Hyundai Releases Aero Kit for Avante/Elantra: Korea

Hyundai has released the first images of the new Avante/Elantra compact sedan with the company's new OEM aero kit and visual enhancements. The cosmetic upgrades are designed by Hyundai's new tuning branch for the South Korean market called TUIX (coined after "Tuning is Innovation & Expression).

Several exterior upgrades are available for the Avante from Hyundai's TUIX, including front/side/rear skirts, chrome beltline molding, rear spoiler, fuel cap, and sporty dark grey 17-inch alloy wheels. No performance upgrades are available from Hyundai at this point.

As of now, these visual upgrades will not be available for purchase in any markets other than South Korea. We will, however, stick with the adage "never say never", and speculate that Hyundai might be eyeing the customization-happy North American market as its first overseas foray into this field.

[Source: Hyundai]

READ MORE for a rear-view shot of the Avante tuned by TUIX.

Hyundai Announces New Elantra Launch in US for Later This Year

Hyundai has finally confirmed what's been rumored for months; that the all-new 2011 Avante, the predecessor of which we came to know as the Elantra, is heading to North American shores.

"The new compact sedan will also make its way to overseas markets including U.S. starting the end of the year," Hyundai said in an official statement, without disclosing any more details. Unless there's a change of plans, expect to see the firm's baby Sonata making its first public outing in the States at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November.

Hyundai said that domestic deliveries of the new Avante, which went on sale in South Korea today priced from 14.9 million Won to 18.9 million Won (US$12,700 to US$16,100 based on today's currency exchange rates), are expected to reach 83,000 units by the end of the year, and surpass 125,000 cars in 2011.

The company added it expects to sell as much as 400,000 examples of the Avante / Elantra in overseas markets from 2012.

In South Korea, the 2011 Elantra is powered by a 1.6-liter four-banger with direct-injection delivering 140-horsepower and 171Nm or 126.5 lb-ft of peak torque, matted to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.

[Source: Carscoop]

New Video of 2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) Surfaces

Hyundai held an official test-drive event of the all-new 2011 Avante (Elantra) for journalists in Pyeongchang, South Korea today. We are awaiting more official photos from the automaker before we put up our post of the event. If pictures speak a thousand words, how can we describe the gorgeous high-definition video above, brought to you by CarMStyle? Flick on the 720p HD option and the stunning body lines and curves of the new Avante might just come to life. Enjoy!

[Source: CarMStyle]

Official: 2011 Hyundai Avante Interior Revealed

Stay tuned for more information.

[Source: Hyundai]

First Video of New Hyundai Avante On the Road Surfaces the Web

And it's especially apparent here that the redesigned Elantra has grown tremendously in size, to the point where it's virtually indistinguishable from the "larger" Sonata. In this video taken on Hyundai grounds, the depicted prototype is demonstrating a self-parking system that the automaker is currently testing for future products.

Oh and if it serves any importance, the Korean text notes that the video was shot on an iPhone 4. Cheers to the immaculate resolution!

All-New Hyundai Avante (Elantra) Pre-Orders Surpass 5000 in S. Korea

Hyundai Motor Company has announced that it has received over 5000 pre-orders for the all-new, redesigned Avante (Elantra) mid-size sedan in its domestic market of South Korea today. The automaker began taking orders on the 21st of June and has since amassed tremendous popularity for the newest addition to its line-up. The new Avante made its public debut at the Busan International Motor Show last April.

For the South Korean market, the Avante is available with a single powertrain: a 1.6L GDI (gasoline direct-injection) Gamma 4-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 129 lb. ft of torque. It is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available 6-speed automatic. The new Avante is packed with a myriad of standard features such as six airbags and rear parking assist, as well as optional items including HID headlamps, segment-first rear heated seats, and a 10-way power adjustable driver seat.

Expect to see the redesigned Avante cross the Pacific to make its North American debut early next year.

[Source: Hyundai]

Busan: Hyundai Unveils All-New Avante (Elantra)

Hyundai has unveiled the 2011 Elantra (known as the Avante in South Korea) at the Busan Motor Show in its home country. This is the fifth generation of the popular compact car, Hyundai’s best-selling model worldwide, with over 6 million units sold since 1990.

Completely redesigned, the Elantra uses design cues from the new Accent, unveiled this month at the Auto China 2010 in Beijing, but also from the new Sonata. The new Elantra wears a "fluidic sculpture" design with four-door coupe styling, High Intensity Discharge headlights (HID) and LED taillights.

Interior pictures are yet to be released, but Hyundai says in the press release that the cabin offers "advanced features not found on other compacts." Equipment includes heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a color TFT LCD information display.

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine, developing 140 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque (167 Nm). The unit is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s the first time GDI technology and six-speed automatic are put together on a compact sedan in Korea. The direct injection and the automatic gearbox make the Elantra “10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors,” according to Hyundai.

"The new Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class. We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide," said Steve S. Yang, president and CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division. Korean sales will begin in the second half of 2010, with global availability shortly thereafter.

[Source: Hyundai]