Last year, Hyundai->ke201 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.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 148 @ 6500
  • Torque: 131 @ 4700
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Just like all of the other models in Hyundai;s lineup, the new Elantra Coupe is defined by the latest "Fluidic Sculpture' design language which replicates the interaction of wind with rigid surfaces to create a perception of fluid in motion. This mumbo jumbo translates into Hyundai's signature hexagonal front fascia with jeweled swept-back headlights and fog lamps available in the side mirrors. The car's side is dominated by a wedge-like sport coupe silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces. The top version, Elantra SE, will be offered with 17" alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts. At the rear, there is a blacked-out diffuser that contrasts with dual chrome-tipped exhaust tips. The SE model deck lid incorporates a lip spoiler design element.

The Elantra Coupe is offered in seven exterior colors, three of which are unique from the Elantra sedan color choices: Monaco White Black Noir Pearl, and Volcanic Red.

Interior

The interior of the Hyundai Elantra COupe has been upgraded with seats made from lightweight materials and environmentally-friendly foam, which are offered with a heating option as standard. Customers will have to choose between two interior color choices, gray and black, available with either the GS or SE trim.

Hyundai will be offering a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks as standard on all models, but the SE has an upgrade of its own. It will provide customers with the option of a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. Other optional equipment include: proximity key with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power sunroof, and dual automatic temperature control with Clean Air Ionizer and auto-defogger. The SE model also benefits from sporty aluminum pedals.

Engine

The Hyundai Elantra Coupe will bve powered by the same engine found in its sedan counterpart: a 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with an output of 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. The engine is equipped with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency, and refinement.

The Elantra Coupe will also get an electronic throttle control that replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage with instantaneous computerized control. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, and improves drivability, response, and fuel economy.

The four cylinder engine can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission, which reports a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, or a six-speed automatic transmission which drops the fuel economy down to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Prices

2013 Elantra Coupe Pricing

Model

Engine

Transmission

MSRP

Elantra Coupe GS

1.8L I4

6-speed M/T

$17,445

Elantra Coupe GS

1.8L I4

6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC

$18,445

Elantra Coupe SE

1.8L I4

6-speed M/T

$19,745

Elantra Coupe SE

1.8L I4

6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC

$20,745


SE A/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP

-Navigation system with seven-inch screen

-Rearview camera

-360-watt premium audio with digital external amplifier

-Automatic headlamps

-Dual automatic temperature control

-Proximity key entry with push button start

Competition

Hyundai hopes to target models like the Honda Civic Coupe and Kia Koup with their new Elantra Coupe. The Honda Civic Coupe was just revised for the 2012 model year and has received a 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 140 HP - just 8 HP less than the Elantra. On the other hand, the Kia Koup->ke3123 is a more powerful model: it is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 156 HP. See below for a full comparison of the three models.

By the numbers:

2013 Elantra Coupe

2012 Civic Coupe

2012 Kia Koup

Engine

1.8L I4

1.8L I4

2.0L I4

HP @ RPM

148 @ 6500 (est.)

140 @ 6500

156 @ 6200

Specific output (HP/Liter)

82.2

77.8

78.0

Torque @ RPM

131 @ 4700 (est.)

128 @ 4300

144 @ 4300

Transmission

6MT or 6AT

5MT or 5AT

6MT or 6AT

MPG (M/T)

29/40 (est.)

28/36

24/33

MPG (A/T)

28/39 (est.)

28/39

25/33


Volume comparison:

2013 Elantra Coupe

2012 Civic Coupe

2012 Forte Koup

Passenger volume (cu. ft.)

95.4

83.2

90.7

Cargo volume (cu. ft.)

14.8

11.7

12.6

Total interior volume (cu. ft.)

110.2

94.9

103.3

EPA size classification

Mid-size

Compact

Compact


Power-to-weight ration comparison

Coupe

M/T Curb Weight (lbs.)

Horsepower

Power-to-weight ratio (lbs./HP)

Elantra Coupe

2,687

148

18.2

Honda Civic Coupe

2,594

140

18.5

Kia Koup

2,737

156

17.5