By Don Hammonds Hyundai is a car brand on a huge, huge roll, with some of the most spectacular looking, innovative, well-built cars anywhere. And now they are addressing what some car enthusiasts would say was an issue: Modest, safe styling. Well, THAT's out the window. If you have seen the all new Sonata, and now the Elantra--especially the Elantra N-Line which looks like it's going to tear streets apart--you have to agree that this company's design theories and processes have come a long, long way. Let's start with the Elantra:   2021 Elantra N-Line This one is a real attention getter for Hyundai and with good reason. A replacement of Hyundai's Elantra GT, The N Line is a striking automobile that has an awfully long list of perks, standard equipment and benefits to recommend it. Take a look:

• Performance-inspired N Line trim available on Elantra sedan for the first time
• Eye-catching N Line design elements inside and out
• Turbocharged engine and independent rear suspension
• 2021 Elantra N Line goes on sale by the end of the year

      N Line Exterior Design Elements

• N Line version of Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille with distinctive red character line
• N Line front bumper fascia
• Black colored side sill moldings
• N Line rear fascia with diffuser
• Lip-spoiler
• N Line badging
• N Line 18-inch wheels and Continental ProContact RX 235/40R18 all-season tires (7-speed DCT) or Goodyear Eagle F1 235/40R18 summer tires (6-speed MT)
• N Line window accents
• Chrome twin exhaust
• Sunroof
• Projector headlights and full LED taillights

N Line Interior Design Elements

• Unique leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel
• N Line sport seats with leather bolsters and N logos
• N Line gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts
• N Line analog gauge cluster
• Red stitching and trim accents differentiate the N Line from the standard Elantra
• Qi™ wireless charging pad
• Smartphone digital key (NFC)
• Alloy pedals
• Black headliner

  As with the exterior and interior, the driving experience is enhanced for N Line performance with new suspension and steering tuning, revised powertrain mounts and summer tires. Additionally, Elantra N Line’s multi-link independent rear suspension, larger front brake rotors and summer tires make it a corner rascal. Elantra N Line is powered by an exclusive 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT). The DCT has a SHIFTRONIC^® manual shift mode via large steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters or the gear selector lever according to driver preference. An easy-to-read LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the selected gear at all times for the driver. This drivetrain generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque to meet performance and fuel efficiency needs. An available sport mode can take the thrills a bit higher with more aggressive shift points and the ability to hold a gear longer. Innovation: Continuously Variable Valve Duration     The Elantra N Line’s engine uses the same Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology found in the Sonata. This variable control technology can adjust how long an engine valve is open. CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to end of the compression stroke when the Elantra N Line is maintaining a constant speed and requiring low engine output which, helps improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. To enhance torque and improve acceleration the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for the explosion. This innovative technology helps propel the Elantra N Line to 60 miles per hour quickly and allows it to achieve a target of combined 31 MPG, a more than 5 percent when compared with the outgoing 2020 Elantra Sport. 2021 Hyundai Elantra Meanwhile,  other 2021 Elantra  models showcase Hyundai’s latest ambitions, including a Sensuous Sportiness design identity, hybrid electric vehicle technology, and segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The car also provides exciting driving dynamics and the most progressive in-car experience in its class. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter. Highlights for the 2021 Elantra   

• An all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan with new vehicle platform
  • Longer wheelbase, wider stance, lower roofline
  • Elantra is called the Avante in the Korean domestic market
• Second Hyundai vehicle with Sensuous Sportiness design identity
• An everyday exotic four-door-coupe look with innovative molding and engineering technology
• First-ever Elantra Hybrid
  • More than 50 MPG (Hyundai estimated) combined fuel economy on hybrid model
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connecting easy
• Hyundai’s optional Digital Key allows Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via a smartphone or NFC card
• Production to begin at Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the fall with shipments to dealers in the fourth quarter
• An enhanced natural-language voice-recognition system with Speech-to-Meaning® and Deep Meaning Understanding™ technologies powered by Houndify, and lots of feature controls
• Standard SmartSense safety and convenience technologies
• Two available 10.25-inch multimedia screens under one piece of glass

“While some manufacturers no longer see the value in the car side of the business, we’re doubling down by offering an all-new model with both gas and hybrid powertrains,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve sold more than 3.4 million Elantras here in the U.S. and more than 13.8 million worldwide, and the new, captivating look is going to bring excitement to a whole new generation of buyers. Then once inside, they’re going to love all of the progressive features.” The all-new Elantra is a compact sedan that the next generation wants to drive. It is for customers that are pragmatic and sensible yet disruptive and always questioning traditions. This daring and non-conforming mindset is evident in the progressive and exciting Elantra. It provides a better mobility experience as Hyundai becomes the “Smart Mobility Solution Provider” of the future. To transform the 2021 Elantra into its new four-door-coupe look, Hyundai engineers and designers had to make it longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model. The 2021 Elantra gains 2.2 inches in overall length and 0.8 inch in its wheelbase, and the overall width is increased one inch. The overall height also dropped 0.8 inch, and the front cowl point was moved back almost two inches. These minor changes dramatically changed the shape of the car but had limited impact on cabin space. In fact, most key interior dimensions increased. Sensuous Sportiness Defined in the Parametric Dynamics Design “Parametric dynamics” is the phrase Hyundai designers use to describe the dramatic look of the 2021 Elantra. “Like the first generation, the seventh-generation Elantra/Avante has a bold character,” said Luc Donckerwolke, executive vice president and chief design officer, Hyundai Motor Group. “The fresh esthetic was completed through unconventional lines and a face that broke a taboo in automotive design. The new Elantra is highlighted by its stance that looks like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces to get a strong emotional response from the customers.” Having three lines meet at one point is a main ingredient in making the colorful parametric dynamics of Elantra. Using this design element was a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, marking Elantra’s “disrupter-spirit”. Front highlights:

• Parametric-jewel-pattern grille with turn-signal integration
• Wide, cascading grille creates an integrated architecture with the headlamp
• Bold fascia shape creates a strong front graphic
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces

Side highlights:

• Forwarded profile with a long, low hood creates a feeling of tension
• Bold edge runs constantly from the front to the rear
• Parametric-jewel body surfaces
• Available 15-, 16-, and 17-inch-wheel designs match the Parametric Dynamics theme

Rear highlights:

• Wide, horizontal line extends across the center of the trunk, stretching to the edges of the car
• High-tech “H-Tail Lamp” that creates a Hyundai flying H logo-like shape
• Rear glass has a black deck accent to enhance the coupe-like look
• Wing-type lower bumper treatment
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces

  The “immersive cocoon” interior layout envelops the driver like an airplane cockpit. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the center console. The low, wide structure also provides ample interior room. A large interface consisting of two harmoniously connected 10.25-inch displays enhances the futuristic feeling of the car. The angled touchscreen is easy for the driver to see and control. The interior gives the driver access to the latest technology and the confidence to use it. Interior highlights:

• A 10.25-inch information-display cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Slim high-tech vents
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Aircraft-cockpit-like driver-oriented layout
• A unique cornering grab handle for the passenger
• A high center console completes the driver-oriented layout
• Door center trim is long and low like a coupe
• Sporty low-placed inside handles
• Two-toned melange emphasizes the driver-focused layout even on the door

Elantra Hybrid For the first time ever, a hybrid powertrain has been added to the Elantra lineup. Elantra Hybrid demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to expanding its eco-focused lineup of products. The new Elantra Hybrid will feature a 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Elantra Hybrid’s permanent-magnet electric motor delivers 32 kW powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with the electric motor in Elantra Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates with Hyundai’s quick-shifting, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission–differentiating Elantra Hybrid from its key competitors because of its more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The high-efficiency electric motor has an electric only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds. The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is projected by Hyundai to have a combined estimated fuel economy rating of more than 50 MPG (with EPA certification pending in late 2020). Engine Performance The Elantra SE, SEL, and Limited offer the 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that also has a focus on fuel economy. This engine generates 147 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM and 132 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,500 RPM. These models are projected by Hyundai to achieve a best-in-class combined fuel economy rating, an improvement over previous models, due in part to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) (based on comparison of specifications on manufacturer’s websites at the time of press release issuance). Intelligent Variable Transmission Mated to a 2.0L Engine Hyundai’s IVT provides superior efficiency and simulates gear shifts like those in the automatic transmissions that customers are used to. This transmission performs continuous shifts by the modulating pressure of the transmission’s pulley, depending on driving conditions and driver inputs. It uses a wide-ratio pulley system, which provides a broader ratio of operation compared with its competitors. This allows for improved fuel economy at higher gear ratios and improved performance at lower ratios. As opposed to a more common push belt, the IVT takes advantage of a chain-design belt that improves fuel efficiency by an additional 1.2 percent compared with conventional belt systems. Hyundai’s new Shift Control Strategy used by the IVT improves linearity between driver inputs, vehicle behavior and acceleration. Shift response closely replicates automatic transmission step shifts. Third-Generation Compact-Sized K3 Vehicle Platform Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform also dramatically enhances the overall design, safety, efficiency, power and driving performance of the 2021 Elantra. The new Elantra weighs less, has better fuel economy and is stronger compared to the previous generation, thanks to the new platform. This platform also allowed engineers to lower Elantra’s center of gravity for more agile handling. In the event of a collision, this platform improves safety because it uses a multiload path structure. Third-Generation Compact Sized K3 Vehicle Platform Highlights

• Improved proportions
  • Improved stance by implementing a shorter front overhang
  • Longer wheelbase
• Lower seating position by lowering seat height
• Lower center of gravity, increasing driving stability and makes the driver feel more connected to the car
• Multiple load paths for frontal crash performance
• Improved steering by moving gearbox position upward
• Improved suspension mounting structure for more responsive handling
• Front cowl point moved back and down for four-door-coupe appearance
• Developed to house internal combustion engines and hybrid powertrains

          Ride and Handling The 2021 Elantra has a suspension tune that feels taut yet comfortable and minimizes unwanted body roll while maximizing wheel impact absorption. Elantra Hybrid models offer a fully independent multilink setup in the rear and standard 16-inch alloy wheels for even more fun when the going gets sporty. All in all, whether it is a spirited drive through a twisty canyon road or cruising with friends on the highway, the new Elantra is ready. Driving Dynamics  The driving performance goal for the 2021 Elantra was to create a car that was exciting and fun to drive. Combining the new platform and modern powertrains allows the car to respond quickly to the driver’s inputs and provide a quiet, solid ride on the highway. The nimble driving dynamics match the bold exterior design.     Hyundai Interior Packaging Efficiency Elantra’s sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers outstanding comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom, but at 40.6 inches of front headroom and 37.3 inches of rear headroom, the 2021 Elantra has more front headroom and the same amount of rear headroom as its predecessor. The longer wheelbase also provides a best-in-class 38.0 inches of rear legroom and the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear. Even in trunk room, the Elantra shines. Elantra’s 14.2 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it an 8 percent advantage over the Corolla. The navigation system includes a bird’s-eye view in navigation maps, and drivers get connected routing. Connected routing provides multiple navigation options and real-time route updates. Server-based routing makes the onboard navigation experience similar to current smartphone navigation apps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also look great on this 10.25-inch widescreen display. Dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time—one for phone calls and one for streaming audio. The navigation system also comes with three years of Blue Link® Multimedia/Map updates. Leave the Cellphone Cords Behind Hyundai Elantra’s standard eight-inch Display Audio user interface allows owners to leave the cell phone cords at home. This is because Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available as segment-first features, allowing one to leave the phone in a pocket or purse. SmartSense Safety Features The 2021 Elantra offers a new array of standard advanced safety technologies:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking automatically
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings, automatically steering the car if necessary
• Lane Following Assist (LFA) may automatically adjust steering to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane of travel. LFA can help keep the vehicle centered on both highways and city streets.
• High Beam Assist (HBA) eliminates the need for drivers to manually switch high beamson and off at night
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system that monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to help detect driver fatigue
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Optional SmartSense Features

• Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) helps detect a vehicle in the drivers’ blind spot while the turn signal is on.
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) makes highway and long-distance driving more comfortable. Using a radar sensor mounted on the lower front grille, the SCC system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead in varied traffic conditions by automatically adjusting vehicle speed as needed.
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is a driving convenience system that assists drivers in maintaining the center of the lane and at an appropriate speed while keeping a safe distance from the car in front.
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW) may sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind, letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle.
• Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA) helps detect pedestrians and obstacles with a rearview camera and ultrasonic sensors. The system can provide warnings and apply emergency braking to assist in the avoidance of a collision.

Standard Interior Features

• Eight-inch color display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HD Radio
• Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls
• Drive Mode Select
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Optional Interior Features

• Blue Link® Connected Car System with three years of complimentary Blue Link services
• Qi wireless charging
• 10.25-inch infotainment system with faster processor, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected routing
• Bose premium sound system with eight speakers, including powerful Super65 wide-range speakers in the front doors and a woofer on the rear deck

Blue Link® The new Elantra line still features Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car System, which uses embedded telematics to allow drivers to remote-start their vehicle and control interior temperature using the MyHyundai smartphone app. The app also allows users to either remotely lock or unlock their doors, and to find their vehicle in a crowded parking lot with Car Finder and remote horn and lights. In addition, Blue Link in the new Elantra arrives with cloud-based navigation, which offers free up-to-the-minute traffic information and POI searches. Dynamic Voice Recognition System The all-new Elantra has an enhanced natural language voice recognition system with more and better feature control. This natural-language voice interface includes Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies powered by Houndify, delivering unprecedented speed and accuracy in voice recognition and responses, and an ability to remember context, such as the user’s location to support natural interactions. Using a natural voice, one can control the:

• Climate on/off
• Air conditioner on/off
• Heat on/off
• Fan high/low
• Defrost on
• Set fan to face, feet, or face and feet
• Defrost on and set fan to feet
• Warm up/cool down
• Air intake system on
• Turn on/off heated seats (driver/passenger)
• Set heated seat levels 1, 2, or 3 (driver/passenger)
• Rear window defroster on/off
• Turn on/off the heated steering wheel
• And additional functions

To activate controls, all the driver has to do is use the “push to talk button” on the steering wheel and say the requested command. Simple commands include, “Turn the air conditioner on,” “Set the fan to my face,” or “Turn on my heated seat.” There are also more requests the system can handle. A user can say via Blue Link, “What is the temperature in St. Louis?”, “When is Mother’s Day?”, “Find me a Starbucks”, or “Who won the L.A. Kings game last night?” Digital Key Continuing to promote the latest advances in technology, the all-new Elantra has an optional smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key. Digital Key uses a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to allow a new Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via applicable Android smartphones. Elantra’s Digital Key also allows secure sharing of virtual keys with family and friends. Elantra owners can tailor the different vehicle functions available to each shared virtual key, and the key can be made available for only a defined amount of time. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when loaning the vehicle, and keys can also be revoked remotely. For additional convenience, such as using a valet service or visiting a Hyundai dealer, Hyundai Digital Key also works with an NFC card, which is provided with each vehicle. Each Elantra still comes with traditional keys. Hyundai Digital Key is compatible only with phones using the Android operating system. Hyundai Digital Key uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which exhibits a high level of security. NFC wireless data communication takes place only when the device and the reader are placed several centimeters apart.   2021 Hyundai Sonata   Few new cars stunned the auto industry and journalists alike than the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata. On the market for less than a year, Sonata sails into the 2021 sales year with only minor changes such as making 19 inch wheels and tires on the SEL Plus standard equipment, the addition of a Safe Exit Warning system to the SEL, SEL Plus and Limited models as standard eqipment, and a standard si wy power passenger seat on the Limited model. [caption id="attachment_11021" align="alignnone" width="675"] 2020 Hyundai Sonata[/caption]   The 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 Pirelli P Zero™ tires are now standard on the turbocharged SEL Plus trim. P-Zero All Season tires are for driving enthusiasts who want a combination of a performance appearance, responsive handling and durability along with all-season traction, including in light snow. Safe Exit Warning (SEW) has been added to SEL, SEL Plus and Limited trims. SEW uses existing blind-spot radar sensors to automatically warn the driver and passengers if oncoming traffic is detected when parallel parked. The system provides an audible warning and a pop up message in the cluster to ‘Watch for Traffic’ to help to prevent back-seat passengers from stepping out into traffic. “The 19-inch wheels and tires make a beautiful looking car look and perform even better,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “After listening to our early 2020 Sonata buyers, we were quickly able to add power height adjustment to the passenger seat on the Limited trim. In addition, across the lineup we’ve added Safe Exit Warning that gives drivers a second set of eyes to let them know if it's safe to open the doors on the driver’s side of the vehicle when parallel parked on a busy city street.” 2021 Sonata with available 19-inch wheels and tires 19-inch wheels and tires on the Sonata SEL Plus (1.6 Turbo) Customers can choose between two Smartstream gasoline powertrains: a 2.5 MPI/GDI and a 1.6 T-GDI engine, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Smartstream G2.5 GDI engine, with high-efficiency combustion, cooled EGR and an optimized ITMS cooling system, boasts a generous 191 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Meanwhile, the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDI has 180 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500–4,500 rpm thanks to its world-first Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) system. Convenience Technology The 2021 Sonata features a number of advanced comfort and convenience features typically found only in luxury cars, including a panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, hands-free smart trunk, Qi high-speed wireless smartphone charging pad with cooling fan, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, Text-to-Speech via Bluetooth®, heated and ventilated front seats. The power passenger seat on the Sonata Limited goes from 4 to 6-way adjustment by the addition of height adjustment for additional comfort. The top-of-the-line audio and navigation display is a wide, high-definition, customizable, 10.25-inch touchscreen monitor with split screens and natural language, and cloud-based speech recognition powered by Blue Link, while the  cluster display is a full 12.3 inches. The cluster has four views: utility, driver assistance, navigation and parking assistance. The navigation system includes a bird’s-eye view in Navigation maps, and drivers get HERE HD Traffic flow and incident data without ever paying for a subscription. Dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time—one for phone calls and one for streaming audio. The navigation system also comes with three years of Blue Link Multimedia/Map updates. Hyundai’s eight-inch display audio user interface, equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is standard on Sonata. The Blue Link connected car system is also available.   Digital Key Continuing to promote the latest advances in technology, the Sonata supports Hyundai Digital Key via a dedicated smartphone app. Hyundai Digital Key utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which exhibits a high level of security. The NFC wireless data communication takes place only when the device and the reader are within several centimeters of each other. The Hyundai Digital Key app also allows smartphones to control selected vehicle systems remotely. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, users can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert and start the engine. Not only does Hyundai Digital Key allow owners to leave traditional keys at home, it also allows secure sharing of keys with family and friends. The level of access to different vehicle functions can be tailored to each shared key user for a defined period. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when loaning the vehicle, and, of course, keys can be revoked remotely. For additional convenience in cases such as using a valet service or visiting a Hyundai dealer, Hyundai Digital Key also works with an NFC card, which will be provided with each vehicle. Each Sonata still comes with traditional proximity keys. Digital Key is compatible only with phones using the Android operating system. Complimentary Maintenance The Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance program includes oil and filter changes plus tire rotation at normal factory-scheduled intervals for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.