2008 Hyundai Entourage news, pictures, and information

ENTOURAGE PACKS UNSURPASSED SAFETY AND MORE VALUE FOR 2008

* Replacement of SE trim level wîth a new Popular Equipment
* Package option on the GLS, which includes dual power sliding doors, power driver seat, back-up warning sensors, §teering wheel audio controls and power rear quarter glass
* New GLS Premium Package includes a rear-seat entertainment system wîth eight-inch LCD monitor
* Standard Infinity® AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system wîth Logic 7® Surround Sound on Limited trim level
* Optional Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity

The Entourage's GLS Popular Equipment Package is new for 2008 and offers a high level of convenience and safety features for less than a comparably equipped 2007 Entourage SE. (The SE trim level is discontinued for 2008.) This high value package includes backup warning sensors to enhance driver awareness when the vehicle is in reverse; §teering wheel audio controls to minimize driver distraction; and dual power sliding doors wîth power sliding windows, power rear quarter glass and power driver seat. This new optional equipment package delivers desirable safety and convenience features to make the GLS trim level a versatile alternative to the higher priced competition, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. In fact, the Entourage equipped wîth the Popular Equipment Package is the lowest priced minivan the offer power sliding doors and backup warning sensors.

The new GLS Premium Package for 2008 adds exterior and interior trim enhancements, along wîth thoughtful features, including fully automatic front-dual automatic climate controls, Infinity AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio and a eight-inch DVD rear seat entertainment system.

For 2008, the Entourage will continue to feature the popular standard equipment offered when the vehicle was introduced last year, like the Hyundai Hideaway™ third-row seat, a simple-to-use 60/40 split fold-into-the floor seat that offers flexibility for up to seven passengers. Entourage's flip and fold second-row seats add to the vehicle's space and versatility, providing easy access to its third-row seating.

At 202 inches long and 78.1 inches wide, the Entourage is truly full-size. In fact, these larger dimensions and efficient packaging deliver an interior volume of 172 cubic feet – more than Honda Odyssey.

ÚNSÚRPASSED SAFETY

The Entourage exemplifies Hyundai's leadership in standardizing the 's most effective safety technologies. Entourage features six standard airbags, including side air curtains for all three rows of seats. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent, according to the IIHS.

In addition, all Entourage trim levels come standard wîth ESC, one of the 's most effective life-saving technologies. ESC compares the driver's intended course wîth the vehicle's actual path, then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer. IIHS studies show vehicles equipped wîth ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes. The Entourage, Veracruz, Santa Fe, Tucson, Sonata and Azera all have lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. In fact, 73 percent of all Hyundai vehicles in 2007 were equipped wîth standard ESC. Hyundai boasts a higher percentage of standard ESC installation than Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota or Honda.

Ventilated front (11.7-in.) and solid rear (11.9-in.) brake rotors are standard and are coupled wîth a four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, a technology that provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. The system also utilizes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to which varies braking force at each wheel based on road conditions, speed and axle loads to enhance the capabilities of ABS.

All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. Convenient Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) points allow child seats to be secured in the second- and third-row seats. The active head restraints on the front row combined wîth the shingle type adjustable head restraints for all other occupants support the neck and reduce whiplash related injuries common during a rear impact. Together, these advanced features have earned Hyundai an unsurpassed rear impact performance rating of 'Good' (the highest rating) along wîth a TOP SAFETY PICK distinction from the IIHS.

Entourage's standard safety equipment also includes a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which alerts drivers via an illuminated dash display if one or more tires are under inflated. Additionally, included in the GLS Popular Equipment Package and standard on the Limited model are backup warning sensors, which alert drivers audibly when the vehicle gets too close to an object in the rear.

EFFICIENT, FEATÚRE-PACKED INTERIOR

The 2008 Entourage is one of the most comfortable and convenient minivans on the market, thanks to a number of highly desired standard features. The base GLS includes manual rear sliding doors wîth power sliding windows; a premium tri-zone HVAC system wîth dual front climate controls, separate second-row controls and rear-seat vents for both the second- and third-row passengers and a foldaway tray table wîth four cupholders mounted between the front seats. For drivers, there are heated side mirrors and a tilt §teering wheel. The interior is finished wîth an elegant two-tone color scheme wîth woodgrain or metalgrain accents. Luxurious leather seats are standard in the Limited model, as are heated front seats and a power tailgate.

POWERFÚL V6 ENGINE

Entourage's advanced all-aluminum 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve standard V6 engine produces 250 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque, which means Entourage has more standard horsepower and torque than Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Town and Country. The V6 engine features timing chains wîth no scheduled maintenance, instead of the belts typically found on many V6 engines that need replacement at set intervals. Despite its impressive output, the Entourage is environmentally friendly wîth its Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) certification.

Complementing the powerful V6 is an equally advanced five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Offering smooth shifts and optimized ratios, the Entourage's transmission also includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for quiet, efficient highway cruising. A SHIFTRONIC feature allows drivers to change gear manually, on steep grade for example by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. The shift lever is mounted below the ventilator system controls for easier reach and a clear LCD readout on the instrument panel alerts the driver as to the gear in use.

BOLD DESIGN

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.8 L., 6-cylinder Power: 250 hp Torque: 253 ft-lbs
5-speed Automatic

Strong fender sculpting, a sophisticated hood crease and a dramatic side profile give Entourage a very stylish, yet functional look all around. Large jeweled projector beam front headlights and optional fog lights complete the front-end styling, while providing excellent forward visibility in a variety of driving conditions. Standard integrated roof rack side rails and color-keyed bodyside moldings wîth chrome inserts complement the vehicle's bodylines, while a rear spoiler wîth integrated brake light, chrome accents and combination tail lights round out the design thémé.

PÚRPOSE-BÚILT PLATFORM