Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Krishna Mohan Roy

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Hyundai today introduced another exciting model, its all-new 2011 Elantra at the Los Angeles

Auto Show. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The

2011 Hyundai Elantra encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions including "Fluidic Sculpture"

design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency. In the very competitive compact car segment the

Elantra continues to be on a fast four year lifecycle.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 ELANTRA

* All-new fifth generation Hyundai Elantra compact sedan

* "Fluidic Sculpture" design

* Launches with new 1.8-liter "Nu" engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission

* 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T

* Best-in-class standard fuel economy

* Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor

* More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

* Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November with shipments to dealers

before year-end

* "Class-above" mid-size car interior volume

* Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD

* Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs

* Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition

* Segment first: Heated rear seats


2011 Hyundai Elantra is the fourth vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative

(seven new models in the next 24 months), following on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata

and Equus.

The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment, using

emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition. The

Hyundai Elantra poses some intriguing questions:

* Why can't a compact car have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?

* Why pay luxury car prices to get advanced safety features?

* • Why buy a mid-size sedan when you can get exceptional room in a compact car?

* Why can't a compact car get subcompact car fuel economy?


HYUNDAI "FLUIDIC SCULPTURE" DESIGN

2011 Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles. "Fluidic

Sculpture" considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of

constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.

Successful sedans in the U.S. market all have a distinct silhouette and Day Light Opening (DLO -

a designer's term for the side glass) and Elantra is no different. Along Elantra's sides are

Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the

front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a

memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag

coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the

Chevrolet Volt (0.29).

Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a

compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels

and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct

design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.


40 MPG - AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY

2011 Elantra's fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic

transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of

up to 500 miles.

40 MPG POWERTRAIN

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148

horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV).

The Nu engine was developed to replace the 2.0-liter Beta engine from the previous generation

Elantra. The Nu is smaller in size, weighs 74 pounds less and helps achieve an 18-percent

improvement in highway fuel economy, when compared with its predecessor. Thanks to advanced

clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states

are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean

as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental

commitments. Outside of these "green" states, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is available as an Ultra

Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Key Engine Components

* Aluminum block and head

* Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)

* Variable Induction System (VIS)

* Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)

* Electronic throttle control

* Offset crankshaft

The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and

crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron

block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing

comparable strength.

The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and

hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both

camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. They

include a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent

improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon

emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven

friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine

also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve

Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), enables switching between

long and short intake manifolds, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. These

result in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30

percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum.

Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the next generation Elantra is an

electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and

mechanical linkage found in the previous generation Elantra with fast responding electronics.

This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response

and fuel economy.

Hyundai's first application of double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) is found in

Elantra. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity

of the compressor, which further reduces fuel consumption. An external controlled variable

compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency versus an internal variable compressor.

The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between

the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS

The 2011 Elantra can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1)

transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 2011 Elantra is the first small car in the Hyundai

lineup to receive a six-speed automatic. Hyundai now has its own six-speed automatic

transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global

car manufacturers building their own unique six-speed automatic transmissions.

The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai's global five-speed and 17

pounds lighter than the five-speed automatic found in Honda Civic. It is considerably simpler,

having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It

also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 0.43

inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.

This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel

efficiency - 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel

economy.

The 2011 Elantra's six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides 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.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS

The all-new Elantra rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, just two-inches longer than the previous

generation. Its overall length has increased by 0.9 inches to 178.3 inches, with the 69.9-inch

width remaining the same. The height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without

affecting headroom. Consequently, Elantra maintains its "class above" status when it comes to

interior room, in comparison to Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact

car like Civic and Corolla.

2011 Elantra's total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2011 Honda Civic sedan, 2011

Nissan Sentra, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 Ford Focus and 2011 Toyota Corolla. Surprisingly, it

even surpasses the Acura TSX (107.1 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW Passat CC

(109.3 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car

efficiency with mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track,

delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Hyundai Elantra's trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet

also beats Civic and Corolla.

2011 ELANTRA ARCHITECTURE

The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas

shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for

enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter

front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.

All Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts instantly to

changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. A

quick-ratio steering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Elantra's turning diameter of 34.8

feet is better than Corolla's at 35.6 feet.
World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the Hyundai Elantra engineering

team. In fact, the 2011 Elantra leads all of its competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai

engineers also targeted leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge

dividends in both performance and fuel economy.

The Elantra's widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent increase in body

stiffness at a lower body weight. High-strength steel allows the suspension to work optimally.

At 2,701 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GLS is lighter than its competitors, while

offering more interior room than Focus, Cruze, Civic and Corolla, with body-bending rigidity 50

percent higher than the Corolla. This weight efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra

to achieve an estimated 40 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco model.

MODERN, SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR

Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai's expertise in interior packaging, lighting,

leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the

instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the

environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are

available in the front and the rear, a segment first. Not only does Elantra have multiple

storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.

The 2011 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior. Gray and beige are the two GLS interior color

choices. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar

trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.

Elantra is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3

audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with

external amplifier is optional.

Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution

7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays

compact discs, 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.

Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM

Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel

logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM

Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda

Civic or Mazda 3. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be

displayed on the system's home screen.

Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key with push button start and

immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver's window and leather seating surfaces.

This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet. Engineers worked hard on reducing

noise and vibrations inside the cabin.

NVH COMPARISONS

The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas

shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for

enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter

front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT

Elantra was one of the first compact sedans with ESC when it launched in July of 2007. The 2011

Elantra now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle

Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu

surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one

direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist.

VSM counters the pull and automatically provides 8 Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts

the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the 2011

model year Civic.

Elantra features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and

rear side curtain airbag.





The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel

disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still feature rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking

System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is

detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking

force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter

braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3.

Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, having introduced

Hyundai's first integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and

rear crumple zones and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.

2011 ELANTRA PRICING

The all-new Elantra offers modern design, loads of comfort and convenience features, and is an

outstanding weapon against gas prices all with a low starting price of $14,830.