Hyundai’s recently unveiled Elantra GT could be in line for the hot hatch treatment.
Speaking at the launch of i30, the Elantra GT’s European cousin, Hyundai Europe COO revealed that the automaker is seriously considering a performance variant of the new hatchback. Given that the i30 and Elantra GT are essentially the same car, it seems safe to assume that any performance variant would also be offered on these shores.
“A Hyundai GTI? That’s not just a C-segment question [i30], but a D-segment [i40] one as well,†Rushforth told Autocar. “We have talked about such cars and are considering versions not only with more performance, but dynamic improvements to ride and handling, too.â€
Rushforth didn’t add any more details, but the 198 horsepower 1.6L turbocharged engine from the Veloster Turbo could be one possible engine for the performance-minded Elantra GT. The turbo version of the Veloster came not long after the Veloster’s initial introduction, so we might not have to wait long for a turbocharged version of the Elantra GT.
