As a content creator for cardiagxpert.com and a dedicated automotive enthusiast, I’m thrilled to announce my latest acquisition: a 2022 Hyundai Veloster N with a 6-speed manual transmission. Naturally, my plans involve enhancing its aerodynamic performance, which means exciting new content focused on hatchbacks is coming to the site. To make searching easier for everyone (and to help Miata enthusiasts filter content!), all articles related to this build will prominently feature “Veloster” in the title.
The Quest for a New Track Weapon (Why Not BRZ?)
The decision to purchase a new vehicle came about last August. The primary motivation was the growing discomfort and noise associated with driving my Miata for several hours to and from the racetrack. Yes, I’m getting to that age! Initially, I placed a deposit on a 2023 Subaru BRZ. However, after a frustrating six-month wait with no updates from the dealership, I opted to get my deposit back. Beyond the prolonged wait, I realized a deeper issue: I wasn’t keen on having a Subaru engine in any car I owned. Furthermore, I felt a pull towards experiencing a front-wheel drive sports car for a change of pace and driving dynamics.
I have a history with FWD vehicles, having owned several over the years (including a Corolla Tercel, EF Hatch, EF wagon, 10th gen Civic, and a Mini Cooper). I’ve also participated in numerous races in my brother’s Yaris. FWD offers a distinct set of handling characteristics that make driving engaging and challenging in different ways compared to rear-wheel drive (RWD). FWD generally excels in wet conditions and snow, but typically lags behind RWD on the racetrack. At Pineview Run, for instance, FWD cars inexplicably tend to be significantly slower. This inherent challenge is precisely what makes the prospect so interesting.
The Allure of Front-Wheel Drive: Embracing the FWD Challenge with the Veloster N
My research into FWD sports cars led me to a shortlist of three compelling options: the Veloster N, the K24 Civic Si, and the Mini Cooper S (or Coupe). While the Veloster N is undeniably the quickest of the trio, my attraction to it goes deeper. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the Honda CRX I always admired in my younger years.
Track-Tested and Approved: Veloster N Performance at Pineview Run
My familiarity with the Veloster N isn’t just from research; I’ve actually tracked a couple at Pineview Run. Chris Gailey, a long-time friend, generously allowed me to drive his VN at Pineview. I was thoroughly impressed by the car’s capabilities. In my article “Driving Other People’s Cars in 2020,” I shared my thoughts on the VN, stating:
“If I was going to buy a new car tomorrow I’d buy a Veloster N. This is coming from a Miata guy who was teetering on quitting racing and buying a ND2. Yeah, the Veloster is that good. I would roll the fenders flat and fit the widest 18″ wheels and tires that would fit, add a splitter and a wing, and fucking dominate.”
Three years later, my plan remains largely unchanged. However, fitting extremely wide wheels and tires has proven to be more complex than initially anticipated. Most owners have only increased wheel width by half an inch, opting for 18×8.5 +45 wheels with 235 or 245/40r18 tires. I’m still debating the ideal 18″ tire setup, but if my past experiences are any indication, my basement will likely be filled with a variety of wheels by winter.
During my track sessions at Pineview Run on the stock Pirelli PZ4 tires, I achieved a lap time of 1:17.767. I’ve managed slightly faster times in my Miata on Continental ECS tires, suggesting that around this tight circuit, the stock VN isn’t significantly quicker than a modified NA6 Miata. Switching to Falken RT660 tires, I improved my time to 1:15.565, which is marginally faster than my Miata on RS4s. Again, on comparable tires, the Veloster N appears to be slightly slower than my Miata, at least at Pineview. I anticipate this dynamic might shift at longer, more open tracks where the VN’s power and stability can truly shine.
Interestingly, driving the bone stock VN on RT660s, I was only a mere 0.25 seconds away from the all-time FWD lap record at Pineview! To illustrate the difference tires make, here’s a data comparison of my VN laps at Pineview on both OEM PZ4s (red) and RT660s (blue), highlighting the improved lateral grip and cornering performance with the Falken tires.
While Pineview Run may not be the Veloster N’s ideal playground, my primary purpose for purchasing it is for coaching at larger, faster tracks like NYST and Watkins Glen. I’m scheduled to coach at these tracks a dozen times this year and also plan to explore tracks further afield.
Built for the Track: The Nurburgring Pedigree of the Veloster N
The “N” in Veloster N is a direct tribute to the Nürburgring, the legendary German racetrack where the car underwent extensive development and testing. This designation underscores Hyundai’s commitment to performance engineering.
Remarkably, the Veloster N’s user manual doesn’t contain the typical warnings against track driving. Instead, it implicitly acknowledges and assumes track use as part of the vehicle’s intended operation. This is a refreshing departure from many modern vehicles and signals the Veloster N’s genuine track-focused design.
Warranty for Track Warriors: Peace of Mind with the Veloster N
In the past, preparing a car for track days often involved simply upgrading brake fluid and pads to higher-temperature versions. However, many contemporary vehicles are prone to overheating on track, equipped with intrusive electronic nannies that detract from the driving experience, or are simply not designed for sustained track use. Furthermore, tracking or competing in many new cars, even in autocross events, can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The Veloster N stands out as one of the few new cars that explicitly maintains its warranty even under track conditions. Like Porsche and the Chevrolet Camaro 1LE, Hyundai states, “Since the Veloster-N was designed for high performance at home or on the track, track utilization alone does not void the warranty.”
While certain modifications, such as ECU reprogramming, piggyback systems, aftermarket blow-off valves, or turbo upgrades, will void the Hyundai warranty, adding components like cold-air intakes, larger intercoolers, and oversized throttle bodies generally remains warranty-compliant. Initially, I intend to drive the car in its stock configuration. With a factory-rated 275 horsepower (dyno tests typically show around 235 wheel horsepower), it seems more than adequate for my needs.
Hyundai’s impressive 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, combined with the bumper-to-bumper coverage I secured through Hyundai’s certified used car program, offers incredible peace of mind. This comprehensive warranty, valid until November 2031 based on the original purchase date, means I can push the Veloster N to its limits on track with the confidence that any mechanical issues will be covered. This robust warranty might be the most compelling reason to own this car.
Track Day Insurance: Protecting Your Investment on the Track
Taking a responsible approach to track driving, I purchased track insurance. I opted for an annual policy from OpenTrack due to their annual policy offering, which is more convenient and cost-effective than the per-event policies offered by companies like Lockton and Hagerty.
The annual premium was approximately $3100 with a 5% deductible. This policy provides unlimited track day coverage for both my Veloster N and my Miata, and extends coverage to a second driver! This comprehensive coverage for multiple cars and drivers makes the OpenTrack policy an exceptional value.
Gearing Up for Track Domination: Pre-Delivery Upgrades for the Veloster N
While eagerly awaiting the Veloster N’s arrival, I’ve already acquired a selection of performance-enhancing components:
- Brake pads: Prioritizing high-temperature resistance without excessive brake squeal, I chose Porterfield R-4E pads, a compound I’ve used successfully in the past. While I previously favored StopTech 309-series pads, their quality has declined since a manufacturing plant change.
- Tow hitch: Intended for towing my motorcycle or a small teardrop trailer, and for potentially mounting a bike rack. The hitch also provides a convenient central jacking point and may serve as a base for a future diffuser.
- Base model spoiler: To facilitate the installation of a larger aftermarket wing, I opted for the base model Veloster spoiler, which is essentially a simple roof extension without an integrated wing, offering cleaner mounting options.
- Camber bolts: To achieve optimal negative camber for high-performance tire use. While adjustable top hats can cause damage to OEM shocks, camber bolts offer a safer alternative, albeit with a slightly reduced camber adjustment range. The bolts may slightly reduce inner suspension clearance, which could influence future wheel choices.
- Oil cooler: While the Hyundai warranty mitigates engine failure concerns, an oil cooler is a worthwhile investment in long-term engine health and durability.
- Wheels and tires: For dedicated track use, I selected Konig Countergram 18×8.5 +43 wheels paired with Kumho V730 235/40r18 tires. Although 245 width tires are a popular choice, the 235 size is closer to the stock diameter, and wider isn’t always faster.
Upon receiving the car, my initial plans involve shakedown runs at local tracks (NYST, PV, WGI) to gather baseline performance data. Following these initial tests, the exciting phase of aerodynamic modifications will commence. Stay tuned for more Veloster N content as this project progresses!
