Hyundai Introduces 2011 Elantra at 40mpg

In brief: Hyundai introduced the 2011 model Elantra sedan with a standard 40mpg highway.

Vehicle in the news

• Make/Model: Elantra
• Manufacturer: Hyundai

The word

The 2011 Elantra deubted at the Los Angeles Auto Show with a new 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine putting out 148hp called the Nu engine.

The Nu has an aluminum block and a cast iron cylinder liner, head and crank. This makes it 30% lighter than an iron block of the same size. Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) optimize efficiency and power.

All of that adds up to a huge improvement in fuel economy, breaking the 40mpg barrier without a hybrid drive train.

And so ...

40mpg is the new benchmark for small sedans like this, with others like Ford also breaking that barrier with gasoline-only engines.

Photo credits: Hyundai

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