2006 Hyundai Azera

A GRACEFUL NEW BEGINNING - HYUNDAI ROLLS OUT THE AMAZING ALL-NEW AZERA FLAGSHIP SEDAN

New York (March 24, 2005) - Most automakers have a flagship model that represents their best efforts in style, sophistication, safety and performance. Hyundai is in a unique position as their existing flagship sedan, the XG350, is stepping aside to let an all-new sedan take the lead - the elegant 2006 Hyundai Azera.

As Shakespeare said, 'What's in a name?' In this instance, the name - Azera - provides a glimpse of what makes this sedan so special. The word 'Azera' is meant to evoke a feeling consistent with Hyundai's new global brand slogan, Drive your way™. Its construction derives from the phrase: 'the era of A to Z.' The name Azera also recalls the French word 'azure' - the color of blue skies, an optimistic color that reflects Hyundai's focus on the future.

'The Azera is the third of seven all-new or redesigned Hyundai vehicles to be launched in a 24-month period, completely revamping the Hyundai lineup,' said Robert F. Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. 'Azera will earn distinction for segment-leading standard safety features, refined styling, and content that is generally reserved for higher-priced luxury sedans.'

From the first glimpse of the Azera, it is clear that this is an extraordinary sedan. (concept carz) The graceful lines are aerodynamically efficient, reducing wind noise while still ensuring a spacious cabin. The dramatic roofline and rear quarter set the Azera apart from other sedans in this class. All together, it is a well-balanced design that pays homage to the other Hyundai models in the line-up while also forging new ground.

'The Azera is sleek and modern, which are becoming signature Hyundai design characteristics,' said Cosmai. 'The Azera's well-designed exterior matched with the ergonomic and feature-rich interior really captures the essence of the new generation of Hyundai vehicles.'

On the road, the Azera delivers spirited performance, thanks to an all-new, all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood that delivers an estimated 265 horsepower, more standard horsepower than the Ford Five Hundred and the Buick LaCrosse. This engine is also environmentally friendly, as it is projected to achieve Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) certification levels. This high-tech V6 comes teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. Its road manners are well-honed, with responsive four-wheel independent suspension featuring double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, all riding on alloy wheels. Clearly, the Azera has the hardware to go wheel-to-wheel with the competition.

Moving to the interior, the Azera is the most luxurious Hyundai to ever grace the highway. The interior appointments rival the finest premium brands, and it offers amenities befitting a flagship model, such as dual-zone climate control; an electronic tilt and telescopic steering column; an integrated memory system for the driver's seat, outside mirrors, steering column and foot pedals; a power rear sunshade; rain-sensing windshield wipers; and sumptuous leather seating surfaces.

The Azera also rewards the driver with an available Infinity® audio system featuring a 7-channel, 315-watt digital amplifier, 10 speakers and a subwoofer, speed-sensitive volume, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and an in-dash 6-disc CD auto-changer.

To further enhance its luxury appeal, the Azera's interior is tastefully appointed with attractive woodgrain trim and distinctive metal accent pieces.

Compared to the 2005 XG350, the all-new Azera is longer, wider and rides on a wheelbase stretched 1.1 inches over the XG350. The interior also benefits from the increased exterior dimensions, as it is larger than its predecessor, and has more interior room than the BMW 760i and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Available in Hyundai dealerships later this fall, the 2006 Azera offers buyers the best value in the segment with a segment-leading list of standard safety features including ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with traction control; ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), front dual active headrests, and a total of eight airbags - advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.

'The XG350 has been an exemplary sedan,' said Robert Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. 'And this all-new Azera takes luxury appointments and personal comfort to a whole new level of sophistication. In addition, it continues to offer the roominess and luxury of cars costing much more and delivers on Hyundai's promise of superior value,' he added.

The XG was first introduced for the 2001 model year as the XG300. For the 2002 model year, the engine displacement was increased from 3.0-liters up to 3.5-liters, and as a result the XG300 became the XG350. For the 2006 model year, the engineers started with a clean sheet, so rather than an evolutionary face-lift of the XG, the Azera is a fresh new vehicle from the tires up, hence the new name affirming its fresh start.

As with every vehicle Hyundai sells in the Ú.S., every 2006 Azera comes equipped with The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty, a package that reflects Hyundai's confidence in the quality of its products.

The Hyundai Advantage includes limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles, which exceeds the coverage on many cars costing more than twice as much. In addition, Azera buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

Hyundai also provides Azera buyers with industry-leading limited powertrain coverage - 10 years or 100,000 miles - and that coverage remains in effect when ownership of the car is transferred to other family members. Even if the car is sold, Hyundai backs Azera's powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. Anti-perforation coverage is provided for seven years/unlimited miles. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the Únited States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 660 dealerships nationwide.

Source - Hyundai

ALL-NEW 2006 HYUNDAI AZERA: HYUNDAI'S PREMIUM FLAGSHIP SEDAN

2006 Azera Offers Elegant Styling, Segment-Leading Safety, Spirited Performance, Supreme Comfort-and Remarkable Value

Available in dealerships beginning in Fall 2005, the new 2006 Hyundai Azera is destined to redefine the way people think about premium sedans. That's because the terms 'premium' and 'attainable' have been exclusive until now. With segment-leading standard safety technology (including Electronic Stability Control) and upscale convenience features, the Azera proves that impressive content and affordability can happily coexist.

The Azera is every inch Hyundai's new flagship sedan, brimming with new thinking, creative solutions and an artful blend of style, sophistication, safety and performance. The Azera takes its inspiration from some of the biggest names in the upscale-car field, beating them at their own game in terms of interior roominess and standard safety features and equipment. But Azera also embodies the aspirations of its customers who want the features, quality and the performance of a premium sedan. (concept carz)

'The all-new Azera takes luxury appointments and personal comfort to a whole new level of sophistication,' says Robert Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. 'It offers the roominess and luxury of cars costing far more and delivers on Hyundai's promise of superior safety and value. Azera will earn distinction for segment-leading standard safety features, refined styling, and content that is generally reserved for higher-priced luxury sedans. We designed Azera to defy the conventional 'laws of luxury', and we think we've succeeded with this all-new premium sedan. (concept carz)'

THE PHILOSOPHY OF A FLAGSHIP

Hyundai appreciates the power of first impressions, and one look at the Azera reveals that this is clearly an extraordinary sedan. (concept carz) The proportions are graceful, purposeful and aerodynamically efficient to reduce wind noise, maximize stability on the highway and create a spacious cabin.

'The Azera is sleek and modern, traits which are becoming signature Hyundai design characteristics,' Cosmai continues. 'Its well-designed exterior, matched with the ergonomic and feature-rich interior, really captures the essence of the new generation of Hyundai vehicles.'

SOPHISTICATED SAFETY SYSTEMS


The Azera's advanced engineering provides a high level of precision during all aspects of driving, and is backed by standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS) that provides an important dynamic safety net. By continually analyzing road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors, an onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and automatically engages one or more brakes, and reduces engine output to help the driver maintain the intended path.

In addition, Azera adds other key active-safety features including projector headlights and fog lamps, bright LED tail lamps with 132 individual fast-acting lighting elements for better visibility, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, large four-wheel disc brakes, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

Azera's passive-safety features are equally impressive, starting with a total of eight airbags, including advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants. In addition, active front head restraints help prevent whiplash, while the rear seat passengers each have an individual head restraint. Security is further advanced with a HomeLink® integrated transceiver, an engine immobilizer, and a remote keyless entry system with alarm.

ÚNPRECEDENTED ROOMINESS AND ACCOMMODATIONS


The new 2006 Azera is the most luxurious Hyundai ever. From its design and spaciousness to its features and appointments, it advances the art of building an affordable premium sedan. (concept carz) The Azera offers appointments befitting a flagship model and rivaling the finest premium brands. Standard are dual front automatic climate controls, electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLinkâ, power driver and passenger seats, and woodgrain and metalgrain interior accents. Luxurious leather seating surfaces are standard in the Limited model, as are a power rear sunshade and electroluminescent instrument cluster. An Air Quality System (AQS) helps improve passenger comfort in urban environments.

For audiophiles, the available premium Infinity® audio system includes a seven-channel, 315-watt digital amplifier with an in-dash six-disc CD auto-changer driving 10 speakers in eight locations, including a subwoofer. The system also includes speed-sensitive volume and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

STRONG V6 PERFORMANCE


On the road, the Azera delivers spirited performance thanks to its all-new, all-aluminum 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine that delivers an 263 horsepower and 255 lb-ft. of torque. To maximize the power spread, the engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System, which helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lightweight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance (instead of the belts found on many V6s, which must be replaced at set intervals).

Compared to its primary competitors, the Azera's 3.8-liter engine is not only the largest powerplant, but it offers more standard horsepower than the Ford Five Hundred and the Buick LaCrosse, and more torque than the Toyota Avalon and Ford Five Hundred. Even with its impressive output, the Azera is also environmentally friendly; it achieves Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) certification levels.

Married to the technically advanced V6 is an equally advanced five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. The transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide spread of ratios that ideally suit the engine's characteristics-including a tall overdrive fifth gear for quiet, efficient highway cruising. Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature 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. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that's in use.

CHASSIS FEATÚRES

Together with the engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power steering, the suspension provides unerring road feel while quietly isolating the passenger cabin from unwanted noise, vibration and harshness.

Two tires sizes are available. The Azera SE uses 16-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and 225/60HR16 tires, while the Limited gets 17-inch 10-spoke alloys and 235/55VR17 tires.

AZERA SE

The Azera SE is an upscale, stylish large sedan designed for consumers who are interested in a unique combination of spaciousness, performance, and safety technologies. It includes an impressive range of standard features that give it a competitive edge. A partial list of features includes a powerful 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with 263 horsepower, a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability, and eight airbags. Úpscale features include LED tail and brake lamps, auto dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLinkâ, power driver and passenger seats, and active front head restraints. Optionally available are a power sunroof, premium 10-speaker (in eight locations) Infinity® audio system with an in-dash CD changer, and heated front seats.

AZERA LIMITED

A truly impressive array of standard features and amenities defines the prestigious Azera Limited, Hyundai's ultimate flagship sedan. (concept carz) Standard features include 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with 235/55VR17 tires, leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and an electroluminescent gauge cluster. The Limited also has steering-wheel wood trim, a power rear sunshade, and bumper moldings with chrome-inserts. A 10-speaker (in eight locations) Infinity audio system with subwoofer and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer is optional, as are power adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, power-adjustable foot pedals, rain-sensing wipers and other upgrades.

WARRANTY

The all-new 2006 Hyundai Azera 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, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Azera buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the Únited States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 670 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Source - Hyundai