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The crew at Inside Line reports that Hyundai is planning to unveil a new coupe version of its Elantra at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The two-door compact would help the 40-mile-per-gallon Elantra compete more effectively against the rival Honda Civic, and as IL points out, the vehicle would also set the stage for an R-Spec offering, as well.

According to the whispers kicking around the web, Hyundai may show off a high-horsepower Elantra Coupe later down the line that packs a 208 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, but at first, buyers can expect the same 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-pot found in the current Elantra Sedan to show up under the hood. Still, that engine delivers 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers beat out the Civic by 8 hp and 3 lb-ft of torque while delivering better fuel economy.

The addition of a two-door Elantra would see the nameplate's offerings grow to three body styles including the sedan and touring models. Head over to Inside Line to check out a swank rendering of the proposed coupe.