The global stage of the Los Angeles Auto Show was the perfect setting for the fifth generation Hyundai Elantra model to make its debut – with a host of fuel economy improvements.
The vehicle is powered by a new 1.8litre Nu four-cylinder engine with 148hp and 131lb-ft of torque, replacing the outgoing 2.0litre Beta engine. It is smaller in size and weighs 74lbs less, helping the vehicle to fuel economy improvements of 18 per cent when compared to its predecessor. In all, the vehicle achieves 29mpg city and 40mpg highway with a highway-only driving range of up to 500miles.
The new 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Among the features of the new engine is an aluminium block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This results in a block that is 30 per cent lighter than an iron block while shedding the weight. It also offers dual continuously variable valve timing camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power and refinement.
The new Hyundai Elantra is further boosted by a two-stage variable intake system that allows switching between long and short intake manifolds. These lead to a four per cent improvement in performance, as well as a 15 per cent reduction in cost and 30 per cent reduction in weight when compared to aluminium. An electronic throttle control is also used – this replaces a conventional cable and mechanical linkage.
In addition, the 2011 Elantra comes with a six-speed manual or automatic transaxle, with Hyundai now only one of four car manufacturers building its own unique six-speed automatic transmissions. It is 11lbs lighter than the five-speed and is considerably simpler. The manual transmission is also all-new and features crisp shifts that further optimise engine performance.
The vehicle will go on sale in the US for $14,380.
