- 1,115
- Rivera
- Tsukishima-TDUDT
The Hyundai Grandeur (Korean: 현대 그랜저) is a mid-size luxury car (initially full-size car) produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1986. The Grandeur has evolved through five generations with intermediate restylings, and is marketed under various nameplates worldwide — prominently as the Hyundai Azera (현대 아제라). As the Azera, it was considered the flagship model of Hyundai's United States lineup until the arrival of the Genesis sedan. Currently the Azera slots between the midsize Sonata and the Genesis sedan.
The Azera HG was released by Hyundai as a 2012 model with an all new appearance and an engine which followed the "fluidic sculpture" design of modern Hyundai vehicles. This design is dubbed as the "Grand Glide" concept. The fifth generation Azera (unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show) was developed over a period of three and half years with a cost of 450 million dollars.
The Azera is clearly a Hyundai with many design aspects tying it back to the brand. The slotted chrome grille flanked by jewel headlights give a warm, friendly appearance to the front fascia. A nice belt-line runs from the headlights through the door handle and back over the rear taillights. A second and higher “hip” line forms over the rear door handles and further accents the parallel belt-line running just below. Out back, the Azera concludes with clean lines and integrated chrome exhaust tips. Overall, the Azera is a clean-looking, modern sedan that – not considering its middle-child syndrome – just barely suffers from blandness. Otherwise, it’s an attractive package.
The Azera is powered by a 3.3-liter, direct injected V-6 producing 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic with Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC manual control. Power delivery is smooth and uneventful – something to be lauded. The EPA rates the Azera’s fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Those aren’t stellar numbers, but considering the Azera’s place in the lineup, along with its 1500 Kg curb weight, it does all right.
The engine itself features some advanced technologies. The direct fuel injection system operates at 2,200 psi while variable valve timing operates four valves per cylinder. The Lambda engine has an all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and roller timing chain.
Specs:
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This is Hyundai's best looking road vehicle IMO, and also the car my old brother drives.
