Hyundai Announces Pricing for 2013 Elantra GT and Coupe

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. announced today pricing for the all-new 2013 Elantra GT and Coupe. Priced from $19,149, the Elantra GT pairs European style and driving dynamics with a practical new five-door hatchback layout. Prices for the Elantra Coupe, a sleek two-door variant of the award-winning Elantra sedan, start from $19,949. Standard equipment in both vehicles includes a highly fuel-efficient 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower, a choice of six-speed transmissions, air conditioning, heated front seats, Bluetooth®, a six-speaker audio system with iPod®/USB/auxiliary connectivity, and much more. With the addition of these two new models, the Elantra line-up becomes one of the most comprehensive and value-packed in the compact segment.

All Elantra GT models feature seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, and a Hyundai-first Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) system. For $21,349, the GLS model adds equipment including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and more. A six-speed automatic transmission is available as a $1,200 option on GL and GLS models. The $24,349 SE model incorporates the six-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment and adds features including leather seating surfaces and door trim, fully automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink®, 17-inch alloy wheels, and mirror-mounted turn signal indicators. The $26,349 SE Tech model features premium amenities such as proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition, 7.0-inch touch-screen navigation, and a back-up camera hidden behind a mechanized Hyundai badge in the trunk lid.

The $19,949 Elantra Coupe GLS includes such standard features as 16-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats with deep side bolsters, and more. As with other Elantra models, a six-speed automatic transmission is available for $1,200. The $25,199 Elantra Coupe SE trim level comes fully-equipped and enhances the driving experience with 17-inch alloy wheels, alloy pedals, and a sport-tuned suspension. The SE model also features premium content such as leather seating surfaces, proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition, a 7.0-inch touch-screen navigation system with back-up camera, fully automatic climate control, and a 360-watt audio system with external amplifier.

Continued evolution of “Fluidic Sculpture” design

The new Elantra GT represents a continued evolution of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language. Fluidic Sculpture evokes the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. In addition to providing an attractive silhouette, the various exterior design elements of Elantra GT also provide a slippery aerodynamic profile. A low overall height, sleek side mirrors, small tire gaps, and streamlined rocker panels each contribute to an efficient 0.30 coefficient of drag. Reduced wind resistance provides quieter cruising and reduced fuel consumption.

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and swept-back jewelled headlights give Elantra Coupe a lean, aggressive demeanour. Fog lights and available side mirror repeater lamps complement the view from the front. The side profile of Elantra Coupe conveys a wedge-like silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces. The sportier SE model features five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts for a more dynamic presence. The wedge-like profile is further accentuated by sharp A- and C-pillar angles framing the sharply tapered greenhouse. Just below the belt line, a prominent character line carries from the door through to the rear deck. Wheel arch creases give a subtle flared appearance around front and rear wheels for a wide and aggressive presence.

Modern powertrains

Under the hood of both cars resides a 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder engine named “Nu.” Developing 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, the Nu engine is shared across the Elantra line-up. Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe will offer exceptional highway fuel economy ratings of 5.0 L/100 km and 4.9 L/100 km, respectively, when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

The 1.8-litre Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency, and refinement. The application of CVVT on both camshafts results in a two percent improvement in volumetric efficiency, a two percent improvement in fuel economy (via reduced pumping loss), and a 30-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy by one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Six-speed transmissions

All Elantra models come equipped with a standard six-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. The six-speed manual transmission optimizes engine performance while providing a crisp shift action. These positive shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear, and single-cone for fourth, fifth, and sixth gears.

Suspension architecture

The Elantra GT and Elantra Coupe feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with 22 mm stabilizer bar and a unique lightweight V-beam torsion axle rear suspension with an integrated 22 mm stabilizer bar.

Based on the European-market Hyundai i30, the GT will offer a unique driving experience. Whereas the Elantra sedan is primarily tuned for comfort, the Elantra GT has been calibrated for increased feel, responsiveness, and handling performance. Differences in the GT platform include stiffer rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam, and Sachs® dampers for improved body motion control. The upshot of this suspension tuning strategy is greater driver involvement and European handling characteristics.

To help drivers get the most out of the well-tuned chassis, Elantra GT comes available with Hyundai’s all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) system. The DSSM system provides three driver-selectable operating modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) to tailor the vehicle’s steering response at any time based on driver preference and road conditions. The Comfort mode offers the greatest ease of steering, making it ideal for city driving and parking lot manoeuvres. Sport mode is tuned to offer dynamic steering response on winding roads and on-centre stability during higher-speed highway driving. The default Normal mode offers a balance of the two well-suited for all driving conditions. The DSSM system adjusts not only power assistance levels, but also on-centre feel and effort build-up throughout the steering range for a natural and progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain, and high frequency friction levels have also been selected specifically for Elantra GT.

In the Elantra Coupe, steering knuckle design, torsion beam rigidity, and damper tuning have all been recalibrated to provide sportier handling and steering responsiveness relative to its sedan counterpart. Elantra Coupe will also offer an SE model with a sharper suspension calibration optimized for the lower-profile P215/45R17 tires.

Advanced standard safety technologies

The Elantra line-up is equipped with an exceptional level of standard safety features for the compact segment. A Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system optimally manages the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle in slippery conditions or during fast cornering. Should the vehicle lose traction, VSM can deliver up to eight Newton-meters of counter-steering effort to help keep it on the road. A Traction Control System (TCS) is also included.

Elantra Coupe features six airbags including dual front, seat-mounted front-impact, and side curtains. The Elantra GT adds a seventh airbag for the driver’s knees. Four-wheel disc braking packages provides confident stopping ability. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) features Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). EBD evaluates the impact of the vehicle’s load on weight distribution and adjusts braking force accordingly between the front and rear axles. In a panic stop situation, Brake Assist ensures maximum braking force is applied. As noted, all of these safety features are standard equipment.

Manufacturer’s suggested price list:

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT
Trim    Trans.    Price
GL      6MT       $19,149
GL      6AT        $20,349
GLS    6MT       $21,349
GLS    6AT        $22,549
SE      6AT        $24,349
SE with Tech Package    6AT    $26,349

2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA COUPE

Trim    Trans.    Price
GLS    6MT       $19,949
GLS    6AT        $21,149
SE      6AT        $25,199