NEW ENGINE TAKES ELANTRA TO HEAD OF IT'S CLASS IN PERFORMANCE

In addition to new exterior styling, the 1999 Hyundai Elantra sedan and wagon have been given a powerful new engine-- the same 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder engine used in the exciting Tiburon sporty coupe.  Delivering 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 ft./lbs. of torque at 4,800 rpm, it gives Elantra the most powerful standard engine inthe compact class.

The Elantra's new engine is the latest version of Hyundai's proprietary Beta engine.  It's a transverse-mounted engine with a cast iron block and an aluminum head.  It was designed to provide even torque distribution throughout the rpm range for strong acceleration in virtually all driving conditions.

The Beta engine features sophisticated technology that maximizes power and economy while reducing friction and emissions.  Its heart is an advanced, self-diagnosing computer called the Engine Control Unit (ECU).  The ECU constantly monitors and adjusts the engine to assure efficient operation.

The double-overhead-cam configuration optimizes gas flow.  Separate cams open and close the intake and  exhaust valves.  By positioning the cams directly above the valves, Hyundai engineers eliminated the need for pushrods, which are still used in some competitive models.

By using four valves per cylinder, engineers improved engine breathing.  Two intake valves bring air into combustion chamber, allowing the air to instantly mix with the fuel that's injected into the cylinder.  A pent-roof combustion chamber, allowing the air to instantly mix with the fuel that's injected into the cylinder.  A pent-roof combustion chamber was used for better air-fuel mix and efficient combustion.   Hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain the proper gap between valve ends and lifters, eliminating the need for valve adjusting and resulting in quieter between valve ends and lifters, eliminating the need for valve adjusting and resulting in quieter valve operation.

The Elantra's new engine also features multi-port electronic fuel injection.  The ECU's electronic sensors measure engine load, rpm, temperature and driver demand to instantly calculate the precise fuel quantity needed from millisecond to millisecond.   Multi-port injection then sprays the correct amount of fuel into each cylinder just before it sparks.  This is an extremely accurate system of fuel metering and delivery, resulting in excellent engine response and driveability under all operating conditions.

Ignition is controlled by a completely integrated, distributorless electronic system that precisely controls the instant the spark plug ignites.  The result is perfectly timed and shaped spark pulse that's matched to the operating conditions experienced by the engine.  Electronic ignition also eliminates nearly all the mechanical components of a distributar, reducing maintenance costs.

The Elantra's powerful new engine can be matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission featuring lock-up torque converter and driver-selected overdrive.