Hyundai->ke201 has unveiled the second generation Azera->ke1036 at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the fifth vehicle to adopt the company's signature Fluidic Sculpture design language next to the Tucson->ke3245, Accent->ke478, Elantra->ke1391, and Sonata->ke1859 models. The Hyundai Azera will go on sale in February 2012.
The new Fluidic Sculpture design language the Azera has adopted allows the luxury sedan to be longer, lighter, and lower. With these changes, the model will offer more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for front-seat passengers.
Under the hood, the new Azera will offer a new 3.3-liter V6 engine with direct injection that will deliver 293 HP and 255 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission and will deliver a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
UPDATE 11/16/11: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the Hyundai Azera.
UPDATE 02/15/12: Hyundai has officially released the official price for the 2012 Azera that is now officially on sale. Prices will start from $32,000 for the extraordinarily well-equipped Azera and $36,000 for the range-topping Azera with Technology Package.
2012 Hyundai Azera
- Make: Array
- Model: 2012 Hyundai Azera
- Engine/Motor: direct-injected V6
- Horsepower: 293
- Torque: 255
- Transmission: six-speed automatic transmission
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior and Interior
The second generation Azera benefits from Hyundai's latest Fluidic Sculpture design that takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The car has received a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. Up front, the car is dominated by a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. This powerful look has been accentuated by a new set of 19" multi-spoke wheels.
The new exterior design has been combined with a new interior that uses a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers. The 2012 Azera will also receive an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin, and 3D Carbon interior accents.
The seats are wrapped in leather, and the driver seat's has received an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors.
Engine
The 2012 Hyundai Azera has received a new 3.3-liter V6 engine with direct injection which dramatically increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The engine delivers a total of 293 HP and 255 lb-ft of torque and is mated to Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits the engine’s characteristics.
Hyundai also announced an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Prices
The new Hyundai Azera will go on sale in February 2012 with a price tag of $32,000.
Competition
The newest competitor for the 2012 Hyundai Azera is the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, but it will still have to face models like the Nissan Maxima and the Lexus ES350. The LaCrosse uses a 303 HP 2.4-liter Ecotec direct injection four-cylinder engine with the Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission. It is also the most powerful competitor on the market (10 HP more powerful than the Azera). The ES350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 HP at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm, while the Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 290 HP.