Sitting alongside the Elantra Coupe, at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show is Hyundai->ke201's competitor for models like the Ford Focus->ke440, Mazda3->ke504, and Volkswagen Golf->ke164. 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.

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 148
  • Torque: 131
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

As with all of the other models in Hyundai's lineup, the new Elantra GT is defined by Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents that into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Next to these features, the GT also gets sharp projection headlamps, fog lights, and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears.

The Elantra GT has seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or can accommodate four passengers with long items like golf clubs or snowboards. The list of standard equipment includes a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cup-holders, door bottle holders, a cooled glove compartment, a central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray, front seatback pockets, and a cargo area under-floor storage.

Engine

The Hyundai Elantra GT is powered by the same engine as the sedan version: a 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 HP and 131 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the Elantra GT delivers an estimated 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 combined.

The engine is equipped with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency, and refinement.

Prices

2013 Elantra GT Pricing
Model Engine Transmission MSRP
Elantra GT 1.8L I4 6-speed M/T $18,395
Elantra GT 1.8L I4 6-speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC $19,395


Style Package - $2,750 Option Package MSRP

-17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires

-Sport-tuned suspension

-Panoramic sunroof

-Side mirrors with integrated turn signals

-Leather seating surfaces

-Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

-Power driver’s seat with power lumbar support

-Aluminum pedals

-Driver-side auto/up window

Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP

-REQUIRES STYLE PACKAGE

-Navigation system with seven-inch screen

-Rearview camera

-Automatic headlamps

-Dual automatic temperature control

Competition

Hyundai itself has announced the list of competitors for the new Elantra GT, which includes the Ford Focus->ke440, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Golf.

Ford has just recently refreshed its Focus line-up and they are now offering a 2.0 liter engine that delivers a total of 160 HP, but they also offer an Econetic version that delivers an impressive fuel economy of 80mpg on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is undoubtedly one of the most successful hatchbacks on the US market: it is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that delivers a total of 155 HP. The Volkswagen Golf features a a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers a total of 170 hp at 5,700 rpm and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm.

By the numbers:

Base Engine 2013 Elantra GT 2012 Matrix 2012 Impreza 2012 Focus 2012 Mazda3 2012 Golf
Displacement 1.8-liter 1.8-liter 2.0-liter 2.0-liter 2.0-liter 2.5-liter
Horsepower 148@6500 132@6000 148@6200 160@6500 155@6000 170@5700
Torque (lb.-ft.) 131@4700 128@4400 145 @4200 146@4450
148@4100 177@4250
Power-to-liter 82.2 73.3 74.0 80.0 77.5 68.0
Transmission 6M or 6A 5M or 4A 5M or CVT 5M or 6A 6M or 6A 6M or 6A
Fuel economy
M/T
A/T

28/39
28/39

26/32

25/32

25/33
27/36

26/36
28/38

27/38
28/39

23/33
24/31
Curb Weights
M/T
A/T

2,745
2,784

2,844
2,888

2,910
2,976

2,920
2,948

2,896
2,969

2,967
3,023
Power-to-Weight (A/T) 18.6
18.8
21.5
21.9
19.7
20.1
18.3
18.4
18.7
19.2
17.5
17.8



Volume 2013 Elantra GT 2012 Toyota Matrix 2012 Mazda3 2012 Ford Focus 2012 Subaru Impreza 2012 VW Golf
Passenger Volume 96 cu. ft. 94 cu. ft. 95 cu. ft. 91 cu. ft. 98 cu. ft. 93 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume 23 cu. ft. 20 cu. ft. 17 cu. ft. 24 cu. ft. 23 cu. ft. 15 cu. ft.
Max. Cargo Capacity (Seats folded down) 51 cu. ft. 49 cu. ft. 43 cu. ft. 45 cu. ft. 52 cu. ft. N/A
Total Interior Volume 119 cu. ft. 114 cu. ft. 112 cu. ft. 110 cu. ft. 120 cu. ft. 108 cu. ft.