Hyundai Teases All-New Azera / Grandeur, Slots Between Sonata and Genesis

Hyundai is getting ready to lift the wraps of its fully redesigned Azera large sedan that will slot between the front-wheel drive Sonata and the rear-wheel drive Genesis when it arrives in dealerships. The automaker released the first teaser sketches of the 2012 Azera, which will be badged as the Grandeur in South Korea and other markets. The styling reflects Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language taking cues from both the smaller Sonata and larger Genesis with a hint of Equus at the rear with the pronounced rear wheel arches.

Here's how Hyundai describes the new Azera / Grandeur's exterior styling:

"The exterior rendering reflects a `Grand Glide' concept, or an image of a bird gracefully gliding across the sky The front of the car has a bold grille, emphasizing the car's premium look. The side part consists of elegant and flowing lines that exude an overall dynamic image. The rear side conveys a futuristic look through stylish LED lamps and the voluminous wide rear bumper."

The South Korean automaker is keeping a tight lid on the mechanical details and the launch date for now, but it shouldn't be long before we get more news in.

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Hyundai CEO says New Azera Coming Soon, will be More Upscale

You probably have noticed that Hyundai is on a roll lately. Whereas the newly-wed Fiat and Chrysler couple are trying to tidy up the mess left by Daimler -for the most part- with makeovers and tweaks, the South Korean automaker, which also owns Kia, is churning out one new model after the other.

More recently and following a barrage of presentations such as the new Equus, Genesis Sedan and Coupe, Sonata, Tucson, Accent (South Korea and Russia for now) and Elantra, Hyundai gave out the first renderings of its next brand new offering, the 2012 Azera. The family sedan, which will be sold as the Grandeur in certain markets, will slot between the Sonata and the Genesis in Hyundai's NA lineup.

While the official release didn't reveal much, Hyundai's North American boss and always eager to share info on the firm's future plans with the press, John Krafcik, spoke with Autonews on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"We have changed everything, it's a remarkable car. It will surprise a lot of people." said Krafcik. Even though Hyundai NA's boss wouldn't confirm a U.S. launch date, he said that the new Azera "is not that far away."

Krafcik also revealed that like the current Azera, the new model will be front wheel drive offering a less sporty experience than the Genesis.

"The Azera is a front wheel drive car whereas the Genesis is rear-wheel-drive and performance-focused, so (the Azera) will have greater appeal in northern, snow-states where front wheel drive is important, but there will be a very, very strong level of differentiation between the two cars," Krafcik said.

No word on powertrain options yet, but it is likely that Hyundai will offer the Azera only with V6 engines to further distance it from the Sonata which is available exclusively with four-cylinder units. Expect to see the new Azera making its world premiere in 2011 and going on sale before the end of the year.

Source: Autonews

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2011 Hyundai Elantra Pricing Released, Starts from $15,550

Hyundai revealed the US-spec version of its all-new 2011 Elantra in LA this week, and now the South Korean automaker has released figures and pricing for its fluidic compact sedan contender. Powered by a 1.8-liter Nu engine backed by a Hyundai-developed 6-speed transmission or a 6-speed manual, the Elantra boasts a 40 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city fuel ratings on any and every model. If you're inclined, scroll down for some comparison charts to see how the Elantra stacks up against the competition.

Hyundai's new Elantra, which began assembly this month down in Alabama, will be hitting lots before the end of 2010 with a starting MSRP of $14,830 (before a $730 delivery fee). That price includes standard stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a trunk-full of other electronic nannies.

The car's wheels will range from 15 to 17 inches, depending on the packages selected, while all models will get the 148-horse / 138 lb-ft engine that's cleaner than some hybrids. Elantras in some states will be rated at 145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque while earning the right to be classified as PZEVs (Partial Zero Emission Vehicles).

Also available are a touchscreen nav system, iPod integration, segment-busting heated rear seats, and a 172-watt or 360-watt sound system, making the Elantra one potentially decked-out looker of a small car.

By Phil Alex

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2011 Hyundai Elantra: Photo Gallery of U.S. Spec Model

Hyundai has let out a comprehensive photo gallery of the North American version of the new Elantra sedan in advance of the sedan's debut at this week's Los Angeles Auto Show. As anticipated, aside from some barely visible alterations here and there including the modified digital display in the instrument panel and tail light crystals, there are no other styling changes over the South Korean market model that was introduced locally in July.

However, unlike its KDM counterpart that's powered by a 140HP 1.6-liter unit with direct-injection, the U.S-spec model gets a larger displacement 1.8-liter gasoline unit with conventional port fuel injection rated at 148-horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai estimates that the U.S. model will return a highway efficiency of around 40mpg.

We'll have more on the new Elantra from the LA Show floor, but for now, follow the jump to check out our high-resolution photo gallery.

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