Veloster N

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Hatchback

Hyundais now are pretty much excellent across the board, from its Palisade SUV to its Kona compact. The brand has been catering to enthusiasts for the last few years with its N brand, started by the now-retiring Albert Biermann of BMW M fame.

Hyundai is taking the next step like Ford and Chevy have with their performance driving schools, announcing the first N Performance Academy, taking place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta this weekend. It's obviously too late to attend that one, which features the 275-hp Hyundai Veloster N on the 2.54-mile, 12-turn circuit. But we're guessing there will be many more.

The school is put on by Bryan Herta Autosport, and nearly 200 guests already signed up. The drivers will get to learn the ins and outs of car control with experienced teachers, using both the big course and an autocross track, which is where the fundamentals really come into play. At the end, drivers will get to compare their times against pro hotshoes like Mason Filippi and Harry Gottsacker.

"As a successful challenger in the performance category for almost four years and proactive player of Hyundai brand, N addresses and adapts to the upcoming changes in the performance category," said Till Wartenberg, vice president of N brand Management & Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

"Driving was never meant to be boring and with N, it never will be. This is reflected with our new N brand slogan 'Never just drive.' And will also be the guiding principle of the future electrification of Hyundai N," he concluded.

The Veloster N is the go-to for this school, with its rev-matching six-speed manual and limited slip differential to go along with that power and 278 lb-ft of torque. It's fast enough to be thrilling, without being dangerous. And you really have to get things wrong to spin it, though it can happen. Check out Hyundai-n.com for more details.