Hyundai isn't ready to show its next-generation Elantra N in the buff yet, but that hasn't stopped an early prototype from appearing in South Korea. The sporty sedan was spotted on a car trailer, wrapped in heavy camouflage that hides most of its redesigned bodywork. Still, enough suggests the next N-badged four-door won't be a mild evolution of the current model.

The first notable detail is the wide fenders, which give the prototype a more muscular stance. Spotted by YouTuber Healer TV, the car also sports a thinner, wider front lip, while the chunky rear exhaust tips leave little doubt about its performance ambitions. Then there are the tires: the sidewalls show a 275/30ZR19 spec, suggesting serious rubber for a compact sports sedan.

That tire size is particularly interesting. The current Elantra N already rides on 19-inch wheels with 245-spec tires, but the next model appears to be stepping things up with substantially wider tires. Combined with the flared wheel arches, this suggests Hyundai is widening the track to improve grip and give its next performance sedan a more planted stance.

Of course, the camouflage makes it difficult to judge the finer design details. We'll have to wait for less-disguised prototypes to get a better look at the bumpers, lighting elements, and aerodynamic upgrades. For now, the message seems clear: Hyundai is developing a more aggressive-looking Elantra N.

The more exciting development could be hiding under the hood. 5-liter unit.

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