New Hyundai Elantra Launch in the US late 2010

Hyundai has finally confirmed what's been rumored for months; that the all-new 2011 Avante, the predecessor of which we came to know as the Elantra, is heading to North American shores.

"The new compact sedan will also make its way to overseas markets including U.S. starting the end of the year," Hyundai said in an official statement, without disclosing any more details. Unless there's a change of plans, expect to see the firm's baby Sonata making its first public outing in the States at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November.

Hyundai said that domestic deliveries of the new Avante, which went on sale in South Korea today priced from 14.9 million Won to 18.9 million Won (US$12,700 to US$16,100 based on today's currency exchange rates), are expected to reach 83,000 units by the end of the year, and surpass 125,000 cars in 2011.

The company added it expects to sell as much as 400,000 examples of the Avante / Elantra in overseas markets from 2012.

In South Korea, the 2011 Elantra is powered by a 1.6-liter four-banger with direct-injection delivering 140-horsepower and 171Nm or 126.5 lb-ft of peak torque, matted to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission.