Hyundai Elantra GT

Published: Dec 30, 2014Modified: Dec 30, 2014

Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai Motor America today released details for its 2015 Elantra GT. Coming off the recent addition of a more powerful standard Gasoline Direct Injection engine, Elantra GT embodies a fun-to-drive spirit and is acclaimed for its sporty styling, crisp handling and spacious interior. For the 2015 model year, Elantra GT carries over the same features and packaging as the previous model year. The price for the Tech Package has been reduced by $350 to offer more value to shoppers. 2015 Elantra GT pricing will start at $18,800, excluding $825 freight charge, and will be available in dealerships starting in December.

STANDARD 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE

The 2015 Elantra GT comes standard with a 2.0-liter Nu engine mated to the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift control. Fuel is delivered by a high-pressure Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system, which helps improve engine response compared to non-GDI models. A shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture, 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. 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. Power is rated at 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the 1.8-liter Nu previously available on the Elantra GT and currently available on the Elantra Sedan. The engine also produces more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way to redline. The engine delivers an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. When equipped with the six-speed manual, the Elantra GT achieves a 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating.

‘FLUIDIC SCULPTURE’ DESIGN LANGUAGE

Hyundai is known for its defining and distinctive ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. The ‘Fluidic’ essence provides the 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 and quieter ride.

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

LOW CURB WEIGHT

Elantra GT’s widespread use of high-strength steel results in a lower curb weight and allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,908 pounds, the automatic transmission 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 115 pounds lighter than Golf.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS

The Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode. The six-speed automatic includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at freeway speeds. Elantra GT’s six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance thanks to triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears. Also, an upshift indicator in the instrument panel identifies the ideal shift points to save fuel.

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 Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards. Drivers may opt to 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. The rear seats can fold completely flat by first folding the lower seat cushion upward. 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 the fold-flat rear seats. Elantra GT also features the best front and rear shoulder room in its class.

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 passengers who desire to plug in their portable electronic devices.

RIDE AND HANDLING

Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a lightweight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers. A 22mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra Sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT’s Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. ‘Comfort’ offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. ‘Sport’ is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while ‘Normal’ is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode adjusts power assistance levels in each mode and moderates on-center feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, allowing for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system. Even more, Elantra GT’s turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Focus and Golf.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

The Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.

CABIN REFINEMENT

Cabin refinements on the Elantra GT are inspired by the high standards of the entire Hyundai lineup. Located in the center console, the available navigation system is displayed via a seven-inch touch-screen and incorporates the rearview camera screen. Elantra GT’s rear-view camera is like no other. This mechanized camera is hidden behind the Hyundai badge on the rear hatch and only appears when needed.

Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and activates the system accordingly. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.

Elantra GT offers many premium features, such as:

Standard cooled glove box
Standard heated front seats
Standard driver’s blind spot mirror
LED taillights
10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support
Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer
Leather seating surfaces
Automatic headlights
Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
Standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition

AUDIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A Bluetooth interface is also standard. The system plays CDs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs.

The Elantra GT with the Tech Package includes a multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation and a rearview camera. An enhanced SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker.

SAFETY FEATURES

Elantra GT features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants, including Daytime Running Lights, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (anti-lock braking system) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management. Seven airbags - front, side and curtain including a driver's knee airbag - are standard.

CONNECTED CARE AND HYUNDAI BLUE LINK®

The 2015 Elantra GT is equipped with Hyundai’s next-generation Blue Link® safety, service and infotainment telematics system. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google™, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. In addition to these features and services, 2015 Elantra GT models come with one year of complimentary Blue Link Connected Care. Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with services including Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, monthly vehicle health reporting and maintenance alerts.