That's probably not all self-interest talking, either, as the new Elantra is a looker for its compact-sedan class. Aggressively styled, with a forward-leaning stance, the Elantra sedan is similar in shape to the larger Sonata, but with a more sporting appearance--a look that could easily lend itself to a coupe version.
Hyundai's Jim Trainor said no coupe would be coming this spring, according to Automotive News, which fits with info from our sources. Whenever the Elantra Coupe arrives, it will likely share the same 148-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 40-mpg highway ratings, and sub 2,700-pound weight as the Sedan. A six-speed auto is the only option in the non-GLS four-door, making the likelihood of a stick in the Coupe small at best.
It won't be a threat to the Genesis Coupe, however, or the funky three-door Veloster, as the Elantra's tuning is decidedly less sporty than its looks. TheCarConnection's Bengt Halvorson finds, for instance, that the Elantra's powertrain response is annoyingly sluggish: "You can literally floor the gas pedal for a pass, in a fraction of a second change your mind and lift back up, and the electronic throttle or ECU pretends it never happened."
For the Elantra Coupe to make a fall sale date, it will have to be revealed at a major show before then--the most likely candidate for a debut being the 2011 New York Auto Show. We'll be there, deep in the thick of the scrum, with the latest info, photos, and video should it happen
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