2022 Hyundai Elantra N at Lightning Lap 2023
From the February/March 2023 issue of Car and Driver.
Lap Time: 3:07.3
Class: LL1 | Base: $33,245 | As-Tested: $33,645
Power and Weight: 276 hp • 3197 lb • 11.6 lb/hp
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S; 245/35ZR-19 (93Y) HN
After looking at the lap times, you may be wondering why the Elantra N couldn’t beat the Kona N. Great question. The answer is tires. Hyundai didn’t send the Elantra with extra tires—we ordered some, but they didn’t arrive in time—so the Elantra had to chase time on thoroughly abused rubber. We’ll confidently state that it’ll do better than its 3:07.3 on fresh Michelin Pilot Sport 4S shoes.
Despite the grip deficit, the Elantra N is an excellent track car. It pulls hard up to 133.9 mph on the Front Straight, the shifter slots into gear reliably, and the handling never issues any threats. It tracks true and without drama at triple-digit speeds through the Climbing Esses. Unlike the Honda Civic Type R, it does require patience on slow corner exits. Overwhelming the front tires is easy and leads the Elantra to push wide. The solution is to wait to go full throttle, though waiting is the enemy of lap times.
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The brakes remain strong and willing, but the tires limit them. Hot tires don’t want to corner or stop. Body control is superb, and the suspension sops curbs without complaint. While it doesn’t compete with the Type R or the Toyota GR Corolla, we couldn’t help but compare the three. On old Michelins, it isn’t even close. But on a fresh set of tires, we’re betting it would close the gap by more than a second and beat the 143-pound-heavier and taller Kona N. Until it returns, the Elantra N raises more questions than it answers.
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