Hyundai Elantra GT, 2014

 

 

 Hyundai Elantra GT, 2014

Hyundai upped both the horsepower and torque on the refreshed Hyundai Elantra GT to make it even more fun to drive. The GT now includes a standard 2.0-liter Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, which adds 25 more horsepower (+17 percent) and 23 lb.-ft. of torque (+18 percent) from the prior model year. This powertrain in the Elantra GT produces 173 horsepower available at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque on tap at 4,700 rpm. With these gains along with a low curb weight, Elantra GT can now boast the best power-to-weight ratio and specific output in the segment. Furthermore, Elantra GT now produces more horsepower than the Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Mazda3 five-door and Volkswagen Golf five-door. To sharpen the look of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT, Hyundai engineers added LED taillights. To improve visibility a new integrated driver's blind spot mirror was also added. The 2014 Elantra GT goes on sale in December 2013.

TORQUE-RICH 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE
The 2014 Elantra GT enjoys the more powerful 2.0-liter Nu engine. Fuel is delivered to the 2.0-liter Nu by a high-pressure Gasoline Direct Injection, which contributes to improved engine response. Power is rated at 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm, which is a significant improvement compared to the 2013 Elantra GT's 1.8-liter engine that developed 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the outgoing 1.8-liter Nu. The engine also delivers more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way up to redline.

The powerplant delivers an impressive 24 mpg city/33 highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC. (When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Elantra GT achieves 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway EPA estimated fuel economy rating).

The performance gains were achieved by stroking the engine from 87.2 mm to 97 mm to increase the displacement of the engine from 1.8 liters to 2.0 liters and equipping it with a GDI fuel delivery system instead of a MPI fuel delivery system. This high-tech, all-aluminum engine also has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A lightweight intake manifold also reduces weight by 30 percent over a cast unit. The aluminum "bed plate" located below the cylinder block reduces engine NVH levels and improves block rigidity by 30 percent.

THE BENEFITS OF GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION
This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.5:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

'FLUIDIC SCULPTURE' DESIGN
The 'Fluidic' essence provides the Hyundai Elantra GT with a slippery .30 coefficient of drag. Everything about Elantra GT is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. Lower wind resistance translates into a smoother ride.

Up front, Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood. The bodyside graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design. It's all finished off in the rear with the new available LED taillights.

THE BENEFITS OF A LOW CURB WEIGHT IN THE COMPACT SEGMENT
Elantra GT's widespread use of high-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,908 pounds, the automatic transmission Hyundai Elantra GT is lighter than most of its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf. Elantra GT is 40 pounds lighter than Focus and 194 pounds lighter than Golf.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
The Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. Elantra GT's six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

INTERIOR SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Hyundai Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold down all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to fold-flat rear seats and rear seat cushions that can flip upward.

The Elantra GT includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cup holders, door bottle holders, cooled glove compartment, central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray and front seatback pockets. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for consumers who desire to plug in their portable electronic devices.