da The Car Connection:

Hyundai's product line is in the midst of a full makeover, and its next-generation Elantra is one of the last models to be spotted on the test circuit.

We spotted the Elantra late last week as Hyundai brought a disguised prototype into the desert for its first hot-weather tests. Our photos of this camouflaged prototype reveal a completely new design that goes its own way compared to the recently released Sonata sedan.

Where the new Sonata is a crisp, chiseled design, the new Elantra is curvaceous, with softer, flowing forms. An upswept teardrop side-window-line looks to be more expressive and modern than the current model. The front and rear fenders appear to flow smoothly into the hood and rear deck. It appears that a sharp character line runs along the new Elantra's waistline that keeps the design from becoming too soft and blobby.

We managed to get out the measuring tape and get a quick read on the new Elantra, and it appears that the car will be larger than its predecessor. Our on-site measurement of the Elantra prototype revealed a wheelbase that's a tick over 104 inches, nearly two inches longer than the current car's 102.7-inch wheelbase. That increase should yield some additional interior space for passenger comfort.

The Car Connection

In secondo piano si scorge anche la Equus

What an exciting car...