Next-generation Hyundai Elantra -MD spy shots
Next-generation Hyundai Elantra -MD spy shots reveal an eye-catching exterior design.
Only a couple of weeks after Hyundai introduced its latest addition to the US Elantra line-up, the Elantra Blue, car paparazzi spotted the very first prototype model of the next-generation Elantra compact sedan.
These latest shots, captured on Korean soil, prove that the next-generation Elantra model entered final testing phase and is currently undergoing real-life testing at various locations around the world.
As evident from these latest spy shots, the all-new Hyundai Elantra looks bigger and a lot more stylish than the current model. A generous camouflage wrapping the body of Hyundai’s upcoming compact car makes us difficult to gleam any particulars about its exterior styling, but it is apparent that the new car will incorporate Hyundai’s new “Fluidic Sculpture” design scheme.
The 2011 Elantra sedan will feature a sportier overall appearance, with larger front grille, stretched head-lamps, steeper windshield rake and lower roof-line.
As for now, we have no confirmed details on 2011 Elantra’s engine options but you can expect to see Hyundai’s new 2.0L Theta four-cylinder engine placed under its hood. In addition, Hyundai will probably introduce a 1.6L four-cylinder engine in the entry-level, Elantra Blue model, which will achieve above average mileage thanks to the applied gasoline direct injection technology.
You can also expect the engines to be linked either to six-speed automatic or manual transmissions, but that hasn’t been confirmed either, although we are pretty confident that Hyundai will go in-line with its competition, which offers both options in their compact cars these days.
Next-generation Hyundai Elantra is speculated to make its official debut in late 2010 with official sales commencing at the beginning of 2011. We have also heard the rumors about Hyundai relocating production of next-generation Elantra sedan from South Korea to its US production plant. Thanx for sending us spy shots, Ozr!
2011 Hyundai Elantra gallery:

December 11th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Even with the camo, you can see the DNA family resemblance with the bigger 2011 Sonata. I think it’s very clear that the upcoming 2011 Elantra will be the “baby Sonata” by design and create even more heartburn for Honda and Toyota as well as for the lesser competitors who are currently producing rehashed models of worn out designs.
Any way you look at it, I’m sure the competition is pissed at Hyundai because this strategy is bound to put enormous pressure on Toyota and Honda to respond to Hyundai’s unrelenting onslaught of new products, but I for one can’t wait to see this uncovered.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
The only concern I have with Hyundai’s current onslaught against Honda and Toyota, is the possibility of waking a sleeping giant. I’m not sure how long Honda and Toyota will be sleeping but during the whole process I am very impressed with what Hyundai has been coming to the market with. A great idea to hire a former designer for BMW. Hyundai is headed in a great direction.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Any word on a 5 door? Or the Sonata 5 door? Or at least a new engine in the Touring?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
@Dave
thinking out loud… If the Giants wakes up…their prices will also go up. no?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
@Dave
The so-called “giants” you mention are currently struggling to choke of the hemorrhaging of profits and maintain their bottomline profit. Just recently both execs from Honda and Toyota disclosed their deep seated concerns about Hyundai’s looming threat to their marketshare in the U.S. As an fyi, Hyundai’s market share and sales have risen steadily year over year.
Hyundai is one of only three automakers to have done well during this economic downturn.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Forgot to mention Hyundai’s marketshare has risen 3 percentage point so they are on track to be at 7 percent. While both Honda and Toyota have seen sales declines in the high 30′s percentage point that includes year-over-year when compared against last year’s sales numbers.
December 12th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Hyundai will be Chrysler’s shooter on Chrysler’s walk on their “Bataan Death March.” We’ve beaten Chrysler already and didnt have to try.
Our Proudct is 2-3 steps ahead of Honda and Toyota, they cant compete. Honda/Acura said that they have to make cars with cheaper interiors becuase they have to get the prices down to compete against unnamed competitors. Acura is going downmarket to a step above Chrysler. They said no more competiting with Lexus for them. I think we can undercut them. Let KIA handle Honda and Toyota, and even then the “New KIA” is a steap ahead of those guys too.
The Elantra is growing to Sonata Size, the Accent seems like its growing to Elantra Size, I hear Hyundai could have a smaller than Accent car for the US market in the same manner Hyundai is making a bigger than Genesis car-Eqqus.
If Genesis is supposed to be the Halo car on the Top, then there has to be a car on top that is the real showpiece. If Accent is supposed to be the Halo car on the Bottom, then there has to be a car on go below it for affordability.
December 12th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Honda is Tiny globally compared to Hyundai, stop calling them Giants. Toyota is “Old GMing” itself quickly. KIA, much less Hyundai is ahead of these guys in every indicator these days.
Fuel Economy, Reliability, Interior quality and feel, etc… Look at KIA Forte reviews, 90% of all auto magazines etc, pick the Forte over Corolla in a landslide.
December 12th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Screw Humility, we are better than what we think we are. Dont allow the viewpoints of others to make you think our cars are lesser than what they are. Just becuase they are stuck in 1994 and still thought we made Excels up until the Genesis Coupe, doesnt mean we have to be humble about our cars. We drive the products, we have to be the ambassadors of the brand. We should never allow ourselves to compare our products to a Honda or Toyota, and Besides thats for inferior GM to do.
We arent as good as a Toyota or Honda anymore, we are better. Every indicator from reliability to fuel economy says w are the best mass market manufacturer of cars possible these days. We have the advantage!!!
December 12th, 2009 at 3:50 am
Why does the Grille look like “the Hexagon?” Hexagon should be for hatches and CUVs/SUVs.
December 12th, 2009 at 5:04 am
^What are you talking about? You can’t even see the front.
December 12th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Ahhh, more product releases from Hyundai Motor…but nothing from the so-called sleeping giants.
Wait, I take that back. To borrow from another mag’s analogy, cash for clunkers was a party animal fest. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, GM, and Ford all took shots. After a few rounds, Nissan ended up fine with some dizziness. Toyota, Honda, and Ford just came out of the bathrooms and are barely holding what’s left of their dinners. They’ll probably stay for late night snacks, but they’re definitely not up for beer pong . GM and Chrysler…well…GM is still sleeping in his own puke. Chrysler went home after taking 2 shots and probably won’t be coming to anymore parties.
But Hyundai is still dancing on the table tops and taking shots left and right.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Nick look at the first Elantra Spyshots they found. The grille Camo reminds me of the Tuscon spy Grille.
Tuscon Camo Grille:
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hyundaispy2.JPG
Elantra Camo Grille:
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/elantra/2011/photos/2011_hyundai_elantra_actf34_ss_1.html
Then Compare to Sonata Grille:
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/2010hyundaisonatayf.jpg
The Compare to Accent Sedan grille:
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/hyundaiaccentspyshots.jpg
December 12th, 2009 at 9:16 am
It lacks the Fluidic scluputre side rake of the Accent and Sonata. The side rake as in the rake that straddles the door handles and swoops down to the fenderline.
Maybe the Next Gen Azera will be styled in this manner as well. This Elantra looks different than the Sonata or Accent sedan. Im convinced Hyundai is hiding another secret alternative style.
Admin, please approve my comparison post fast?
December 12th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
http://www.insideline.com/hyundai/elantra/2011/2011-hyundai-elantra-exclusive-spy-shots-and-video.html
December 12th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Couldnt have said it better myself HyundaiSmoke!
December 12th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I think Hyundai has became a very respectable brand, all some people care about is the badge on there car & thats pretty lame if u ask me! I currently drive a Mazda & love it but I will def consider a Hyundai for my next car!
December 12th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Yeah based on the spy photos of the next generation elantra its wider, longer & lower than the current, it looks good tho!
December 13th, 2009 at 12:44 am
John look at Mazda just 6-7 years ago. Its unthinkable that they would make the products they do make now. To go from Protege to Mazda 3 is like Going from First Gen Accent to the Current Gen Accent just in one generation.
The Accent and Sonata look like the same car just one a shrunken down version of it. Maybe the Azera and Elantra will look the same as well. Accent and Sonata drivers are the same Audience drivers ages 25-40 or drivers ages 55+.
Elantra and Azera Owners are nearly the same Audience as well.
Thanks JJ becuase its taking forever for admin to approve my comparison post.
December 13th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
HS,
Just put it in with spaces in place of the periods. It won’t have to be approved that way.
December 14th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I for one am curious as to the fuel economy a 1.6 engine with direct injection and a 6 speed automatic could give the next Elantra. If there are some weight savings on that vehicle, could we see hybrid like highway numbers at an extremely reasonable cost?
December 14th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
The current generation is acheiving respectable fuel milage even with 4 Speed automatic. If they actually bring 6 speed automatic on this car with GDI 1.6, we will be able to see something link 3x/4x on MPG numbers.
It will be a killer for both Corolla/Civic if this happens. Both are being built in Ontario, Canada. USD/CAD exchange rate is not quite desirable for both companies, USD/Yen is even worse. Honda does not even have in-house 6 Speed automatic on hand, which adds to the cost. The Collora did not even change much from the previous version as for the spec.
Even Civic hybrid is in danger because the cost saving on fuel will be negligible or even worse than buying base Elantra if you assume the car will be driven for next 6~8 years. Even worse, you need to replace the stupid batteries by that time.
The only problem I can see on this is the marketing side. If you are not knowledgeable on cars, you would probably not want to buy a compact car with a small 1.6L engine, which sounds like we are living in eary 1990s. Sonata was OK because 2.4L is rather a standard displacement on the segment.
For this reason alone, I think 1.6L is not a realistic idea. They might pair this engine with a hybrid system to compete directly with Prius, only if Hyundai’s hybrid system is efficient enough to generate similar numbers as Prius does.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:39 am
The Accent will get 45+ MPG with the 1.6L GDI system, 41 MPG with a GDI Turbo, and 54 MPG with the Hybrid.
That 1.6L is good for 145 HP, Dave. Thats more standard HP than the Elantra’s dated 2.0 it uses currently. That new 1.6L is so powerful KIA plans to use it in their next gen Sportage.
This will be the standard engine for the Accent, a fuel economy Option for Sportage and Elantra. The Rio will get the engine without the GDI system. This engine is the same 1.6 found in the Soul/i20/Forte already. Howver, unlike those cars the GDI system will allow the engine to live up to its full potential.
Without GDI this engine is good for 122HP in the SOUL and 126 HP in the i20.
Dave we already kill the Corolla and Civic. Look at those cars inside and out. They can barely compete anymore. Both the Elantra and Forte are best picks over Corolla and Civic from everybody. Havent you noticed?
I think even some Hyundai owners are living under a rock, which is not good for perception either.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:43 am
If the 1.6L GDi is going to be standard for the Accent, I wonder if Hyundai has plans to bring a 1.4 from the i20 over here? Make it a GDI or something. 1.4 Gamma=106 HP + GDI about 130 HP.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:51 am
They would need an Accent Blue, and if the car is getting 1.6 GDI 1.6 GDI Turbo, 1.6 Hybrid, and 2.0 that means either one of these scenarios:
1. The 2.0 is the standard powertrain, but its going to be standard in the Elantra. The 1.6 GDI will be the Accent Blue, but that will be an Elantra Blue too.
2. The 1.6 GDI is going to be the stanadard powertrain in the Accent, and Hyundai found some way to make the Hybrid small car Engine system be cheaper than the conventional model.
3. The 1.6 GDI Turbo will be the standard powertrain for the Accent the 1.6 GDI will be the Accent Blue.
4. I think they are hiding another powertrain for the Accent somewhere, or they will specially modify the 1.6 GDi in a higher mileage variant.
I think Scenario 4 is most likely.
December 15th, 2009 at 1:53 am
I love all of these new engine choices they have. This is what i have been advocating for the company to do for years.
December 15th, 2009 at 3:42 am
im just wondering where are you getting all your information HyundaiSmoke
December 15th, 2009 at 4:49 am
The Articles. The Veloster is pretty much a Next Gen Accent Hatch. The Veloster and the 5 door will share the same powertrains with the sedan.
1. 145 HP 1.6L GDI
2. 2.0
3. Small car Hybrid System-the same one they are testing in the SOUL in Europe, and planning to put in Accents/i20s/Rios, etc. It will be lithium polymer too, and the batteries are stored under the rear seats. The Electric Motor acts as a Torque converter, as opposed to the other Hybrid systems out there. It was in a WindingRoad article on Hyundai/KIA Europe. They debuted the Small Car Hyundai Hybrid Blue Drive/KIA Eco Dynamics system with the Soul Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show. In a Soul it gets 48 MPG, but the production form will get about 54 MPG. The System is designed for superior: reliability, affordability, efficiency, ease of use, ease of maintenance.
Finally a Hybrid system you can work on in your garage without an engineering degree!!!
4. 1.6 GDI Turbo-176 HP.
December 15th, 2009 at 6:49 am
I do not thinkg 1.6GDI will make its way to Accent in any situation. 1.6T without GDI was rumored to have around 180hp, and 1.6T GDI is to have 220hp. The latter engine is just too powerful for such a small vehicle, meaning that it is too much of hassle for hyundai to reengineer the driveaxle for the small car platform, which the next accent will be based on, to eliminate the well known torque-steer problem for high-power front drive cars. It does not only cost too much to reengineer and manufacture but also making platform varies from one to the others. This is something all manufacturers are trying to avoid recently.
pnjacket@msn.com (no spamming please)
Another problem is that they just cannot switch all the engine manufacturing plants to use GDI that fast. You can already see this happening when they decided to sell Tucson with 2.4 without GDI where they could have easily put GDI if they have enough engines in stock. I think assume that Tucson will eventually get GDI in its mid cycle update again to simplify the manufacturing platform.
A recent Korean article suggest there only be 4 varient
For i20, I am one want to see it in North America. The last news I read about i20 in NA was Hyundai Canada asked for it but Headquarter denied the request for the time being.
The latest plans about GDI is revealed in a financial news paper in Korea. I have posted the orignal link on the blog entry below this one. If requested, I will be happy to translate it only for this blog.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Dave, maybe there’s a second 1.6L out there, becuase the Accent will be powered by a 1.6L GDI that produces 145 HP. This engine has been confirmed for the US market.
What youre describing sounds more like the performance of the 2.0L engine, Dave.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
The 1.6 Turbo GDI is getting power outputs of 220ps (roughly 220hp). This engine is capable of using E85 fuel and will produce less CO2 emissions than comparable diesel mills.
They have the 2.0 Turbo GDI with 280ps (roughly 280 hp) almost in complete development.
Dual clutch transmission is under development.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
My guess is this:
Veloster: 1.6 GDI 140hp 40+mpg
Accent: 1.6 120hp 40mpg
December 15th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Oh and this:
Elantra: 1.6 GDI 140+hp 37-38mpg
It was mentioned in a Korean article that the 1.6 Turbo GDI will be used in a “mid size car”. With power output of around 220hp. I’m guessing it could be the production version of the i-Mode concept cross over.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Plus, the 2.0 Turbo GDI with around 280hp will most likely go into the Genesis coupe. It should replace the 2.0T engine as Hyundai stated on record that in the future both engines (2.0T and the 3.8 mill) will get a power bump.
I think hyundai will drop the 3.8 with a 3.5 engine.
Also, its likely that no engines greater than 3.0 will be getting GDI tech. The highest displacement engine with GDI will be the 3.0 GDI V6 that will be seen in the new Azera. In the Kia Cadenza, this engine will replace the 2.7L in the future.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I was refering to the turbo version of 1.6GDI. 1.6GDI without turbo is actually a perfect fit for Accent, but disappointing choice for Veloster. OLD B16 engines from Honda in Civic SI back in mid 90s already make 160hp with 1.6L. What I want to see personally on Veloster is NA engine that makes around 180hp. 2.0 Theta II with GDI might be the best.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Concept 120 HP is impossible, as every other 1.6 except the Alpha (which this gen Accent will be the last version of the Alpha that evolved from the first gen model) already gets more than 120 HP.
Theres a few Hyundai 1.6s floating around out there in the world, and many sources say that the Accent will get 145 HP with its new powertrain. 1.6 Alpha, 1.6 Gamma, and theres another one as well. Alpha is 90s tech modified for 21st century borrowed from 80s tech, that dinosaur will get scrapped as soon as they can scrap it.
The Sonat with its GDi will get a bump of 26 hp from the outgoing model. In that case Elantra with GDI=26 +HP=164. Accent GDI=26+HP=138. That sounds about right from what I understand about these cars.
Next gen versions:
Accent=145 HP 1.6 GDI Current Gen Model 112HP
Elantra=166 HP 2.0 GDI Current Gen Model 138 HP
Sonata=201 HP 2.4 GDI Current Gen Model 175 HP
Many people in the US complain about both the Accent and Elantra which are both the largest cars in their respective classes, having such lightweight powertrains, and giving the Accent only 120 HP would only continue those complaints.
The New Fit may have 115 HP, but its a somewhat smaller car than Accent is too. It feels like an Accent should it it had 135+HP. The Rio will get the 1.6L without GDI. The Accent is called a B-Segment by the Hyundai-KIA Motors company brass, but its classified as a C-segment by all government sources. The Fit is too small to be classified as a C-segment. The Elantra is classified as a C-segment by the Company, but Government Sources classify it as a D-Segment Mid Sized car. Our cars since they are larger than the average bear, are going to need more power to push them.
The Focus is the Largest you get away to be called a C segment car.
Remember, in a Hyundai extreme fuel economy is supposed to be standard, while in a KIA you have to pay more to get it.
Hyundai wants to lead the pack, 120 HP in an Accent with only 40 MPG will be behind the pack in 2 years, trust me.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Concept, if thats the case with the Elantra, then whats the point of a new Model? It would be virtually unchanged except for the displacement. Only 2 more mpg, why buy an Elantra when you can get a much bigger 2011 Sonata with a 19 (18.8) Gallon Fuel Tank that gets 35 MPG?
The point of the next car in the series is for it to be much better than the one it left. The Elantra needs to get 40 MPG at the least to even be somewhat competitive in 2 years, much less be the leader in the Segment. Everything in that C-Segment will get at least 40 MPG by Q2 2011. Civic-41, Astra-42, Cruze-44, see where Im going??
December 15th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
2011 is the year when 90% of the C and B segment cars sould in the US will get a complete redesign, and as a follower of small cars, the numbers you’re stating in terms of power and MPG will leave Hyundai in the dust.
Suicide for a Company wants to lead. Thus, I think you have it wrong.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Does the new Sonata really have an 18.8 gallon tank? 35MPG would make for some serious highway distance that they could really market.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
That Suzuki Swift is a car everybody really needs to watch. I have been following that car, and if Hyundai Blows it with this Accent Ill get one of those or an Audi A2. That Swift is coming with Power windows standard, Leather, etc… and their reliability is tied with KIA in 9th place.
Like Hyundai they are able to provide Luxury at a value, as well.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Nick go to this Website http://www.hyundaisonata.com/ its the detailed specs, etc.. for 2011. Its a first class Auto Web Site.
December 15th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Im sorry 18.5 gallons.
December 16th, 2009 at 5:13 am
I hope your right smoke. My guesstimates are usually fairly conservative to not get my expectations too high. If Hyundai beats my numbers, then I’d be really happy.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Concept, they have to hit these numbers, becuase if they dont. You can call the Hyundai Renaissance Screwed!!!!
Most of Ford’s and GMs coming products are not hitting our fuel eocnomy and/or horsepower marks the next gen.
The Accent and Elantra have to be evry bit as premium as an Astra or MINI but at a Honda Fit Price for the Accent. VW, Hyundai, Suzuki all have proposed next gen small cars with 130+ HP standard power, leather options, etc….. There are rumors that the US will get an i20 but as a KIA Rio, While the Accent on the same platfrom will be a different animal with GDI Systems.
Instead of having 2 cars that compete with Fiesta or Civic, I think Hyundai KIA is going for 1 Fiesta Killer Car (Rio) and 1 MINI killer Car (Accent), etc, etc…..
We have to hit these Targets though.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I do think the HED-5 is a Next Gen Elantra Touring. The Design is very unfinished, but I think they can do a good Next Gen Elantra Touring with that theme.
December 28th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Check out some of the new interior spy shots on Kia World, tried to get the the link but had a hard time!