2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Release Date, Specs News: Hatchback Debuts in Chicago With European Styling
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT finally made its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show with upgraded styling inspired by its European counterpart, the Hyundai i30.
According to the South Korean automaker, the all-new hatchback is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. The change in dimensions translates to a more aggressive stance.
The second-generation Elantra GT also uses 53 percent more advanced high-strength steel for its chassis. Thus, it is 22 percent stronger and 61 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Armed with a new platform, the 2018 Elantra GT underwent rigorous testing at Nürburgring — known for being one of the most challenging tracks in the world.
Standard features include a new cascading grille design, vertical LED daytime running lights, high and low beam LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Despite being a compact hatchback, the Elantra GT's cabin offers enough space for up to five passengers and their cargo. The vehicle's cargo-carrying capacity is further increased when the rear seats are folded.
Available features include leather seats, alloy pedals, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control and wireless smartphone charging are also available.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT also comes with Blue Link Remote Start with Climate Control with support for Amazon Alexa. This will allow those with compatible devices like the Amazon Echo or Dot to start their car without having to brave the cold winter mornings. Once Blue Link is enabled in the Alexa app, owners will be able to issue the command: "Alexa, tell Blue Link to start my car at 80 degrees."
There will be two variants for Hyundai's hot hatch.
The standard Elantra GT is powered by an efficient 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with direct-injection that delivers 162 horsepower. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the Elantra GT Sport delivers more power via a 1.6-liter turbo engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain can be mated with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This variant also comes with additional standard equipment like a fully-independent multilink suspension setup, larger front and rear brake rotors and 18-inch allow wheels.
For safety, the all-new hatchback is available with several driver-assistive technologies including Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start capability, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Attention Assist, High-Beam Assist and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT Sport will arrive in dealerships this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the official launch.
