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2012 Hyundai Elantra GT Concept by Bisimoto EngineeringHyundai is continuing to unveil their line-up for the 2012 SEMA Auto Show with the addition of an unbelievable Elantra GT developed in cooperation with Bisimoto Engineering. We say unbelievable because the tuning company has managed to scoff at the standard model’s modest 148 HP and juice up the engine to produce a mind-boggling 602 HP. How did they achieve this amazing output? Bisimoto Engineering got to work adding Arias pistons, Bisimoto con-rods, a Turbonetics turbocharger, AEM water-methanol injection, and Bisimoto high-pressure injectors. As a result, the 1.8-liter “Nu” engine now delivers 602 galloping ponies for this little hatchback. In order to handle the extra power, the Elantra GT was also equipped with a new set of 18" wheels combined with a progress coilover suspension and sway bar. Even though the engine upgrade is enough for any Elantra GT owner to drop significant cash on this investment, Bisimoto also added some exterior modifications to sweeten the pot. These mods include an ARK custom body kit and a Gatorwrap custom laminated body wrap. For the interior, the tuner added a JFN full roll cage, Bisimoto racing seats, and harnesses, all very much needed with the monstrous engine upgrade. UPDATE 10/30/2012: The new Hyundai Elantra GT Concept by Bisimoto Engineering just made its official debut at the SEMA Show, so we have added a new set of images, a new video, and new details on this astonishing concept car. Hit the jump for more details on the Hyundai Elantra GT Concept by Bisimoto Engineering. Full story 2014 Hyundai RS i30  Not only have Hyundai and Kia been busy making their lineups more complete, reliable, and desirable, but they have also been working on introducing higher-performance models, like the Genesis Coupe and Genesis R-Spec. One model that some of us have been wondering if Hyundai would ever give the high-performance treatment to is the Elantra GT, which is known as the i30 in other markets. Well, the Elantra GT may not be getting the high-performance nod, but it looks as if it is in the cards for its i30 brother, as reports are emerging that Hyundai will release a high-performance i30 dubbed the RS i30 at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. We anticipate this new model to feature the same 200-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine found in the Veloster Turbo and compete with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and Renault Megane RS. From the reports, we expect to see a slightly lower body, more aggressive styling, sport seats with contrasting stitching, and sporty accents throughout the interior. We will also likely see improvements to the braking system, like larger diameter rotors, to help bring this more powerful 5-door hatch to a stop. Given the slow-for-a-performance-hatchback 6.9-second sprint to 60 mph that the Veloster Turbo gives us, don’t expect the significantly heavier i30 to be anything more than a 7.3- to 7.5-second car to 60 mph. The only way the RS i30 will impress us is if Hyundai completely revises the 1.6-liter engine to pump out more ponies and dip its 0-to-60 number to under 7 seconds, but we don’t see that happening. There is no information on whether the i30 will actually make it to production nor if its drivetrain will make it into the Elantra GT. We’ll keep an eye out for more leaks to come down the wire. 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT by Re:Mix Lab
The cool thing about a show like SEMA is you see customized vehicles that you normally wouldn’t see in other auto shows. In addition to that, you see companies put their auto tuning skills to good use, which isn’t a widely expected scenario in other auto shows. This year, Hyundai and Re:Mix Lab are going the extra mile again to present three customized Hyundais that each have their own unique flavor. One of these models is the Elantra GT, a normally subtle mid-sized hatchback that was turned into a bonafide stud on wheels - with plenty of accessories inside. For starters, the Elantra GT has been finished in matte military green, already giving a much needed attitude adjustment to the car. From there, the two companies also used recycled tweet fabric while setting up the ride with a new set of 24-carat gold colored wheels. Likewise, there’s also a roof rack, a ski compartment, and a Nintendo Wii. Yep, a Nintendo Wii. There was no mention on whether the interior also has a TV set-up but the image of the rear of the vehicle clearly shows a television screen nesting comfortably in the back hatch. That should make massive traffic jams go by much faster.
2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine
In the past few years, zombies and vampires have been like a disease in the cinematographic industry and it looks like Hyundai has gotten the fever as they have unveiled a very strange looking Elantra Coupe. Called the "Zombie Survival Machine," this life-saving model was designed by The Walking Dead creator/writer Robert Kirkman and fabricated by Design Craft. It was built in honor of the 100th issue of the comic series “The Walking Dead.” The Elantra is well-equipped to ward off any blood-thirsty zombie with armored window coverings, a roof hatch to allow passengers to fend off attacking walkers, and a trunk full of electric and pneumatic weaponry to blast off their heads. Any leftover carcasses can be done away with using the front-end custom zombie plow with spikes because, well, who doesn’t want spikes when attacking zombies? Speaking of spikes, the Elantra also has spiked all-terrain/rally type tires to allow passengers to get to safety and, when all of the technology is wiped out due to the crumbling of our world as we know it, the Elantra will be ready with a CB radio system. "Our custom Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans and anyone who wants to survive a zombie invasion," said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "We are excited for fans to come and experience the Elantra Coupe and GT in a unique, post-apocalyptic way." Hyundai to Unveil the Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine
The 100th issue of the comic series “The Walking Dead” is coming up and typically we wouldn’t have too much interest in it. However, once we hear the term “Zombie Survival Machine” combined with “Hyundai,” our ears perk up a bit. Hyundai has teamed up with the writer of the comic, Robert Kirkman, to create the ultimate Zombie Survival Machine using none other than a brand new Hyundai Elantra coupe. Hyundai has teased a final sketch of the creation, but we are not too sure if this is actually what it will look like. Fortunately, we don’t need to wait too long, as Hyundai is unveiling this walking dead survival coupe at the Comic-Con, which starts on July 12th and runs through the 15th. If the sketches are true to the real-life production model, it will bear a V-shaped plow on the front with massive metal spike protruding from the top, which will help turn zombies into shish-kabob. On each rim is another skewer that looks like it is designed to do serious damage to a zombie’s leg. Up top you get triple fog lights, because we all know that the zombie apocalypse is never complete without tons of fog. The front, rear, and side glass is all reinforced with steel bars so that even if the zombies manage to shatter the glass, they still can’t get into the car – it also works great for carjackers. There’s also a winch mounted to the front end and the body panels appear to be steel plated. We all know that this model will, of course, never be produced beyond this special one-off model, but it’s bound to be cool nonetheless. Hopefully Hyundai is taking this task seriously and not manufacturing the defense systems out of foam. We want to see real-life metal and a brand new Hyundai that is fit to do battle… Then… Let us drive it, please? We’ll update you with complete details on this zombie-fighting Hyundai the second we get all of the information and some rear shots of the car. Until then, enjoy the concept drawing. Click past the jump for Hyundai’s press release. Full story
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
Sitting alongside the Elantra Coupe, at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is Hyundai’s competitor for models like the Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Golf. The Elantra GT is the third vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months), next to the the Veloster Turbo and the refreshed Genesis Coupe. The new Elantra GT features the same 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque as the sedan and the coupe variants. The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission and delivers a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The Elantra GT features the same "Fluidic Sculpture" which includes an aggressive profile and low overall height, as well as sleek side mirrors. The interior offers comfortable seating for five people or can accommodate four passengers with long items such as golf clubs or snowboards. UPDATE 06/13/2012: Hyundai has announced prices for the 2013 Elantra GT that will arrive in dealerships later this month. The new Elantra GT equipped with a manual transmission will be priced at $18,395 and the automatic version will be priced at $19,395. Hit the jump for the full pricing list. Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. Full story 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
Last year, Hyundai unveiled the new generation Elantra sedan - a model that featured an impressive exterior design language and a new 1.8-liter inline-four that producing 148 HP and 131 pound-feet of torque. Now, Hyundai has to unveil a new Coupe variant at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, which the company hopes will compete with the Honda Civic Coupe model. Just like the sedan, the new Elantra Coupe will be powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, this engine delivers a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The new model will be distinguished by a unique "Fluidic Sculpture" two-door coupe design language that includes a hexagonal front fascia with jeweled swept-back headlights, a blacked-out rear diffuser, and much more. UPDATE 06/15/2012: Hyundai has announced prices for the 2013 Elantra Coupe. Prices will range from $17,445 for the base GS version and will go up to $19,745 for the sport-tuned Elantra Coupe SE. An optional SE A/T Technology Package will add another $2,350. Hit the jump for a full pricing list. Hit the jump to read more about the new Hyundai Elantra Coupe. Full story Super Bowl Ad: Hyundai Elantra earns well-deserved "victory lap" for being North American Car of the YearThere aren’t a lot of cars in this world that probably gets less hype and appreciation than the Hyundai Elantra. Hard to believe, too, considering that the Elantra is a good enough car to win the 2012 North American Car of the Year of the award. So in its own little way, the Hyundai Elantra is celebrating its award in a rather unique and potentially annoying way: riding a victory lap in the neighborhood with its horn in full blast exclaiming its awesomeness. Sounds like the kind of thing that gets people to throw rocks at your car, but in this instance, we don’t’ blame Hyundai and the Elantra for pulling off this ad, especially since the Elantra deserves all the recognition it can get for being one of North America’s best automobile purchases. Say whatever you want about the Elantra, but make no mistake, it’s a car worthy of respect and - in this case - a victory lap around the neighborhood. Hyundai Elantra dominates Academy Awards advertisingThe King’s Speech may have won Best Picture at the Academy Awards last night, but the true winner - at least from an automotive perspective - was the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The best looking small sedan of 2011 didn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone as Hyundai was the exclusive automotive sponsor for the third year in a row. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Throw in the six-speed automatic transmission and the Elantra shines with 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Hyundai says that 40 mpg is attainable on the full range of Elantra trims, not just ECO models. This isn’t your typical small sedan, the Elantra looks brilliant and can offer best in class fuel economy. Hyundai’s approach to their Academy Awards advertising was much more low key and to-the-point than the Super Bowl ads they produced. In total, Hyundai had nine advertisements airing before and during the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, including two new spots for the Elantra and Genesis called "Drawing Board" (shown above) and "Greatest Luxury," respectively. Other spots include "Good Things Come in Threes" highlighting Hyundai’s powertrains, "Comfy Home" featuring the Equus, "Family" featuring the Sonata, "Anachronistic City" featuring the Sonata Hybrid, "iPad" which highlights the Equus’ application of the iPad owner’s manual, and "Childhood" and "Deprogramming" also featuring the Elantra. Super Bowl Ad: Hyunda plays hypnotic mind tricks to promote the Elantra
We normally don’t subscribe to these types of marketing campaigns because they’re plainly of the annoying variety, but Hyundai did a pretty darn good job at executing it that we actually liked the whole theme of hypnosis. Playing the age old visual mind trick, Hyundai worked on the idea that the Elantra is more than just a compact car and tells consumers that they need to rid themselves of their preconceived notions of what a compact car really is. The whole idea of "snapping out of it" plays exactly into Hyundai’s hands. For the most part, at least as far as the Korean manufacturer is concerned, the Elantra is a car that’s far from boring and actually has better mileage - 40 mpg, according to Hyundai - than most people think. Even if it means resulting into playing the whole hypnosis mind trick routine, Hyundai is all for it so as long as people begin to realize that the Elantra is a lot better car than most people give it credit for. As the ad vehemently declares, it’s going to be a mass-deprogramming of an unprecedented scale when the commercials hit the tubes. Check out the commercials after the jump. Full story | Hyundai Elantra latest reviews:Hyundai Elantra tuning:
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