongside the refreshed Skoda Scala hatchback, but with a more rugged appearance, improved safety features, and new optional extras.

Similar to the Scala hatchback, the Skoda Kamiq will come in three trim levels: SE, SE L, and Monte Carlo.

In the basic SE specification, the Kamiq will come equipped with 17-inch wheels and an 8.25-inch infotainment display. It will also have an 8.0-inch instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, and dual-zone climate control.

Stepping up to the SE L trim brings interior upgrades including ambient lighting, a larger 9.2-inch infotainment system, and a 10.25-inch digital cockpit. As for exterior changes, SE L models will have 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior styling, and privacy glass. Prices for the Kamiq in SE L specification start from £27,175.

The range-topping Monte Carlo trim starts from £29,275. It includes additional exterior design changes such as 18-inch black alloy wheels and a black theme for the door mirrors, front grille, and badging.

Monte Carlo models also come with a panoramic sunroof, a reversing camera, dynamic indicators, more powerful LED matrix headlights, and sports chassis control.

The Kamiq shares the same engine options as the Scala. It starts with a 1.0-liter TSI petrol engine producing 95bhp, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. A mid-range 1.0-liter TSI offers 115bhp and is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG).

There is also a 150bhp 1.5-liter four-cylinder TSI engine paired with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG.

The Kamiq was first launched in 2019, based on the same platform as the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross. In its mid-life update, it receives a larger front grille with new front and rear aprons, larger air intakes, and a “three-dimensional mesh” to highlight its width.

The rear lights now incorporate larger air curtains, and there is a silver rear diffuser for enhanced underbody protection.

The Kamiq’s headlights have been redesigned to be slimmer and fully illuminated by LEDs as standard, and for the first time, the Skoda name is spelled out on the rear of the car.

Inside the cabin, the Kamiq features more sustainable materials, with the roof lining and much of the door trim made of natural plant fibers. The wheel-arch linings and windscreen water reservoir are made of recycled plastics, and the upholstery, flooring, and floor mats are made from recycled fabric.