2009 Hyundai Entourage news, pictures, and information

THE BEST MINIVAN EVER TESTED ADDS MORE TECHNOLOGY FOR 2009

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 Electronic Stability Control (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 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, Genesis and Azera all have lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. In fact, 73 percent of all Hyundai vehicles in 2008 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) 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 Entourage 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) that alerts drivers via an illuminated dash display if one or more tires are under-inflated. Additionally, included in the GLS Popular Equipment Package and Limited models are backup warning sensors that alert drivers audibly when the vehicle gets too close to an object in the rear.

EFFICIENT, FEATÚRE-PACKED INTERIOR

The 2009 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, front and rear air conditioning, roof-mounted 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 power side mirrors and a tilt §teering wheel. Luxurious leather seats are standard in the Limited model, as are heated front seats and a power tailgate. The Limited interior is finished wîth an elegant two-tone color scheme wîth woodgrain or metalgrain accents.

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 gears 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

Strong fender sculpting, a sophisticated hood crease and a dramatic side profile give Entourage a 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

The Entourage rides on a purpose-built unibody minivan platform wîth 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 wîth coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the front, while the rear suspension uses a multi-link design wîth coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion §teering also contributes to the Entourage's responsiveness at varying speeds.

Entourage models come wîth 16-inch steel wheels wîth full covers and 225/70 R16 tires or 17-inch alloy wheels fitted wîth 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 offers a 3.8-liter V6 engine, five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, ESC wîth traction control system, ABS, TPMS, and 16-inch wheels. 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 §teering wheel, cruise control, dual vanity mirrors, front armrest, 172-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/MP3 audio system wîth ÚSB/iPod® auxiliary inputs and six speakers, 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. This package offers dual power sliding doors, power rear quarter glass, backup warning sensors, power driver's seat and §teering wheel audio controls. The available Popular Equipment Package plus Rear Seat Entertainment Package also includes a rear-seat entertainment system wîth an eight-inch LCD monitor.

ENTOÚRAGE LIMITED

The top of the line Entourage Limited comes standard wîth all of the equipment found on the GLS wîth Popular Equipment Package and adds a compass, trip computer, 660-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system wîth CD changer, leather seating surfaces wîth heated front seats, solar control glass, leather §teering wheel and shift knob, 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 and Limited badging.

The Entourage Limited also 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 wîth 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.