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Hyundai enter full size luxury car market with the Azera
Hyundai is taking on the big boys with their full sized Azera sedan covered in a body that carries Hyundai's signature Fluidic Sculpture design.
According to Hyundai, the 2012 Azera represents a modern approach to the traditional large sedan segment by using an advanced powertrain, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. 
Under the hood is the Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine that produces a best-in-class specific 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment. This engine has a high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi), which increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This system eliminates the need for a large displacement V6 engine and increases the compression ratio from 10.4 to 11.5 for greater thermal efficiency and output. It also features all-aluminum construction, four valves per cylinder, piston cooling jets, roller timing chain, CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating on the top ring chamfer and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) for a broad power spread. A three-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.
The engine is mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits the engine’s characteristics. The powertrain also has an Active Eco mode, which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy that translates into more than a five percent improvement.
The Azera rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension, coil springs and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer bar. The multi-link independent rear suspension enables precise geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Sachs Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD), allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. Standard are 245/45R18 tires on 18-inch Hyper silver alloy wheels. There is an optional 19-inch Hyper silver alloy wheel fitted with 245/40R19 tire.
he Azera also features four-wheel disc brakes (12.6 inch front and 11.2 inch rear) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.
The exterior of the Azera is long, light and low. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines. The face is masculine with a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.
Inside, the Azera has an upscale ambiance thanks to a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers. There is also an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. The side shades can be inconspicuously tucked away when not in use.
Leather seats and ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger’s seats are standard equipment. The driver’s seat has an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors.
Other features include ventilated front seats (optional) in which fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats, heated front and rear seats, dual automatic climate control standard, second row air vents and cooled glove box.
Touch-screen navigation with backup camera is standard on all Azeras. No other car in the segment offers navigation with a backup camera as standard equipment. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via seven-inch WVGA touchscreen or voice-activation by a headliner-mounted microphone. The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled phone one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route.
Azera is available with two audio systems. Standard is a Dimension AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with seven-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. An Infinity 550-watt, Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier is available. An XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. Azera also offers standard HD Radio™ technology.
A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is standard.
Azera has a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).
VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newtonmeters of counter- steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.
There are nine airbags including dual front, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.
Hyundai did not release the MSRP or availability information.
11/17/11
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