Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > EcoModding Central
Register Now
 Register Now


Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 10-06-2009, 11:10 PM   #1 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 8,658

Blackfly - '98 Metro
Team Metro
90 day: 78.84 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 106.27 mpg (US)
Thanks: 23
Thanked 69 Times in 49 Posts
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".



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:

Quote:
Base MSRP w/o Freight --- Hwy.Fuel economy --- $/MPG

2010 Elantra Blue
$14,145 --- 35 --- $404
2010 Corolla M/T
$15,350 --- 35 --- $438
2009 Civic M/T
$15,505 --- 34 --- $456
2010 Focus M/T
$15,995 --- 35 --- $457
2010 Cobalt XFE M/T $14,990 --- 37 --- $405
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.


(Support Ecomodder.com & get rid of these annoying ads!)      
 
__________________
Latest project: removable Geo Metro boat tail
Latest test: Massive cardboard air dam on a Geo Metro


www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2009, 11:22 PM   #2 (permalink)
Pokémoderator
 
cfg83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 3,197

1999 Saturn SW2 - '99 SW2 Wagon
90 day: 43.46 mpg (US)
Thanks: 31
Thanked 32 Times in 28 Posts
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 :



CarloSW2
__________________

What's your EPA MPG? Go Here and find out!
American Solar Energy Society
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2009, 11:30 PM   #3 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Frank Lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: up north
Posts: 2,366

Blue - '93 Tempo
Last 3: 27.29 mpg (US)

F150 - '94 F150 XLT
90 day: 17.21 mpg (US)

Sport Coupe - '92 Tempo GL
Last 3: 69.62 mpg (US)
Thanks: 40
Thanked 76 Times in 60 Posts
more awesomeness.
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2009, 11:39 PM   #4 (permalink)
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 8,658

Blackfly - '98 Metro
Team Metro
90 day: 78.84 mpg (US)

ForkenSwift - '92 Metro EV
90 day: 106.27 mpg (US)
Thanks: 23
Thanked 69 Times in 49 Posts
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

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.
__________________
Latest project: removable Geo Metro boat tail
Latest test: Massive cardboard air dam on a Geo Metro


www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2009, 11:42 PM   #5 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
McTimson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 258

The Turkel - '93 Tercel
Team Toyota
90 day: 45.42 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
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.
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2009, 11:54 PM   #6 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Frank Lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: up north
Posts: 2,366

Blue - '93 Tempo
Last 3: 27.29 mpg (US)

F150 - '94 F150 XLT
90 day: 17.21 mpg (US)

Sport Coupe - '92 Tempo GL
Last 3: 69.62 mpg (US)
Thanks: 40
Thanked 76 Times in 60 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
Oh, Frank, Frank, Frank. The sarcasm wafts across my computer screen!
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.
__________________
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2009, 12:22 AM   #7 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Old Tele man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 430

Vibe - '09 Vibe Base (2ZR-FE)
90 day: 35.23 mpg (US)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts
....awe-some-less!
__________________
...and the Devil said: "...yes, but it's a DRY heat!"
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2009, 11:18 AM   #8 (permalink)
Shadetree Engineer
 
Tango Charlie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 801

Olivia - '03 Vibe
90 day: 37.26 mpg (US)
Thanks: 3
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
...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
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.

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



My Pet Threads:
Vibe Mods and What's in a UserName? and YKYAEI
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2009, 01:16 PM   #9 (permalink)
Moderator
 
tasdrouille's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Quebec City
Posts: 1,377

The Truck (Retired) - '99 A3 Jetta TDI
90 day: 62.27 mpg (US)

The Guzzler - '08 Elantra GL
90 day: 32.95 mpg (US)

The Green Machine - '00 A4 Jetta TDI
TEAM VW AUDI Group
90 day: 53.56 mpg (US)
Thanks: 13
Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts
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.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango Charlie View Post
So, is Blue the next green?
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




From Hyundai Sonata 2011
__________________



www.HyperKilometreur.com - Quand chaque goutte compte...
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-07-2009, 01:43 PM   #10 (permalink)
EcoModding Apprentice
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 114

YJ - '89 Wrangler

Galant - '02 Galant LS V6
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
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
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread

Thread Tools


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Why I'm Choosing a Civic Over a Metro Wayneburg General Efficiency Discussion 37 11-06-2009 10:37 PM
What is your city vs. hwy mileage ? Cd General Efficiency Discussion 34 02-16-2009 02:43 PM




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.3.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com