2008 Hyundai Entourage

ENTOURAGE PACKS UNSURPASSED SAFETY AND MORE VALUE FOR 2008

Hyundai's first minivan, the Entourage, which earned top marks when first introduced last year, keeps pace in 2008 with even more value and equipment options to suit the needs for families on-the-go. Sporting a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission – all backed by Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty – the Entourage is one smart buy. Add to that standard safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), six air bags, active front seat head restraints, a top five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – the best rating ever for a minivan – and you've got a vehicle that continues to be a frontline contender in the minivan segment.

2008 NEW EQÚIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS

* Replacement of SE trim level with a new Popular Equipment
* Package option on the GLS, which includes dual power sliding doors, power driver seat, back-up warning sensors, steering wheel audio controls and power rear quarter glass
* New GLS Premium Package includes a rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch LCD monitor
* Standard Infinity® AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 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; steering wheel audio controls to minimize driver distraction; and dual power sliding doors with 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 with 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 with 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

Ventilated front (11.7-in.) and solid rear (11.9-in.) brake rotors are standard and are coupled with 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 with 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 with 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 with power sliding windows; a premium tri-zone HVAC system with 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 with four cupholders mounted between the front seats. For drivers, there are heated side mirrors and a tilt steering wheel. The interior is finished with an elegant two-tone color scheme with 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 with 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 with 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

PÚRPOSE-BÚILT PLATFORM

The Entourage rides on a purpose-built unibody minivan platform with a 118.9-inch wheelbase and a 66.3-inch track width. This chassis was specifically designed to deliver a comfortable ride, secure handling and ample interior space by incorporating sophisticated suspension geometry and wide track.

Entourage's four-wheel independent suspension system is comprised of MacPherson struts with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear suspension uses a multi-link design with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering also contributes to the Entourage's responsiveness at varying speeds.

Entourage models come with 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and 225/70 R16 tires or 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/60 R17 tires.

MODEL LINEÚP

The Hyundai Entourage comes in two distinct trim levels: The well-equipped GLS and more luxurious Limited.

ENTOÚRAGE GLS

Entourage GLS comes well-equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, ESC with traction control system, ABS, TPMS, and 16-inch wheels with full covers. Power windows, door locks and remote keyless entry put convenience at the fingertips. Safety features include active front head restraints, dual front airbags, front seat side-impact airbags plus side curtain airbags. Other features include premium cloth seats, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, dual vanity mirrors, front armrest, AM/FM/CD audio system, tri-zone climate control system, a front wiper de-icer and the Hyundai Hideaway third-row seat. Roof rack side rails complete this well-equipped standard package.

Optional for the Entourage GLS is the Popular Equipment Package, which is new for 2008. This package offers dual power sliding doors, power rear quarter glass, backup warning sensors, power driver seat and steering wheel audio controls. The available Premium Equipment Package includes the Popular Equipment Package features, plus a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor; an Infinity AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound; heated side mirrors; leather tilt steering wheel and shift knob; compass plus trip computer; automatic headlights; chrome exterior and interior door handles; dual zone automatic climate controls; 17-inch alloy wheels; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; solar control glass; chrome license garnish and fog lights.

ENTOÚRAGE LIMITED

The top of the line Entourage Limited comes standard with all of the equipment found on the GLS with Popular Equipment Package and adds a compass; trip computer; Infinity AM/FM/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7 surround sound; leather seating surfaces with heated front seats; solar control glass; chrome exterior and interior door handles; automatic headlights; fog lights; chrome license garnish; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; heated side mirrors; premium scuff plates; power tailgate; dual zone front automatic temperature control; 17-inch alloy wheels; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and Limited badging.

The available Últimate Package features a rear-seat entertainment system, a tilt/slide glass sunroof, power front passenger seat, power adjustable foot pedals, integrated memory system controlling the driver's seat, outside mirrors and foot pedals as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.

WARRANTY

The Entourage line-up is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Entourage buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), which includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

HYÚNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the Únited States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.

Source - Hyundai