Topic: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

[dougjp]

"The Elantra is a touch lighter than its predecessor and tips the scales at 2,661 lbs with a manual and 2,701 lbs with an automatic. "

If those numbers are accurate for the North American model, it would be remarkable. The 1.8L I4 should not have any issue to move this car adequately.

Any info on the platform/suspension? IRS or torsion beam?

Is there a hatch version in the pipeline? So far, I haven't seen any reports on this.

"Move Adequately" is the operative term, if one's performance requirements in a car are minimal. It has about the same power to weight and torque to weight as a base Honda Civic. Its slightly better than a Saturn Astra and a base Toyota Corolla, hardly enough to get excited about, the only other two in this category that have 1.8L engines. So expectations shouldn't run amok, as those comparative cars have frequently been criticized in road tests as having inadequate performance. 

It is delightful to me to see the weight kept in check like they have done! If and when a larger engine and supporting suspension tweaks etc. are introduced, this could be an exciting car in addition to good looking and fuel efficient.

[Dante]

"The Elantra is a touch lighter than its predecessor and tips the scales at 2,661 lbs with a manual and 2,701 lbs with an automatic. "

If those numbers are accurate for the North American model, it would be remarkable. The 1.8L I4 should not have any issue to move this car adequately.

Any info on the platform/suspension? IRS or torsion beam?

Is there a hatch version in the pipeline? So far, I haven't seen any reports on this.

"Move Adequately" is the operative term, if one's performance requirements in a car are minimal.

I'm trying to detach my personal preferences and look at it with objectivity. This car will be adequate for the market segment it plays in. It is not a "sporty" car and it is not meant to be. For this reason most likely it will not be on my shopping list, besides there is no hatch version at the moment (this also indicates the primary target for this car is).

With Elantra I think Hyundai aims to offer a (much) nicer Civic and Corolla versus a better Mazda3 or Golf and I think they've succeeded.

I have high hopes that the new Focus will cater to those who prefer driving dynamics to the best-in-class fuel economy.

[Shnak]

I wouldn't be surprised to see an optional more powerful engine also available on the Elantra, ala what Kia did with the Forte. Maybe bring back the Elantra GT name, and put a 2.0L DI engine in that one.

[Shnak]

Hyundai planning new Elantra Touring based on 2011 Elantra sedan
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/15/hyundai-planning-new-elantra-touring-based-on-2011-elantra-sedan/

That's great news! I'm hoping for an Elantra Touring GT with either a ~2.0L DI or the Forte's 2.4L would be fine too.

[tortoise]

Definitely great news.  From what I can tell the current touring has been very popular so there's a good chance it'll make to Canada.

[Shnak]

Definitely great news.  From what I can tell the current touring has been very popular so there's a good chance it'll make to Canada.

Of definitely. I think 1/3rd of Elantras sold in Canada are Touring's. That's a pretty big ratio.

[PJungnitsch]

More info on the engine:

This SULEV/ULEV-compliant engine features 10.3:1 compression for improved power, continuously variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams and a two-stage intake manifold plus swirl valves to broaden the torque curve, roller rocker followers with hydraulic lash adjustment to reduce friction, and a silent timing chain for durability and refinement. The crankshaft is also offset from the cylinder bore center to reduce friction and improve torque delivery.

Output is rated at 148 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 131 pound-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The Nu's 82.4 hp/liter specific output is claimed to be best in the compact class, as is the official EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway, which will apply to all Elantras. Those are all impressive figures, and they're accomplished with conventional port fuel injection. There's plenty of room to improve all those figures by adding direct injection, automatic stop/start, and variable valve lift -- all of which the engine architecture is protected for between now and 2025, when Hyundai has pledged to increase its own CAFE to 50 mpg.

http://wot.motortrend.com/6703456/auto-news/2011-hyundai-elantra-gets-brand-nu-18-liter-engine/index.html#ixzz15OAWqJRI

The engine's development future has been mapped out, with plans for further efficiency gains from the addition of direct fuel injection and variable valve lift systems. It will also provide the internal combustion component of a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Dr. Lee says high-tech versions of the Nu will begin reaching showrooms by next year. "We move fast," he adds. Next applications for the engine, he says, are the new Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed.

An illustration of the NU 1.8-literDirect injection and variable valve lift are just the first steps in the Korean automaker's grand strategy for global leadership in gasoline (and diesel) engine efficiency. Work on electrically powered coolant pumps, cylinder deactivation, stratified injection, controlled auto-ignition combustion (the same 'diesotto' principle favored by Mercedes-Benz), and variable compression technology is underway at the company's R&D facilities.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2010/1011_hyundai_kia_coming_high_tech_assault/index.html#ixzz15OBLR1p2

[Shnak]

...29 mpg city/40 mpg highway...

Funny how Hyundai doesn't need an Eco version to achieve these great fuel economy numbers... Great fuel economy for all! 

[Ice]

Definitely great news.  From what I can tell the current touring has been very popular so there's a good chance it'll make to Canada.

Of definitely. I think 1/3rd of Elantras sold in Canada are Touring's. That's a pretty big ratio.

It makes me happy to hear that. I think it's great that they brought over the Touring in the first place because it's a great hatchback/wagon and I've seen all kinds of people driving them. I've seen some typical mom and kids type drivers as well as what appeared to be a single mid 20's guy blaring rap music and sporting the top end 17in rims (which look quite nice IMHO). You don't always see that kind of mix in a vehicle.

I'm excited to see what a touring in the new style will look like.

[conwelpic]

officially released in the US ahead of schedule, prices coming up later this week (US).  Not too much new info as to what we already know, just more official.

http://www.thecarblogger.net/2010/11/2011-hyundai-elantra-usdm-officially.html

[Dante]

officially released in the US ahead of schedule, prices coming up later this week (US).  Not too much new info as to what we already know, just more official.

http://www.thecarblogger.net/2010/11/2011-hyundai-elantra-usdm-officially.html

Do you know if the platform is new or a version of the existing platform? Do you know if it features IRS or torsion beam? No report mentiones this - they all seem to be cut-paste from Hyundai PR.

4-wheel disc brakes standard though. 

[Shnak]

officially released in the US ahead of schedule, prices coming up later this week (US).  Not too much new info as to what we already know, just more official.

http://www.thecarblogger.net/2010/11/2011-hyundai-elantra-usdm-officially.html

Do you know if the platform is new or a version of the existing platform? Do you know if it features IRS or torsion beam? No report mentiones this - they all seem to be cut-paste from Hyundai PR.

4-wheel disc brakes standard though. 

Well they do say 'all-new Elantra', so I'd expect the platform to be significantly changed.

[Dante]

officially released in the US ahead of schedule, prices coming up later this week (US).  Not too much new info as to what we already know, just more official.

http://www.thecarblogger.net/2010/11/2011-hyundai-elantra-usdm-officially.html

Do you know if the platform is new or a version of the existing platform? Do you know if it features IRS or torsion beam? No report mentiones this - they all seem to be cut-paste from Hyundai PR.

4-wheel disc brakes standard though. 

Well they do say 'all-new Elantra', so I'd expect the platform to be significantly changed.

I know, but it's not always the case. The platform is something that you can't see and manufacturers get away with it by changing the shell and calling it an "all-new".
I'm sure though that, even it is a revision of an existing platform, it is upgraded. I'm just curious if Hyundai went for the top-shelf with the suspension or just good enough for the class (which would be acceptable still).

[dougjp]

Now that the embargo has (supposedly) been lifted, shouldn't there be some first drives and test drives out today? Also, more details should come out by Friday at the LA Auto Show.

[Ex-airbalancer]

OMFG
Cruise control is not on the base modelThe world is coming to an end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shnak]

OMFG
Cruise control is not on the base modelThe world is coming to an end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why would CRUISE control it be standard on the Elantra if it isn't on the CRUZE? 

[Bubba]

OMFG
Cruise control is not on the base modelThe world is coming to an end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, is it is at least optional on the base model?

[Ex-airbalancer]

So it ok if Hyundi offers in a package, but if someones also does that , it is bad
usually with a GM you can add cruise as a stand allow for the dealer
I had it had on a base sunfire before

[Dante]

OMFG
Cruise control is not on the base modelThe world is coming to an end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, is it is at least optional on the base model?

It's part of a package so basically you get cruise along with other potentially unwanted options, just like with Cruze and other cars.
Like AB pointed out, on most cars, you can get OEM cruise control installed by the dealer (stand-alone option).

A non-issue I believe on both Cruze and Elantra.

[dkaz]

My 2008 Corolla CheapEdition with Enhanced Convenience Package came with cruise. And A/C and PW/PDL