Hyundai’s upcoming Elantra Sport has been spotted without any trace of camo in South Korea, well ahead of its US debut at the 2016 SEMA Show this October.
Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski had confirmed the Sports model to Edmunds earlier this year, stating that the Elantra Sport is aimed “at the performance enthusiast.”
At the time, Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai senior group manager of product planning, had said that the Elantra Sport’s exterior “will have unique styling on the front and rear, so significant changes”.
The pictures sourced from the Bobaedream forums show the Korean Domestic Market (KDM) model, but it shouldn’t differ from the North American car. From these, we see that the Elantra Sport rides on a lowered chassis obtaining newly designed bumpers, with the front gaining large corner ducts with extended chrome trims, and the rear, a diffuser housing a dual pipe setup. The car also features side skirts, slightly different head- and tail-lamp fixtures, and beefier wheels and tires.
Instead of targeting the higher performance compact models like the 252hp Focus ST, Hyundai is eyeing the likes of Honda’s Civic Si. “We have not really had a (Honda Civic) Si type of product before. We have had Sport models among the Elantras, but this is a completely different vehicle,” said Ramirez.
What Hyundai officials did not reveal, is the 2017 Elantra Sport’s powertrain, but it’s believed to get the company’s 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 or more horses paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, possibly offering the option of a 6-speed manual, like the Veloster Turbo that has the same setup. Handling will be improved too with a retuned suspension and stronger brakes.
Thanks to Darius F. for the pictures!
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