2007 Hyundai Elantra

smith20

I don't mind doing away with the suspense! haha Conceptual sketches look interesting . . . can't wait to see the photographs. Our older car is about 9 years old, so I'm dying to see if this new Elantra is going to be a viable replacement in a year or two or three (if we stick with a small car). Thanks for passing that along Mike.

backy

We can already tell from the photos that have been released that the actual car looks nothing like the concept. Check out the C pillar, for example.

smith20

Grill looks pretty different too. Looks taller in the photos compared to the sketch. The Hyundai badge is positioned differently too. Of course . . . those are just "conceptual" sketches. I'm thinking the actually car turned out a little more conservative than the sketches indicate. Just my guess.

backy

We can already tell from the photos that have been released that the actual car looks nothing like the concept. Check out the C pillar, for example.

kingsalmon

The sketches don't look too bad.
I like the somewhat radical design.
Tasteful curves too.
-dan

mike_belknap

This sketch is certainly further along in the design process. I thought the ones above were fun -- though almost certainly among the first produced.
Accoding to someone on another site, Hyundai has released powertrain information to select individuals: 2.2L I4 is said to be standard. While this is claimed to be a gasoline engine for NA, it may actually be the 153-hp Variable Geometry Turbodiesel (VGT) that's standard on the new Korean/European Santa Fe. Since neither Hyundai nor Delphi (involved with developing some key electrical and mechnical components in the new engine lineup) have made any mention of a gas engine with a displacement of 2.2-liters, I personally am assuming that it'll be the latter. IMO, the Theta powertrains seem more likely ("World Engine family": 1.8L ~143hp, 2.0L ~150hp, and 2.4L ~164-173hp).

Mike

mike_belknap

Of note, I overlooked a couple of things in the powertrain information above.

1) Horsepower numbers were based on Caliber/Compass output -- both use dual VVT while Hyundai uses a single VVT system. Therefore, the Elantra would likely produce touch less HP for each engine selection. Regardless, torque should be the same across the board. It's unknown whether or not the Hyundai will use a continuously variable transmission.

2) The 2.4L generates 162-173 hp depending on application, not 164-173.

Thanks -- have a great weekend.

Mike

doohickie

I had some maintenance done Friday and while I was waiting, went into the showroom to check out the latest. The Azera and Sontata are outstanding, especially for the money. The curious thing, though, is that there were several 06 Accents lined up next to 06 Elantras and in some respects the Accent is larger than the Elantra. This is most obvious in height, but he whole vehicle looks like it's in the same size class as the current Elantra (which is a large compact or small midsize, depending on who classifies it).

The conclusion to be drawn is that the new Elantra will be larger to fit into the gap between the new (larger) Accent and the new (larger) Sonata.

While I was there, I also took a Tibby for a test drive. I think I've found my next car.

backy

The Accent is still about a foot shorter than the Elantra, and the Elantra has more interior room (Accent is EPA rated as a compact, Elantra as mid-sized). But I agree that the Elantra will probably get larger for '07--that is the clear trend not just with Hyundai but other manufacturers. The length may not increase much (I hope it doesn't anyway), but I expect the wheelbase and interior room to increase).

Keep in mind the Tibby is due for a redux too--by next fall it will be the oldest design in the Hyundai stable.

sanitationofcr

I'm sure it will be larger, and probably have more of a "command" type seat to compete with other newer models out there. I was at my PDX autoshow this weekend and got to check out the entire line(except the GT Hatch was not there.. luckily I test drove last year).

I sat in the "new" Limited there, and the leather seats are VERY comfy! I really hope for some leather seats/trim for the new model.

P.S. - It was sweet to see how many people were impressed by the new Sonata and Azera at the show! Just in the 15 mins I was checking these cars out, I overheard multiple people saying "this is the next car for me!" :shades:

mike_belknap

Here are a couple of new Elantra pics; at this point I can't verify that the second one is legit -- though many are claiming that it is:

Rear 3/4
Taillight uncovered

Mike

mike_belknap

Here's a composite shot of the rear:

1/2 rear - composite

I apologize for the poor resolution -- it was apparently taken with a cellphone.

Mike

ctalk

2007 Elantra going to come out?

Anyone know exactly when?

joe97

Earliest would be Geneva in March, also the most likely case - and if that were to be the case, New York would be the host for the North American debut. Of course there is also the likelihood Hyundai would slot the Elantra intro at the end of auto show season until New York. My bet would be the first scenario.

Chicago's out - 99.9% - leaving myself some room for error :-) The Entourage is ready make is world debut tomorrow.

pocono35

Edmunds is reporting that the new 07 Elantra will debut in Chicago. Read it this morning under their auto show news. This would be a very big debut for Hyundai and actually quite smart since the Civic is killing everyone in this segment with all the press they are getting.

smith20

Please forgive me, but I can't find this report . . . could you please link it? Very interesting news indeed.

joe97

Didn't see the Edmund's report, but to my knowledge, Elantra was never planned for Chicago. While Geneva has been hinted previously as the host site, I'm now hearing world debut could be shifted to New York. Either way, we will see the new Elantra in a month or two.

Given this is the 7th new vehicle from Hyundai in 24 months or so, I'm sure the automaker will continue to impress with another new entry and make an impact in the segment.

snakey

anyone have any more info on the 2007 that they are keeping to themselves? I am in the market for an Elantra; was looking at the Accent but then I saw the concept drawings of the 2007 Avante (Elantra) and...well I can't wait for some more. I feel like a pavlonian dog salivating over the sound of a bell, but I just can't help myself, someone please throw me a bone!

smith20

I feel like a pavlonian dog salivating over the sound of a bell

Me too. I check this thread frequently. Hyundai has done a really good job of keeping the car under wraps!

sanitationofcr

Tell me about it! Has anyone heard if they plan to unveil at Geneva Auto show?? It starts this week! :shades:

smith20

If not Geneva, then maybe the New York Auto Show in mid April. I think the 2006 Accent and 2006 Azera both debuted there last year. I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same event to show off another new vehicle.

doohickie

I just hope a hatchback is part of the lineup. I think the common perception is that it may be a sedan only (in the U.S. anyway), but I've seen on another forum where someone who supposedly works for Hyundai USA said there would be a hatchback for the new Elantra. So we'll see. It may be introduced after the sedan.

smith20

I just hope a hatchback is part of the lineup.

I definitely hope so too. Hatchbacks seem to be regaining popularity (particularly because of higher energy prices) and it seems unwise for them to drop it. Perhaps they will start with a sedan and introduce the hatchback in the next model year as they did with the previous generation Elantra. They're doing this with the new Accent too. So, I wouldn't be surprised if a hatchback Elantra is absent at the launch, but enters the market a year later or so.

snakeweasel

Forget the hatchback, I want them to bring back the station wagon.

snakey

I have been keeping up with the Geneva Auto Show via autoblog.com and I am not even sure Hyundai is making and appearance there, so I would put my chips on NY in April, though that does make me a little more than peeved at Hyundai for keeping us in the dark so well. I think they would generate a little more excitement if they dropped a 3/4 view of the front, just a taste!

backy

According to the Geneva Auto Show's site, Hyundai will be there and will be showing off the Santa Fe, among others--but no word on the new Elantra.

joe97

Geneva debuts are over - no Elantra to speak off. So now the likely scenario puts New York as the prime candidate.

By the way, Hyundai has unveiled a new concept at this year's Geneva - it looks really really good. Check it out here: http://www.carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=18512

To the poster who mentioned the Accent and Azera both were unveiled at last year's NYIAS, you are correct!! One quick note though, Azera made its world debut at Geneva last year, however, as the model known to most markets as the Grandeur.

smith20

By the way, Hyundai has unveiled a new concept at this year's Geneva - it looks really really good.

I totally agree. Now, I really can't wait to see what Hyundai has up their sleeves with the Elantra. I really like the direction this company is going.

dudleyr

Station Wagon - That would definately get my interest. They need to provide something that Toyota and Honda do not have and a Station Wagon fits the bill. SUV room and car handling and efficiency.

backy

How about the 6-passenger crossover vehicle that is reportedly on the way? Those kinds of vehicles seem to be the wagons of our times.

dudleyr

crossovers tend to be taller and more awkward looking than wagons. The height also hurts handling and efficiency.

No need to pay homage to the SUV, just give us a wagon without some goofy segment busting persona.

lightfootfl

I definitely agree, why the manufacturers ever dropped the station wagon in favor of the SUV is beyond my thinking. They definitely fill a niche that nothing else does. We need a campaign to "bring back the wagons".

snakeweasel

Yeah I love my Elantra station wagon and would get another one if they made one. Come on Hyundai bring them back.

joe97

From edmunds:

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/il/news/2006/0301/0- 7.hyundai.elantra.500.jpg

Looks like it's coming together nicely...eager to see without those thick layers on it

Full article link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109486#2

smith20

Thanks . . . looks like they haven't reduced the camouflage at all though. Hyundai seriously wants its look to be a surprise.

snakey

First off I would like to say that the Hyundai Genus is a fantastic XUV concept, and I would seriously consider buying one if I could get it with the common rail 2.2 diesel. Second, I am dissapointed by the spy shots of the Elantra, it's just as much revealing as the spy shots from august of 05 on Jalopnik. I was interested to hear that it shares a patform with the new Spectra however, and can definetley see the differences now. Finally, as far as wagons; wagons appeal to a very small segment of the population. They are inherently utilitarian and there is no way not to scream functional with their design. Unfortunately much of America does not want functional in that sense, they want "fun" and "stylish" and "sporty" which I am affraid are not elements of function that often. I would have to say that if it came down to a hatch or a wagon I would go for the hatch simply because I like the design better. Wagons are long and purposeful but evoke little more emotion than "I wish my grandparents were still alive."

doohickie

Hard to get a sense of scale. Could this concept be domesticated as the new Elantra hatch? If so that would be sweet.











As for the spy pics showing the sedan, all I can say is that unless it has outstanding styling on the end caps, I am underwhelmed. It is so bland it almost makes me cry.

It's no better than the *last* generation Kia Spectra:

smith20

Could this concept be domesticated as the new Elantra hatch? If so that would be sweet.

I second that.

backy

The interesting styling for almost all sedans is on the end caps and sides, NOT on the greenhouse. Try covering up all but the greenhouse on today's sedans and what do you see? Boring boring boring!

doohickie

Right. But look at the character lines on the sides of the body: SLAB SIDES.

Yuck.

I'm glad I bought in 05.

backy

What do you mean? The sides are covered up!

joe97

I think it'd be better to make judgment when the car is fully uncovered

backy

A HMA rep at the Greater Twin Cities Auto Show confirmed that the 2007 Elantra will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

smith20

Great news. So, full spy shot or not, we only have at most a month longer to wait.

azera25

http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2006/03/2007-hyundai-elantra_21.html#comme- nts

smith20

Thanks for passing that along. Looks interesting. I look forward to seeing clearer pictures and different angles. I guess it won't be much longer now.

backy

Anyone else see hints of the Azera in the profile? Can't wait to see the front!

joe97

Well, what do you know, Vince (Holllywood Extra) steals again. The actual image came from a Korean website, and Vince gladly removed the watermark, I see...

As for the car itself...I dig...can't wait to see in details when it debuts next month for a better judgment...

Here is the orginal pic posted @ Hyundai/Kia Exchange:

http://www.hyundaiexchange.com

iluvmysephia1

2007 Hyundai Elantra body design looks nice.

Love to see front and back angle looks of it, though.

shado4

I currently own an 02 Elantra GT hatchback and was looking to trade up to the Sonata. Now my curiosity about the new Elantra may cause me to rethink my decision.

Elantra...Sonata...Elantra...Sonata. Dang it Hyundai! Why do you have to make choices so difficult? :P