Motor Authority - blog Category: Elantra

Hyundai is preparing to launch the world’s first hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and capable of running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Now ranked as the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in conjunction with its Kia subsidiary, Hyundai is making strides to build a product line that reflects its status among the world’s top manufacturers.

At the Seoul Motor Show today, Hyundai unveiled the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) engine. The Elantra LPI Hybrid (standard model pictured) is also the world's first hybrid vehicle to run on... Hyundai is preparing to launch the world’s first hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and capable of running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Now ranked as the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in conjunction with its Kia subsidiary, Hyundai is making strides to build a product line that reflects its status among the world’s top manufacturers. At the Seoul Motor Show today, Hyundai unveiled the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by a liquefied petroleum injected (LPI) engine. The Elantra LPI Hybrid (standard model pictured) is also the world's first hybrid vehicle to run on lithium-ion polymer batteries. This type of battery is claimed to feature a higher energy density, lower manufacturing cost, and better reliability than regular lithium-ion batteries, which most other carmakers are planning to use, and has been developed with LG Chem. Powered by a fuel-injected LPG Gamma 1.6-litre engine and a 20hp (15kW) electric motor routed through a continuously variable transmission, the Elantra LPI Hybrid emits 103g of CO2/km and is expected to be able to recoup the extra price premium for the new technology in just two years through fuel savings (based on current LPG prices in South Korea). Fuel economy is rated at 40mpg (5.8L/100km), which is a 41% improvement over the regular 1.6L petrol Elantra. Hyundai plans to launch the car in South Korea this July, and is expecting to launch its first petrol-electric hybrid in the U.S. next year in the Sonata sedan. Also planned for this week’s Seoul event is the unveiling of the Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept car, which Hyundai’s U.S. chief has hinted at being a possibility for the U.S. market as well. Read More

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that it is conducting a preliminary investigation involving about 167,000 2007 and 2008 model year Hyundai Elantras following a number of reports of engines stalling. All the reports, four in total, claim the engine stalling problem was caused by the vehicle’s fuel pump.

In one of the worst cases, a vehicle stalled on a three-lane highway and ending up causing a crash involving three cars. Three of the four reports involved vehicles with 600 miles or less, the fourth vehicle had 2,839 miles at the time, reports The Detroit News.

High demand for small... The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that it is conducting a preliminary investigation involving about 167,000 2007 and 2008 model year Hyundai Elantras following a number of reports of engines stalling. All the reports, four in total, claim the engine stalling problem was caused by the vehicle’s fuel pump. In one of the worst cases, a vehicle stalled on a three-lane highway and ending up causing a crash involving three cars. Three of the four reports involved vehicles with 600 miles or less, the fourth vehicle had 2,839 miles at the time, reports The Detroit News. High demand for small fuel-efficient cars has seen Elantra sales in the U.S. grow more than 50% in June alone, with nearly 14,500 vehicles rolling out of showrooms. It’s not clear what effect the latest announcement will have on future sales. Hyundai’s claims it’s too early in the process to draw any conclusions about the alleged safety issue. Read More

While most other manufacturers are going with a performance theme for this year’s SEMA Auto Show, Hyundai has picked a ‘beach’ theme for its showcase with the announcement today of the Elantra Touring ‘Beach Cruiser’ Concept. The car is based on the recently revealed five-door Elantra Touring, which will officially go on sale in the U.S. early next year.

The Elantra Touring Beach Cruiser Concept was customized by California-based K-Daddyz Kustomz and is the fifth consecutive SEMA show car for the Korean carmaker. The car’s exterior features a two-tone paint job with airbrushing and pin striping for extra... While most other manufacturers are going with a performance theme for this year’s SEMA Auto Show, Hyundai has picked a ‘beach’ theme for its showcase with the announcement today of the Elantra Touring ‘Beach Cruiser’ Concept. The car is based on the recently revealed five-door Elantra Touring, which will officially go on sale in the U.S. early next year. The Elantra Touring Beach Cruiser Concept was customized by California-based K-Daddyz Kustomz and is the fifth consecutive SEMA show car for the Korean carmaker. The car’s exterior features a two-tone paint job with airbrushing and pin striping for extra effect. Other external modifications include a billet grille, 20in Konig Rolf Blix 3 wheels, Dunlop Sport Maxx tires, a MagnaFlow dual exhaust and a full K-Daddyz Kustoms bodykit. For the interior developers carried over the two-tone theme for the leather trim and added a custom stereo set-up designed by Infinity Audio. They also added a fiberglass speaker enclosure constructed by Hard Core Audio. The only mechanical changes for the car include the cold air intake and a strut tower brace.Hyundai Elantra Read More