2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Fun to Drive and Fuel Efficient

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Palm Springs

Fun to drive, fuel efficient, five-door hatchback versatility, and European driving dynamics make the all new 2013 Elantra GT a new-generation of car for a new-generation of Palm Springs drivers.  Cruising the 10 and navigating the tight turns in the Coachella Valley just got a whole lot more fun.

Up front, Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille with chrome accents flows into the hood with effortless grace. The body-side graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up the sleek and stylish character lines. Sharp projection headlamps, fog lights and available 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spears complete the modern design.

The new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT represents further evolution of the ‘Fluidic Sculpture’- the company’s distinctive design DNA.  Including a slippery .30 coefficient of drag, everything about Elantra GT is designed to be aerodynamic for the most enjoyable ride imaginable.  From the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors, tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. All of these changes, plus a sport-tuned suspension, equal lower wind resistance, which translates into better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Powered by an advanced 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission, the 2013 Elantra GT provides 148-horsepower at 6,500 rpm (ULEV), and Best-in-class specific output at 82.2 horsepower per liter.  Standard fuel economy is an estimated 26 mpg city, 37 mpg highway for the six-speed manual transmission and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway for the six-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions provide 30 mpg combined that gives Elantra GT a highway-only driving range of more than 480 miles.

Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a light weight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and mono-tube shock absorbers. A 22 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT’s Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

The Hyundai’s all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three operating modes to select from – Comfort, Normal, and Sport – allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for Downtown Palm Springs and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a variety of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain, and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a sporty hatchback with dynamic European handling and style.  Perfect for anything you have in mind for the Coachella Valley, the Elantra GT is just waiting to show you what it can do.