2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
Set to replace the current Elantra Touring, an all-new Elantra GT makes its Canadian debut in Toronto.
Arriving at Canadian dealerships later this year as a 2013 model, the Elantra GT continues the company’s Fluidic Sculpture approach to design found on many of its latest vehicles.
Yet, this time, it’s with some European flair.
The Elantra GT was designed and engineered at Hyundai’s technical centre in Germany.
As a result, Hyundai says the car promises to deliver European handling, aggressive styling and excellent fuel economy. Indeed, the Elantra GT is the most popular Hyundai model in Europe.
The new car will be launched with the proven 148-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine found in the Elantra sedan.
The engine can be mated to a choice of either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
A tuned and tweaked suspension combines with four-wheel disc brakes and the latest stability and braking aids to give the Elantra GT European-style handling.
That said, the Elantra GT’s design will likely be its most noticeable feature.
Hyundai designers describe it as having strong, fluid lines that sculpt the car to give the impression of athletic form and a sense of constant motion, even when parked.
The front end of the car also bears a hexagonal-shaped grille, a design element that’s becoming a trend among all vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup.
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The Elantra Coupe builds on the sedan by delivering more aggressive styling and sportier suspension tuning to create its own unique character.
2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
The Elantra family further expands for 2013 with the addition of a new Coupe, making it the third vehicle to wear the nameplate badge. The Elantra Coupe builds on the sedan by delivering more aggressive styling and sportier suspension tuning to create its own unique character. Aside from missing two of the sedan’s four doors, the Elantra Coupe also receives a different front and rear end as well as exclusive wheels.
The sum of the changes, says Hyundai, creates a car with more noticeable presence on the road. Yet, the Elantra Coupe will retain the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design language found in the sedan as well as many other Hyundai vehicles. Fluidic Sculpture is Hyundai’s first in-house design language, developed to give its vehicles a unique, consistent look and a natural aerodynamic feel.
The powertrain will be similar to that of the sedan, with a 1.8L four-cylinder engine producing 148 hp and 131 pound-feet of torque. As with the sedan and Elantra GT, the engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
The Elantra Coupe will also differentiate itself from the sedan in the driving experience. With stiffer springs and tighter bushings, the Coupe will reward drivers with a sportier ride and more aggressive handling, says Hyundai.
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The name Blue2 is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand Blue Drive and the number 2 from H2, the periodic symbol for hydrogen gas.
Hyundai Blue2 Concept
Making its North American debut in Toronto, the Hyundai Blue2 (“Blue Squared”) Concept, illustrates what a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) might look like as a mid-sized sedan. The name Blue2 is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand Blue Drive and the number 2 from H2, the periodic symbol for hydrogen gas. The name is apt as, the Blue2 consumes only hydrogen as fuel and emits only water vapour as exhaust.
The concept car’s advanced fuel cell electric system produces 90 kW of power (approximately 122 hp) and excellent driving range, according to Hyundai. The Blue2 is equipped with low-rolling-resistance tires and alloy wheels sculpted to improve aerodynamic performance.
The Blue2 is meant to exude a sporty and luxurious style with a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The car’s interior design continues the futuristic look by using styled eco-friendly new materials as well as asymmetric dashboards and door trim.
The Blue2 features a comprehensive welcome system that recognizes the approaching driver and automatically opens the door, says Hyundai. Conventional mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment through detailed display screens. In fact, Hyundai combined the instrument cluster and fascia, applying an advanced Transparent
Organic Light Emitting Diode monitor and ultra-light tempered glass — called Gorilla Glass — to provide more accurate and vivid graphic information.
The infotainment system is operated by a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver’s touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new way to control their environment.
