Hyundai Elantra GT N Line to Launch in US for 2019
North America won’t be getting a high-performance N version of the Hyundai Elantra GT, but we will be getting a sport-inspired N-Line variant, VIN documents submitted to the NHTSA have revealed.
Hyundai is in the process of launching its new N performance sub-brand, with the 275 hp Veloster N set to arrive in the US and Canada for 2019. The Veloster N will likely remain the sole N product in Hyundai’s lineup for at least a couple of years, but the automaker also has plans to roll out N Line trim levels that will feature sporty add-ons such as N alloy wheels and bolstered seats. The first of these N Line models looks as though it will be the 2019 Elantra GT N Line, with Hyundai submitting a VIN decoder guide for the model this week.
The Elantra GT is sold as the i30 in Europe, where Hyundai has already debuted the i30 N Line. The i30 N Line features a different front fascia, 18-inch alloy wheels, an N Line gear knob and bolstered N sport seats. We’re expecting the same equipment to grace the Elantra GT N Line when it launches in North America, which will likely happen late this year or in early 2019. The VIN document indicates the 201 hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and 161 hp 2.0-liter engine will remain the only engine options in the Elantra GT for 2019, although it’s unclear if the N Line trim will be available with either of these four-cylinders.
SEE ALSO: Hyundai Kona N Development Confirmed
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line could be set to debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show in November. If we don’t see it there, look for it to appear at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Discuss this story on our Hyundai Elantra Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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A genuine missed opportunity. Hyundai could really take the brand up the ante with a Veloster N, an Elantra GT-N, and an Elantra N Sedan. Talk about a true missed opportunity.
That's the whole point right? Make a legit sports car and then sell the sport badges and trim on your regular versions ala Audi S-Line, BMW M Sport, MB AMG Sport, etc. I don't like it but as long as it pays for legit sport versions ok.