CHICAGO — Full-size sedans are duking it out at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, with a revised 2011 Hyundai Azera making its debut on Wednesday. The Azera gets a horsepower boost and a new six-speed automatic transmission.
Yesterday, the 2011 Toyota Avalon, rival to the big, front-wheel-drive Hyundai, got its own round of nips and tucks. The 2011 Azera arrives in dealerships in the spring. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The 2011 Hyundai Azera GLS gets an enhanced 3.3-liter V6 with variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side; previously it was only on the intake side. The result is an estimated 260 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 233 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm — this is up from 234 hp and 226 lb-ft in the 2010 Azera.
Hyundai predicts the revised V6 will return 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway — up from 18/26 on the 2010 version. Also helping economy is the new six-speed automatic transmission, which the company engineered in-house. Hyundai says it's 26 pounds lighter than last year's five-speed automatic. It's standard on all 2011 Hyundai Azeras. Expect to see it used widely in Hyundai's line, as this transmission is compatible with just about any transversely mounted engine.
The 3.8-liter DOHC V6 in the 2011 Azera Limited also gets a horsepower bump, again thanks to the addition of variable valve timing on the intake side. The revised engine delivers an estimated 283 hp at 6,000 rpm and 263 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm — up from 263 and 257, respectively.
Hyundai said it also expects fuel-economy gains with the bigger V6. The previous 3.8-liter V6 returned 17 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The revised version is expected to return 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.
The 2011 Azera models also get a fuel economy indicator that displays a green light to indicate when driving habits are contributing to good fuel economy.
Cosmetic changes on the 2011 Hyundai Azera include a new front bumper fascia, redesigned headlamps, a new chrome grille and round foglights. The rear gets new LED taillights and a redesigned bumper. Cabin changes are minor and include aluminum graining on the center console.
Inside Line says: The biggest changes to the 2011 Azera are under the hood; these improvements in power, torque and fuel economy are much needed. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
jscion says:
03:16 PM, 04/11/2010
What a bunch of boobs some of you are!!! Not sure what about this car is "me to" Toyota???, Honda???, Nissan???, GM???, Chrysler???, Ford???...NOPE!!! Nothing like the Azera in any of those brands. As hard as it may be to believe, Hyundai is the new front runner in the auto industry. They have the best styling, value, prices, and models so what's the problem??? Some of you need to get with the times!!! It's a new decade and a new auto industry....OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!
armby says:
02:54 PM, 02/13/2010
atenza...............
If you have driven both and $'s are not a problem ....what's the question????
They are vastly different cars ..... which one do you like the best???
If you want a large, "status" car .... the Genesis.
If you want a great driving, very well equipped, family car .... the Azera.
I drive a 2007 Azera and it is the best car that I have EVER had .... zero problems.
gain .... so what's the question????
armby says:
02:41 PM, 02/13/2010
debbaranko says:
10:14 AM, 02/12/2010
Still not sold on a Korean brand....... TRY DRIVING ONE ....THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND
.... TRY COMPARING FEATURES AND PRICES....THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND
.... TRY RENTING ONE FOR A FEW DAYS .... THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND
dg0472 says:
02:24 PM, 02/12/2010
@debbaranko,
Thing is, Toyotas are still falling in value and Hyundais and Kias are still rising. In fact, ALG is predicting the '11 Sonata GLS will have the highest resale value in its class. I've heard lots of ancedotal stories of dealers refusing to take Toyotas in trade or offering far less than what most guides say. And the congressional hearings haven't even started yet. So any talk of resale value is at least point just that: talk.
debbaranko says:
10:14 AM, 02/12/2010
Still not sold on a Korean brand. Looks like Hyundai stole bits and peices of different cars. And not the best peices either. It just doesnt work. Too much of a "me too" car. And I don't mean that in a good way. Plus Korean cars deprieciate faster than a sticking gas pedal Toyota.
mikeytx says:
09:35 AM, 02/12/2010
atenza94546 says:
02:58 PM, 02/11/2010
Should I get an Azera or Genesis 3.8 V6 ????? The difference is FWD or RWD !
charlesb says:
09:47 PM, 02/11/2010
I prefer the looks of the Azera to the that of the Genesis and many snowbelt drivers prefer FWD over RWD. There is plenty of room in the Hyundai lineup for a nicely price FWD near luxury sedan.
j2j says:
05:03 PM, 02/11/2010
"So what exactly is the point of the Azera, anyway? If you want a luxury car, why not get the Genesis? Or if that's too much, why not get a tricked-out Sonata? And soon Hyundai will bring the Equus over here, too. Does Hyundai really need three luxury sedans?"
@inkycat
Same reason as most of the other auto manufacturers.
First off, neither the new Sonata or Azera are luxury sedans.
The Sonata is a mainstream mid-sized sedan while the Azera is a large, upscale FWD sedan.
Otoh, the Genesis and Equus are luxury sedans and Hyundai reportedly is developing a smaller premium sports sedan.
Basically think of it this way.
Sonata = Camry, Altima, Accord
Azera = Maxima, Avalon, Taurus
Genesis = GS, M, 5 Series, E Class
Equus = S Class, 7 Series, LS
"I figured that the Azera might be on its way out, but I guess maybe they'll reposition it to take over sales from the discontinued V6 version of the Sonata."
@stephen987
The Azera was never on its way out, esp. w/ the next gen Azera and its cousin, the Kia Cadenza, on its way to the US market.
Nice to see that Hyundai's refresh did what a refresh was supposed to do - update and improve the design (even if minor), unlike the refresh for the Avalon (which made it look worse).
cr_driver says:
04:31 PM, 02/11/2010
Lovely non cosmetic improvements
atenza94546 says:
02:58 PM, 02/11/2010
Should I get an Azera or Genesis 3.8 V6 ?????
Flip a coin!!!
darkman_xxl says:
03:37 PM, 02/11/2010
I think everyone is misunderstanding what the article is saying about the LED taillights. She's not saying that the LEDs themselves are a new edition, but that the STYLE of the LEDs are new...