2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
The Elantra is one of Hyundai's strongest launches in recent memory, which is saying something, considering that the Sonata and the Genesis have been rather well received in mainstream and enthusiast corners.
With that in mind, Hyundai is extending the Elantra line with a sporty coupe variant and a practical 5-door hatch. The cars are being revealed on Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.
The Elantra 2-door will fight coupes such as the Honda Civic and the Kia Forte Koup and promises 40 mpg on the highway from a fuel-efficient, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Hyundai is packaging slinky styling and a roomy interior in hopes of capturing young buyers, a common theme for automakers at recent auto shows.
More coverage from the Chicago Auto Show
Though it will be hawked as a fun-to-drive option, the front-wheel-drive Elantra coupe will be marketed to a slightly different audience than the more enthusiast-oriented, rear-drive Genesis coupe.
The Elantra coupe will produce as much as 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. It will get up to 29 mpg in the city with the manual and 40 mpg in highway driving. Fuel economy is 28mpg city/39 mpg highway with the automatic.
The base version checks in at a reasonably lithe 2,687 pounds. The styling continues Hyundai's fluidic sculpture theme with a flowing beltline, prominent headlights and slightly flared wheels.
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The coupe continues the momentum started by its sedan sibling, which won North American Car of the Year honors in January.
"It has really surpassed our expectations," Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik said.
