Autoblog

Hyundai and Bisimoto ready 600-hp Elantra GT for SEMA

Chris Tutor — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai

The twisted minds at Bisimoto Engineering took one look at the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT and said, "Nice looking car, but , really? Only 148 horses out of 1.8 liters?"

And, with help from the folks from Hyundai, they began constructing the most outrageous Elantra ever built. Active ingredients include forged Arias pistons, Bisimoto con-rods, a Turbonetics turbocharger and an AEM water-methanol injection system with Bisimoto high-pressure injectors. All of that turns the respectable hatch into a monstrously obscene 600-horsepower beast.

"We focused on raw horsepower with this SEMA concept. We think the final product is a great example of just what can be achieved with turbocharging and engine tuning in the present day," says Hedi Kim, vice president, sales marketing at Bisimoto Engineering.

With that much power comes that much more of an opportunity for someone to hurt themselves with this thing. So with safety in mind, Bisimoto bolted in a JNF roll cage and a coilover suspension and sway bar. Racing seats and harnesses keep driver and passenger in place while the 18-inch Buddy Club P1 Racing SF wheels do nothing more than nicely fill the wheel wells. Aesthetics are further improved with an ARK custom body kit and some flashy Bisimoto graphics.

Expect Bisimoto's hellacious Hyundai to appear soon at the 2012 SEMA Show. Check the press release below for details.

Continue reading Hyundai and Bisimoto ready 600-hp Elantra GT for SEMA

Hyundai and Bisimoto ready 600-hp Elantra GT for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Hyundai i30 3-Door is a tidy Elantra GT

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

Here in the United States, the Hyundai i30 is better known as the Elantra GT. And while the five-door version that we get is nearly identical to the model sold in Europe (save some specific suspension tuning), this new three-door variant will be an Old Country-only affair.

Despite the fact that it's certainly a looker, we can't exactly blame Hyundai for not offering the three-door i30 in the States. Europeans buy up hatchbacks in droves, but with the sedan, coupe and five-door in our market, there isn't really a pressing need for a new three-door version to join the already-full Elantra range. And as the Hyundai press release states, the i30 three-door is "designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, for Europe." Alrighty then.

Powering the i30 is a range of gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines, all mated to the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Hyundai hasn't spilled all the beans on what lies underhood, but states that the "highlight" of the powertrain range is a 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that pumps out 126 horsepower.

Check out the three-door i30 in our high-res gallery above, and scroll down for Hyundai's official words.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai i30 3-Door is a tidy Elantra GT

2013 Hyundai i30 3-Door is a tidy Elantra GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai, Kia preview new three-door hatches for Paris Motor Show

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai, Kia

Kia and Hyundai will both introduce stylish new hatchbacks at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The platform-sharing Kia cee'd and Hyundai i30 were both redesigned this year and introduced with five-door hatchback and station wagon variants. In Paris, we'll see sportier three-door models added to the mix: the 2014 Kia pro_cee'd and the 2014 Hyundai i30 three-door.

Matching the model range of the previous generation of each car, the three-doors should nicely complement the five-door versions of the cee'd and the i30 (known as the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra GT, respectively, in the U.S.). Despite their shared genetics, the cars are well distinguished from each other. We think the Kia is sharper-looking, with its signature "tiger nose" grille and wide, Scirocco-like rear end. Four different engine options, two gas and two diesel, are shared with the already-available five-doors.

While the the new Kia model makes sense, the three-door i30 might faces instant competition on the same showroom floor in the Hyundai Veloster. The i30's advantages are powertrain diversity and more traditional styling compared to the Veloster.

As good as both cars look, neither will be offered in the U.S. We'll have plenty of live photos available when the cars are unveiled on September 27.

Continue reading Hyundai, Kia preview new three-door hatches for Paris Motor Show

Hyundai, Kia preview new three-door hatches for Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai, First Drives

Adding More Fun And Function To A Winning Formula

Truth be told, we've always had a soft spot for the Hyundai Elantra Touring. Rather than being just another compact hatchback, the Touring was a bona fide small wagon - the sort of thing commonly reserved for the European market. It was a less-expensive alternative to the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen with an impressive warranty, though its milquetoast demeanor and somewhat odd styling never really made it a hit with the masses.

Nowadays, also-ran status is absolutely unacceptable for Hyundai, especially with anything in the Elantra family. After all, the compact sedan was named the 2012 North American Car of the Year and has been selling like hotcakes ever since it launched. So when we got word that a successor to the Elantra Touring would be on deck, out interest was indeed piqued.

Well, here it is - the 2013 Elantra GT. And while it's wholly different than the Elantra Touring that came before it, Hyundai hopes that its new GT will appeal to the buying public in a much larger way, even besting stiff competition from the likes of class-favorites like the Ford Focus and Mazda3.

This new five-door certainly has a lot riding on its (hatch)back. But does it deliver? We hit the roads outside of San Diego to find out.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai partners with "The Walking Dead" to celebrate 100th issue [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Budget, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Celebrities, Design/Style

Comic-Con International is right around the corner, and fans of "The Walking Dead" can look forward to seeing something special in San Diego this year. The comic is set to publish its 100th issue and has partnered with Hyundai to mark the occasion. Zombie guru and "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman designed a special Hyundai Elantra Coupe just for the show called the Hyundai Zombie Survival Machine. Design Craft went through the trouble of building a real-life representation of Kirkman's sketch, and the two-door will be on display at the Hyundai booth.

The apocalypse-ready two-door features a cow catcher, plenty of lighting, a CB radio and other tricks to keep its occupants alive in the event the dead start taking to the streets. Kirkman is also giving away a Hyundai Elantra GT, complete with a vinyl wrap featuring the cover from the "The Walking Dead" #100. Check out the full press release below as well as a video interview with Kirkman himself.

Continue reading Hyundai partners with "The Walking Dead" to celebrate 100th issue [w/video]

Hyundai partners with "The Walking Dead" to celebrate 100th issue [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai releases full 2013 Elantra GT pricing, equipment

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Hyundai, South Korea

After teasing us earlier in the week with a bit of info, Hyundai has officially announced full pricing for the 2013 Elantra GT. Buyers can pick up the five-door with a six-speed manual transmission starting at $18,395, excluding a $775 destination fee. Those who opt for a six-speed automatic gearbox will be asked to pony up an additional $1,000. The model includes niceties like standard heated front seats, projection head lights and fog lights. That base price also covers the model's new driver-selectable steering system and Bluetooth hands-free calling. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 148 horsepower sits under the hood.

While we knew the base price would also cover alloys, if you want the larger 17-inch wheels, you'll have to opt for the $2,750 Style Package, which also throws in a sportier suspension, panoramic sunroof and leather seats among other tricks. Consumers may also opt for a $2,350 Technology Package. The equipment group requires the Style Package and includes navigation with a seven-inch information screen, a rear-view camera and automatic headlights. Check out the full press release for more information.

Continue reading Hyundai releases full 2013 Elantra GT pricing, equipment

Hyundai releases full 2013 Elantra GT pricing, equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT to start at $18,395*

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai

We don't have all the details just yet, but Hyundai has announced via Twitter that the 2013 Elantra GT (neé Touring) will be priced from $18,395. This does not include the destination charge(*) - Hyundai normally releases pricing numbers that don't factor in delivery, etc. - but we expect it to add around $775 to the GT's final price.

The five-door GT will be joined by a two-door Coupe to expand the popular Elantra franchise to three bodystyles for 2013.

According to Hyundai's tweet - attributed to North American CEO John Krafcik, no less - the GT's base price includes standard features like alloy wheels, seven airbags, heated seats, fog lamps and the automaker's Blue Link infotainment system.

Full GT pricing information is expected to be released soon and we're betting the Coupe won't be far behind, so stay tuned to this space for the official details.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT to start at $18,395* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What kind of baboons would do this to a Hyundai i30 hatchback?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Hyundai, UK, Humor

Baboons are curious creatures. And, thanks to their opposable thumbs, they are rather excellent at satiating that curiosity, no matter what impediments stand in their way. Apparently, that includes door handles.

Hyundai decided there was no better way to test the durability of its i30 hatchback (that's the Elantra GT here in the States) than to send it into Knowsley Safari Park, near Liverpool in the UK. Specifically, into the Baboon habitat.

As you'll see in the video after the break, the primates do their very best to rip the little hatchback to shreds, biting every surface, jumping up and down and from door to door and generally mucking about. How does the Hyundai cope with this kind of abuse? Scroll down below to find out yourself.

Continue reading What kind of baboons would do this to a Hyundai i30 hatchback?

What kind of baboons would do this to a Hyundai i30 hatchback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Hyundai

Always looking for ways to one-up its Japanese competitors, Hyundai has announced that a brake override system will be standard equipment on its full line of vehicles, starting this month.

Truth be told, every 2012 Hyundai model save for the Elantra Touring already had a brake override system fitted. So why the announcement, and why now? Well, other than just tweaking Toyota, whose unintended acceleration problems led to widespread recalls, a Congressional investigation, and prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose requiring brake override systems on all new cars, the announcement likely has more to do with the end of Elantra Touring production than it does with anything else.

The old Hyundai i30, on which the Elantra Touring was based, has been redesigned, and reviews of the new model have already started showing up on foreign automotive websites. We won't get our version of the i30, dubbed Elantra GT here in the U.S., until later in the summer.

We'll be driving the GT in June and we promise to issue a full report, though we're going to try to avoid testing this new technology.

Continue reading Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models

Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai mulling Elantra turbo?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Hyundai

We're big fans of the latest Hyundai Elantra. Offering a generally refined driving experience, a good amount of room for its class and a smorgasbord of options all at a reasonable price, the Elantra is more than competitive with the best vehicles in its class.

One thing the Elantra will never be accused of, though, is being too sporty. With 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque from its 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox, the Elantra has adequate power and scores extra points for fuel economy. That's all well and good, but that's just not enough oomph to compete with machines like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.

Interestingly enough, those are the exact vehicles mentioned by Hyundai as competitors for its innovative three-door Veloster Turbo. According to a report from Auto Express, the Elantra may one day get a welcome injection of power courtesy of a turbocharged engine just like its little brother.

According to AE, the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter mill, which puts out respectable figures of 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 194 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm, is slated as an option for the three-door hatchback version of the UK's Hyundai i30 (that's the Elantra in the States). Sounds pretty good to us Yanks, though we're hoping the forced-induction love is spreads across the range to the GT five-door hatch and sedan, as well.

Hyundai mulling Elantra turbo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Acura, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Diesel

The Chicago Auto Show may be the smallest of the North American auto shows we cover (yet largest by square footage, ironically), but year after year, more and more automakers choose to show off some new metal under the lights of McCormick Place. This year saw a total of 18 major reveals (click here to see our full rundown), and while that pales in comparison to last month's Detroit show, there's still a lot of new metal to talk about here in Chicago.

So, of the 18 cars that took the stage in the Windy City, which ones were our favorite? More importantly, which one was the favorite? Follow the jump to see our top five picks for the best 2012 Chicago Auto Show debuts.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2012 Chicago Auto Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

After driving the 2013 Elantra GT out on stage here in Chicago, Hyundai executives immediately focused on one of its new five-door's core values: lightness. You see, the GT is the lightest C-segment hatchback in the United States, weighing 151 pounds less than a Mazda3, 175 pounds less than a Ford Focus and 222 pounds less than the fatty-fat-fat Volkswagen Golf. Even so, the Elantra GT has the most capacious interior in its class.

Power comes from the Elantra sedan's 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, meaning 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque are on tap, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fuel economy is only slightly worse than the 40-mile-per-gallon Elantra sedan, with the GT expected to get as high as 39 mpg on the highway. The full details are available in Hyundai's release below the fold.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT delivers lightness, functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai

When you intend to go up against cars like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda3, it doesn't matter how softly or loudly you speak, your stick had better be impressive. Hyundai believes it has just the thing in the 2013 Elantra GT, which is the updated moniker for the Elantra Touring (and a throwback to five-door Elantras of yore).

The GT is the U.S. version of the European i30, and it's quite a looker if you're a fan of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language. Under the hood, you'll find the same 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder as the sedan, sending 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque to the ground via either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. That puts it in the thick of a competitive set that, for Hyundai, also includes the Subaru Impreza and Toyota Matrix, but gives it the best power-to-weight ratio of them all. That's because the Elantra GT is 57 percent ultra high- and high-tensile steel, which helps keep its weight down to a lightest-in-segment 2,784 pounds when equipped with the automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is the beneficiary, with the automaker estimating an EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway (32 combined). Hyundai says this is good for a cruising range up to 448 miles.

Driving pleasure will be attended to with a sport-tuned suspension that uses MacPherson struts up front aided by a stabilizer bar, and a torsion bar setup out back. The real pleasures, though, are claimed on the inside, where the Elantra GT is said to provide more cargo room than the aforementioned competition and even the Nissan Juke. The mod-cons are prodigious and include, as standard, a cooled glovebox, heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and seven airbags.

The 2013 Elantra GT goes on sale this summer. Have a read of the press release after the jump and stay tuned for live pics from our team at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is one handsome hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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