Hyundai adds a new transmission option to its first U.S. market N model – the Veloster N.

The hot hatchback was manual-only before. The new transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch unit (DCT).

It joins a six-speed manual gearbox, which was a single one previously available. The new transmission offers paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a “Grin Shift” mode. It should help improve acceleration.

The Hyundai Veloster N‘ is powered by a 2.0-liter inline turbo-four with 250 hp. An optional Performance package boosts the power to 275 hp.

Hyundai unveiled its high performance Veloster N model for the North American market at the 2018 NAIAS in Detroit. The model was developed in Hyundai’s global R&D center in Namyang, and then thoroughly tested at Nurburgring.

Its production started in September 2018 in Ulsan (South Korea). The car went on sale in the 4th quarter of 2018.

The next 2021 Hyundai Veloster N with the new automatic gearbox will arrive later this year.