*Disclosure: The 2022 Hyundai N Lineup vehicles and the Atlanta Motorsports Park experience were provided to me for testing purposes and editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own*
Hey guys,
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of experiencing Atlanta Motorsports Park for the first time and it did not disappoint. The one-of-a-kind performance playground allowed me to experience 3 of Hyundai’s all-new, high-performance N vehicles while navigating aggressively through two of their courses.
On top of my excitement to visit this legendary park, I was equally intrigued by the brands new “from street to circuit” concept. The 2022 Kona N, Elantra N and Veloster N are equipped for daily practicality, like running errands, road trips and even date night as well as racetrack performance capabilities.
This is good news for the consumer who is practical yet looking for a sportier, more thrilling driving experience.
Keep reading to learn more about my Atlanta Motorsports Park/N Lineup Experience…
What is the Hyundai N Performance Division?
I am sure some of you may be wondering what the “N” division is all about. Well, it is a new high-performance section of the Hyundai lineup; this performance division promises to deliver the same power & prowess that their motorsport division has in the past.
Foothills of the Appalachians
When I discovered that AMP was hidden in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, I was even more ecstatic about this entire experience. Why? Well, because visiting the Appalachians, even if only for a short time, has been on my bucket list since I was a child.
So, upon arrival, I decided to kill two birds with one stone and take the retro, yet futuristic 2022 IONIQ 5 EV CUV out for a street drive. This unexpected side adventure turned out to be pretty dynamic, because I had the opportunity to experience both the gorgeous countryside roads of the Appalachians, and the ever so chick IONIQ 5 EV CUV for the first time.
My Appalachians/IONIQ 5 Street Drive
My Atlanta Motorsports Park Experience
2022 Hyundai Kona N
After returning from the street drive, I decided it was time to take a stab at the timed Autocross course. I hopped in Hyundai’s first high performance SUV, the Kona N, and navigated through the course like it was my first time! LOL! However, I am happy to say that each time around, my times got better and better.
The subcompact SUVs racetrack capability, quick acceleration and nimble handling assisted in my improvement and actually made all those practice runs quite fun.
Brief Overview: 2022 Hyundai Kona N Price/Specs/Features
- Starting MSRP:
- $25,850.00
- Engine:
- 2.0L, Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder w/280-hp
- Transmission:
- N 8-speed DCT (Wet friction) w/paddle shifters
- Note: The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is not available in manual transmission
- MPG:
- Up to 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined
- Drivetrain:
- FWD
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- N Line Sport Seats
- 18-inch N Line alloy wheels
*Autocross = A professionally timed competition that drivers navigate through, one at a time. *
My Kona N Autocross Experience
2022 Hyundai Veloster N
Since I hadn’t had enough of the Autocross course. I decided it was time to test my skills out while driving one of my favorite Hyundai vehicles, the all-new 2022 Veloster N Hatchback.
I’ve been a huge fan of the Veloster’s unique three-door configuration, cool/sporty exterior and bold attitude since as far back as I can remember. So, to actually get behind the wheel and put it to the test was just as exhilarating as I had imagined.
Driving on an Autocross course in the Veloster N was definitely a fun and memorable experience. The powerful turbocharged engine, quick accelerating and exceptional handling helped to build my confidence even more while participating in the timed course.
All Veloster trims except “N” has been discontinued*
Brief Overview: 2022 Hyundai Veloster N Price/Specs/Features
- Starting MSRP:
- Automatic: $33,545.00
- Manual: $32,150.00
- Engine:
- Automatic: 2.0L, Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder w/275 HP
- Manual: 2.0L, Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder
- Transmission:
- Automatic: N 8-Speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission w/ paddle shifters
- Manual: 6-speed Manual Transmission w/ rev-matching
- Drivetrain:
- FWD
- MPG:
- Automatic: Up to 20 city/27 hwy/22 combined
- Manual: Up to 22 city/28 hwy/25 combined
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- N Line sport bucket seats
My Veloster N Autocross Experience
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
After I was done with Autocross, I decided it was time to check out the main track.
Now, I pride myself on knowing how to drive a manual trans. However, when I jumped into the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N (the first N sedan model) and realized it was a stick, my initial thought was “Eeekkk! I have never driven a stick on a track before!” LOL! I know, I know! Word on the curb is that they are easier to drive on a track and that might very well be true; but, because I couldn’t get out of my own head, at that particular time, it didn’t feel that way.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
After a few minutes, I finally decided to step outside my comfort zone and hit the track, in yes, the manual. Although I didn’t put the pedal to the medal, like I had envisioned, I now know I can handle it, and will definitely be prepared the next time. When it was time to switch vehicles, as you may have guessed, I chose an automatic Elantra N.
I am happy I did, because this go around, I really got the chance to experience the all-new high-performance sedan. Like the Kona, the vehicles quick acceleration and agility made my time behind the wheel extremely fun and enjoyable.
Needless to say, my speed and time definitely improved this go around.
Brief Overview: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Price/Specs/Features
- Starting MSRP:
- Automatic: $33,650.00
- Manual: $32,150.00
- Engine:
- Automatic: 2.0L, Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder w/276 HP and 289 lb.-ft. Torque
- Manual: 2.0L, Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder
- Transmission:
- Automatic: N 8-Speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission w/ paddle shifters
- Manual: 6-speed Manual Transmission w/ rev-matching
- Drivetrain:
- FWD
- MPG:
- Automatic: Up to 27 city/36 hwy/29 combined
- Manual: Up to 25 city/34 hwy/28 combined
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Multi-link independent rear suspension
- Hyundai Digital Key
- This key lets you remotely start/stop vehicle from the app via Bluetooth technology.
- N Line sport seats
- Advanced infotainment systems
*AMP Track = The 2-mile-long track consists of 16 turns and 98 feet of elevation change.*
My Elantra N Track Experience
I am definitely here for the all-new 2022 Hyundai N lineup. Each one of the vehicles that I drove was incredibly fun, handled extremely well when put to the test, is N badge worthy and provided the throaty exhaust sound that I love to hear coming from a performance vehicle.
Note: Please do not confuse Atlanta Motor Speedway with Atlanta Motorsports Park. AMP contains two driving circuits and is located in Dawsonville, Georgia. Please find address below:
What are your thoughts on their new N lineup? Inquiring minds would love to know.
Additionally, to learn more about the Hyundai N lineup visit their website.
Have A Happy Healthy and Remember to Always…Stay Sassy!
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