Hyundai ecomods the 2010 Elantra - MPG up by 8% city, 6% hwy
 

Yet another example of an automaker modding an existing model to squeeze some more distance from each tank. And then marketing its fuel saving ways as a distinct trim - in this case Elantra "Blue".

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblo...le465_3194.jpg

No rocket science of course. Here's the mods list, compared to the previous "base" GLS model:

• "smart" alternator control
• taller gearing in the 5-speed manual transmission
• reduced friction engine components
• ECU revisions

Nothing earth shattering here, of course. No LRR tires, no aero mods. No weight reduction.

What's interesting is Hyundai decided to make the "Blue" version the least expensive one in the Elantra lineup.

They do an interesting "$/mpg" comparo to their competition as well:

I've always thought that the Koreans are positioned with a golden opportunity to to upstage everyone else: because they don't currently have any hybrids in their lineups, they can offer inexpensive high-mpg "conventional" cars without fear of cannibalizing sales.

Honda and Toyota can't just keep upping the MPG of their entry level cars in response to the Koreans because at some point, they'll start to threaten the sales of their more expensive hybrids.

More info about the Elantra at ABG.

MetroMPG -

Wow, not even a hidden belly pan or special LRR tires to help out. I would like to know the specifics of the "reduced friction engine components". I like the logo :

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblo...le823_3194.jpg

CarloSW2

more awesomeness.

Oh, Frank, Frank, Frank. The sarcasm wafts across my computer screen!

No, 35 mpg is nothing special. But I do like that the MPG game might be returning again to the entry level segment. GM with the Cobalt XFE, Hyundai with the Elantra Blue. Who's next?

Carlos... maybe they skimped on a compression ring per piston like the Metro XFi :D

More likely something like piston ring coatings or micropolishing of cam lobes. That's something Nissan has done to reduce engine friction in its big pickup.

A bunch of 2010 Elantra reviews mention 'engine calibration' changes, and a shift indicator to tell you when to shift for efficiency.

I'm sure that car could easily get 40's and up with slight mods and proper driving. I like it, but they should release an eco-blue version with LRR's, belly pan, and wheel skirts. They could offset the cost by getting rid of the XM satellite radio or something.

No! No sarcasm- it's just that I recognized Hyundai awesomeness when I came across that picture of their EV with those girls, then I came across a quote from the Honda CEO saying they're awesome, and now this!

I don't even know anyone that has one.

....awe-some-less!

Cool. The manufacturer has done all the more difficult mods and left the proverbial 'low-hanging fruit'. This could be an ecomodder's dream car. Well, once they're a few years old and can be purchased more reasonably, maybe.

Good point. Hadn't thought of that angle before.
So, is Blue the next green? :p

This is gonna be a nice car for sure. My 08 is capable of 42 mpg at steady state 60 mph just with grilles blocked from the inside and pumped up tires, the stock ones on non aero alloys.

Hyundai likes to copy...err I mean get inspiration from German automakers. Anything with blue in it from Audi, Mercedes or VW usually has something to do with efficiency.

And when I say they get inspiration from the Germans, look at the upcoming 2011 Sonata

http://www.negoauto.com/blogue/wp-co...ta-2011-11.jpg
http://www.negoauto.com/blogue/wp-co...ta-2011-21.jpg

From Hyundai Sonata 2011

I think the car companies should offer 2 packages.
1) An aero package, undertray, better aero mirrors, almost disk wheels, wheel skirts, and a few other tricks.

2) FE package, grill block, block heater, high torque engine, matched final drive ratio, manual steering box, man. trans., LRR tire/wheel combo & other typical items.

I think they would sell more than they think.

Don