Hyundai to offer "high-mileage versions" of Elantra/Accent in 2009

[MetroMPG]

I've always wondered when one of the Korean companies would decide it's time to eat Honda's/Toyota's lunch when it comes to class leading efficiency in the North American B & C segments.

Toyota & Honda have painted themselves into a corner with their hybrid strategies: ie. they can't offer really efficient versions of their regular small cars without cannibalizing sales of (or at least stealing the mileage spotlight from) their more expensive and presumably more profitable hybrids.

Hyundai doesn't currently offer a hybrid, though they're reportedly planning one for 2010, a year after the debut of the "high mileage" smaller cars.

No details on the specs of the Elantra/Accent.
Hyundai Plans to Snatch Fuel-Efficiency Crown

The automaker also stated its aim to achieve a fleet fuel efficiency average in the U.S. of 35 miles per gallon by 2015, five years ahead of government requirements.

Source: Hyundai Plans to Snatch Fuel-Efficiency Crown - International Business Times -

[cfg83]

MetroMPG -

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

I've always wondered when one of the Korean companies would decide it's time to eat Honda's/Toyota's lunch when it comes to class leading efficiency in the North American B & C segments.

Toyota & Honda have painted themselves into a corner with their hybrid strategies: ie. they can't offer really efficient versions of their regular small cars without cannibalizing sales of (or at least stealing the mileage spotlight from) their more expensive and presumably more profitable hybrids.

...

I think this is VERY true. I think the Honda HX Coupe (36/44 Old EPA MPG) bit the dust because of the Honda Civic Hybrid. Bad Honda! Bad!

CarloSW2

[tasdrouille]

Great news. Hopefully it's all stuff I can swap in my 08!

[MetroMPG]

Yeah - I can just see you haunting the junk yards next year, waiting for a wrecked '09 to grab a taller 5th gearset or something like that.

[MetroMPG]

Found more details floating about... The cars will employ the usual grab bag of mods to boost mileage, including:

- improved aerodynamics (my guesses: partial grille blocking, deck lip spoiler, smoother wheel covers, narrower tires?, possibly slighly lowered suspension)

- different ECU programming

- LRR tires

- taller final drive ratio

Hyundai says the Accent Blue and Elantra Blue will also be the least expensive versions of these two cars.

Source: KickingTires: Hyundai to Launch Efficiency-Focused 'Blue' Lineup

[tasdrouille]

The results are out! +2 mpg city and highway, now 26/35.

To make the Elantra Blue, engineers added a "smart" alternator management system, lower friction engine components, revised transmission gear ratios, engine calibration changes and a shift indicator to last year's Elantra GLS manual.

I gotta start looking around for part numbers and detailed specs!