Hyundai Motor America Launches 2014 Elantra GT At Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America introduced the refreshed 2014 Elantra GT in a North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show today. The 2014 Elantra GT adds a more powerful engine to a model known for its design, five-door functionality, sophisticated suspension tuning and interior space.

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Hyundai upped both the horsepower and torque on the refreshed Elantra GT to make it even more fun to drive. The GT now includes a standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) from the prior model year. This powertrain in the Elantra GT produces 173 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm. With these gains along with a low curb weight, Elantra GT can now boast the best power-to-weight ratio and specific output in the segment. Furthermore, Elantra GT now produces more horsepower than the Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Mazda3 five-door and Volkswagen Golf five-door. To sharpen the look of the 2014 Elantra GT, Hyundai engineers added LED taillights. To improve visibility a new integrated driver's blind spot mirror was also added. The 2014 Elantra GT goes on sale in December.

New for 2014:

• 2.0-liter Nu GDI inline four-cylinder engine replaces 1.8-liter Nu Multi Port Injection (MPI) engine
  • Horsepower: 173 at 6,500 rpm
  • Torque: 154 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm
  • Best power-to-weight ratio in the segment
  • Best-in-class specific output
• Driver's blind spot mirror
• New available premium feature: LED taillights

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2014 ELANTRA GT

• 'Fluidic Sculpture' design
• Sport-tuned suspension
• More passenger and cargo volume than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf
• Driver knee airbag – an Elantra first
• Hidden rear camera
• More aerodynamic than Impreza or Golf

TORQUE-RICH 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE

The 2014 Elantra GT enjoys the more powerful 2.0-liter Nu engine. Fuel is delivered to the 2.0-liter Nu by a high-pressure Gasoline Direct Injection, which contributes to improved engine response. Power is rated at 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm, which is a significant improvement compared to the 2013 Elantra GT's 1.8-liter engine that developed 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline.

2014 2.0-liter Nu GDI engine compared WITH 2013 1.8-liter Nu MPI engine  

This powerplant delivers an impressive 24 mpg city/33 highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC^®. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Elantra GT achieves 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating).

The performance gains were achieved by stroking the engine from 87.2 mm to 97 mm to increase the displacement of the engine from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system instead of a MPI fuel delivery system. This high-tech, all-aluminum engine also has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A lightweight intake manifold also reduces weight by 30 percent over a cast unit. The aluminum "bed plate" located below the cylinder block reduces engine NVH levels and improves block rigidity by 30 percent.

THE BENEFITS OF GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION

This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.5:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

'FLUIDIC SCULPTURE' DESIGN

The 'Fluidic' essence provides the Elantra GT with a slippery .30 coefficient of drag. Everything about Elantra GT is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. Lower wind resistance translates into a smoother ride.

Up front, Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design.  It's all finished off in the rear with the new available LED taillights.

THE BENEFITS OF A LOW CURB WEIGHT IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT

Elantra GT's widespread use of high-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,908 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GT is lighter than most of its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf. Elantra GT is 40 pounds lighter than Focus and 194 pounds lighter than Golf.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS

The Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC^® manual control. Elantra GT's six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp 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.

INTERIOR SPACE AND PRACTICALITY

Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold down all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to fold-flat rear seats and rear seat cushions that can flip upward.

The Elantra GT includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cup holders, door bottle holders, cooled glove compartment, central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray and front seatback pockets. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for consumers who desire to plug in their portable electronic devices.

ELANTRA GT ARCHITECTURE

Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a light weight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers. A 22 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT's Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode adjusts power assistance levels in each mode and moderates on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, allowing for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system. Even more, Elantra GT's turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Focus and Golf.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

The Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.

CABIN REFINEMENT

Cabin refinements on the Elantra GT are inspired by the high standards of the entire Hyundai lineup. Located in the center console, the available navigation system is displayed via a seven-inch touch-screen and incorporates the rearview camera screen. Elantra GT's rearview camera is like no other. This mechanized camera is hidden behind the Hyundai flying H badge on the rear hatch and only appears when needed.

Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The Dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.

Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod^®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A Bluetooth interface is also standard. The sound system plays CDs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. The SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, such as NavWeather^®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system's home screen.

Elantra GT offers many premium features, such as:

• Standard cooled glove box
• Standard heated front seats
• Standard driver's blind spot mirror
• LED taillights
• 10-way power driver's seat including power lumbar support
• Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer
• Leather seating surfaces
• Automatic headlights
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
• Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
• Standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK®

Hyundai's industry-leading telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard on all 2014 Elantra GTs equipped with Blue Link for three years. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile application for the Blue Link telematics platform. The mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK® PACKAGES

Blue Link Assurance package:

Safety:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Car Care:

• Maintenance Alert
• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
• Recall Advisor
• Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics
• Service Link

Blue Link Essentials package:

Remote Access:

• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Remote Vehicle Start
• Car Finder

Vehicle Safeguard:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Vehicle Immobilization
• Alarm Notification
• Panic Notification
• Valet Alert
• Geo-Fence
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:

• TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
• POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download
• Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
• Traffic
• Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
• Eco-Coach
• Restaurant Ratings
• Weather

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/technology/bluelink/.

SAFETY FEATURES

The Elantra GT features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (anti-lock braking system) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management). In terms of passive safety, the Elantra GT is fitted with seven standard airbags – front, side and curtain including an Elantra-first driver's knee airbag. The Elantra GT will also offer a standard driver's blind spot mirror. The blind spot mirror is a traditional side view mirror designed with a secondary convex spotter in the top corner, which provides a view of the driver's blind spot.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.    

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America