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.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

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

________________________2012 HYUNDAI AZERA________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________2011 HYUNDAI AZERA________________________