Hyundai’s new Elantra has received a new performance range-topper in the automaker’s home market.
The good news is that the car is headed to the United States with a debut expected to take place at the annual SEMA show the first week of November.
It will be badged an Elantra Sport and come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. In its Korean specification, the car comes with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 mph time of around 8.0 seconds. Expect similar numbers for the U.S. market.
A 6-speed manual is standard and a 7-speed dual-clutch is available. Also present on the Korean-spec Elantra Sport, either standard or available, are 18-inch wheels, 225/40-size tires, new bumpers, and leather trim.
The most powerful Elantra at present comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder good for 147 hp. This new Elantra Sport will target hot compacts like the 201-hp Volkswagen Jetta GLI and an upcoming Si version of the latest Honda Civic.
Note, Hyundai’s latest Elantra will soon spawn a hatchback bodystyle and this may also get the Sport treatment. The hatchback, which will likely keep the previous-generation model’s Elantra GT moniker, is due out next year and has been spied in prototype form.
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