Lancia Flavia, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Lancia Flavia, 2013

With its free and sophisticated spirit, the new Lancia Flavia proves it is the quintessence of open air driving pleasure with 4 genuine seats. It is the ideal answer for a customer who wants the advantages of a coupé without sacrificing the unique sensations that only a convertible has to offer. That's not all. The new convertible is the most interesting option of this market segment able to win over a customer who demands not only a substantial product, but also a distinctive and unique style. Besides, whoever chooses a Lancia vehicle starts a new trend because he follows only his own personality.

It is the perfect expression of the Italian way of life, the beauty of Italian lifestyle based on taste, imagination, style and refinement. The new front wheel drive Lancia Flavia guarantees a refined driving experience unparalleled by any other in its segment, whether tackling the daily trip in town to go to the office or when taking to splendid panoramic roads out of town on weekends.

In terms of length (4.9 metres), height (1.4 m) and width (1.8 m), the new Lancia is at the top of segment D, offering the ultimate in interior room (it can perfectly accommodate up to four adults) and on-board comfort, with its generous 276-cm wheelbase.

Distinguished by an elegant and dynamic look, Lancia Flavia has a sculpturesque front end sporting the unprecedented grille with Lancia logo and the original front headlights and fog lights. Furthermore, the surface of the side panel is extremely clean, in addition to being distinguished by a sleek line, which lengthens the car and lends it dynamism, and by elegant 18" alloy wheels.

The rear LED light clusters stylistically connected by a thin chrome-plated bar that further enhances their overall look contribute to accentuating the original design. This impression is further reinforced by the unusual chrome-plated tailpipe and by the sophisticated electrically-controlled soft top enclosed inside the hood cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base.

So, if "elegance and dynamism" describe the exterior of the new Flavia, the guidelines inside are refinement and innovation, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars. Aesthetic refinement that flows through the entire passenger compartment and wraps around driver and passengers in a warm "embrace" thanks to the careful selection of fine materials, the attention devoted to the smallest detail and the adoption of cutting-edge comfort, safety and driving pleasure content.

The new Lancia Flavia boasts a sophisticated environment that will without a doubt win over a customer who seeks exclusiveness, technology and Italian taste in a car. A new console has been created for him. It has elegant chrome-plated frames and a large central display; a brand new steering wheel wrapped in leather complete with built-in controls for managing radio, cruise control and phone in total safety; and newly designed seats upholstered in fine leather, complete with practical "active" headrests.

Produced at the Sterling Heights plant in Michigan (USA), in keeping with the stylistic features of the Lancia brand, the glamorous Lancia Flavia Cabrio interprets the Chrysler 200 Convertible model being launched on the European market. In Italy Lancia Flavia is offered in a single, exclusive version that is "all inclusive". As the name itself intimates, it offers a wealth of standard equipment, from the top quality leather upholstery, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction, latest-generation ABS and four airbags (front multi-stage and side) to the ISOFIX mountings for transporting children in complete safety, the innovative Uconnect® multimedia system complete with satellite navigation system, and the sophisticated "Boston Acoustic Sound System".

The new Lancia Flavia is equipped with a 2.4 litre petrol engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers a maximum power of 170 HP at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 220 Nm at 4500 rpm.

Lancia Flavia completes one of the broadest ranges on the international automotive scene
The Lancia Flavia launch completes the Lancia range in an important year, which began with the new 5-door Ypsilon marketing and continued with the debut of the flagship Thema and the best Voyager ever. These latter two cars - together with the brand-new Lancia Flavia that, in keeping with the stylistic features of the Lancia brand, interprets the Chrysler 200 Convertible model being launched on the European market - are the best demonstration of how it is possible to join two worlds so geographically distant yet so close in their essence. This perfect alchemy expertly combines typically American dimensions, personality and performance with the interior elegance, comfort and exclusivity of great Lancias.

The result is a new automotive dynasty founded on the will to excel in the future and on the values engraved in its century-old history: design and innovation. Without forgetting the Delta and Musa models that complete one of the widest ranges on the international scene that starts with segment B to reach the Large MPV segment, also including the medium, flagship and convertible segments.

Style: elegance on the outside, refinement on the inside
Superior in design, aerodynamic in forms and sinuous between the folds of the wind. The new Flavia boasts an unconventional beauty that combines elegance on the outside and innovation on the inside, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars.

Elegant and dynamic look embellished with a next-generation soft top
Distinguished by an elegant and dynamic look, Lancia Flavia has a sculpturesque front end sporting the unprecedented grille with Lancia logo and the original front headlights and fog lights. Furthermore, the surface of the side panel is extremely clean, in addition to being distinguished by a sleek line, which lengthens the car and lends it dynamism, and by elegant 18" alloy wheels.

The rear LED light clusters stylistically connected by a thin chrome-plated bar that further enhances their overall look contribute to accentuating the original design. This impression is further reinforced by the unusual chrome-plated tailpipe and by the sophisticated electrically controlled black soft top enclosed within the soft top cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base.

The exterior colours available at launch are Bright White and Mineral Grey, which can be matched with two interior shades - black and two-tone black and white - and one soft top colour, black. Afterwards the colour range of Lancia Flavia will be enriched with the Deep Cherry, Silver, Black and Blackberry body colours in addition to a beige soft top.

A sophisticated passenger compartment marked by a combination of "refinement and innovation"

So, if "elegance and dynamism" describe the exterior of the new Lancia Flavia, the guidelines inside are refinement and innovation, in perfect tune with the Italian style and the craftsmanship quality that has always distinguished Lancia cars. Aesthetic refinement that flows through the entire passenger compartment and wraps around driver and passengers in a warm "embrace" thanks to the careful selection of fine materials, the attention devoted to the smallest detail and the adoption of cutting-edge comfort, safety and driving pleasure content.

The new Lancia Flavia therefore boasts a sophisticated environment that will without a doubt win over a customer who seeks exclusiveness, technology and Italian taste in a car. A new console has been created for him. It has elegant chrome-plated frames and a large central display; a brand new steering wheel wrapped in leather complete with built-in controls for managing radio, cruise control and phone in total safety; and newly designed seats upholstered in fine leather, complete with practical "active" headrests.

Generous size and comfort, making it the best in class
In terms of length (4.9 metres), height (1.4 m) and width (1.8 m), the new Lancia is at the top of the segment, offering the ultimate in interior room (it can accommodate up to four adults) and on-board comfort, with its generous 276-cm wheelbase.

In the same way, the space for the front passenger and driver is the largest in its category: 1.07 metres of legroom and 1.43 metres for the shoulders. Lastly, the new Flavia boasts a luggage compartment which heads up the segment thanks to the technological solutions adopted for closing the soft top: 377 and 198 litres, when the soft top is closed and open respectively.

Exclusive equipment for maximum comfort and safety
Lancia Flavia surrounds both driver and passengers with technology which ensures them the highest level of comfort on board, as demonstrated by the sophisticated electrically controlled soft top and the innovative UconnectTM multimedia system. In full observance of Lancia's tradition, the new model also offers the best available to date in the technological innovation field applied to both safety and protection.

Electrically controlled soft top
For savouring those unique sensations that only a convertible has to offer, Lancia Flavia adopts a sophisticated electrically controlled black soft top enclosed within the soft top cover, harmoniously built into the body with the third brake light at its base. In detail, the top has a retractable heated rear glass window that takes just 28 seconds from the time the command is given on the remote control to transform the car from a saloon into a convertible.

UconnectTM Media Center
Designed to enrich the driving experience and perfectly integrated in the design of the new Lancia Flavia, the innovative UconnectTM Media Center offers a 6.5" touch-screen and voice commands for easy control of several multimedia sources and outputs. It is also possible to customise on-board multimedia entertainment through iPod® integration and the auxiliary port for MP3 players. The Media Center also includes a modern Radio/CD/DVD/MP3/WMA system and a 40 GB hard disk where music, photos and voice messages can be stored through a USB interface. In addition to the software and navigation maps, the hard disk can contain up to about 6,700 tracks, depending on the model.

By connecting a digital device with analogue connection to the USB port located in the storage compartment, you can listen to hours and hours of digital music in MP3 and WMA formats. The audio is played by the car stereo system - a sophisticated "Boston Acoustics Sound System" with 6 speakers is standard - while the information (artist, track title, album, etc.) is displayed on the radio screen. In addition, the audio peripheral device battery recharges when connected to the USB/AUX connector. Another peculiar feature of Lancia Flavia is the "UConnectTM GPS": the satellite navigation function with 2D and 3D bird's eye view maps and progressive route guidance.

Next-generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
A constant, predictable handling of the car that compensates for any mistakes by the driver, allowing critical situations to be tackled effortlessly, is a fundamental requirement for achieving high active safety. In this field Lancia Flavia comes with not only an excellent braking system, but also the most sophisticated electronic dynamic control devices available today. Starting from the next-generation Antilock Braking System (ABS) that detects and prevents the wheels from locking by acting independently on all four wheels, improving steering control in extreme braking conditions and/or on slippery surfaces.

Electronic stability control (ESC)
The system increases the driver's control of the vehicle to allow him to maintain a stable direction in all driving conditions. It is useful in critical situations, when cornering and when driving on mixed surfaces in the presence of snow, ice or gravel for example. If a difference between the driver's action on the steering wheel and the vehicle path is detected, the ESC applies selective braking and then restores the accelerator's action, returning the vehicle to the speed the driver wants.

Multistage front airbags and side bags
The front airbags of Lancia Flavia are fitted with an advanced latest generation multistage system which supplies an opening adequate for the severity of a crash, which is detected by the ECU that manages the restraint systems and the sensors located at the front of the vehicle. The inflation device for the first stage engages immediately during an impact which requires the activation of the airbag. The timing device for the second stage determines whether the supply force required is low, medium or high. If a low supply is sufficient to meet the needs of the situation, the second stage release is delayed in order to eliminate, in the case of a crash, pyrotechnic material activated by the system. To protect the passenger's pelvis and chest when the side of the car is struck, Lancia Flavia is equipped with side bags which are located inside the backrests, ensuring better protection of occupants, regardless of their stature, the position that they assume and the adjustment of the seat.

Active headrests
The Lancia Flavia's headrests are designed to reduce the risk of injury by limiting the head's movement in the case of shunt. The restraint system ECU (ORC - Occupant Restraint Controller) determines whether the severity or type of rear impact requires the activation of the front headrests. If their activation is required, the front half of both active headrests extends forward to reduce its distance to the occupant's neck.

2.4 litre engine and 6-speed automatic transmission

The new Lancia Flavia is equipped with a "WGE" family 2.4 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. Built entirely of aluminium and equipped with dual variable valve timing 16-valve cylinder (intake and exhaust side), the engine generates power of up to 170 HP (125 kW) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 220 Nm at 4,500 rpm, values able to ensure the new Lancia Flavia a lively temperament and at the same time great driving flexibility.

Another distinctive trait of this 2.4-litre engine is represented by two balancing counter-shafts that turn at twice the speed of the crankshaft to balance the second order alternating forces, ensuring an excellent acoustic and vibrational behaviour. Finally, the chain distribution is maintenance-free, ensuring maximum reliability.

To achieve maximum driving comfort, the engine is combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential Autostick® function that also allows manual gear selection. The engine and transmission are transversely mounted and the traction is on the front wheels. The top speed of the new Lancia Flavia is 195 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds; fuel consumption in the homologation combined cycle is 9.4 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions equal to 221 g/km.

Technical specifications
    DIMENSIONS
        Seats: 4
        Length: 4947 mm
        Width: 1843 mm
        Height: 1479 mm
        Track
            Front: 1570 mm
            Rear: 1570 mm
        Luggage compartment capacity
            with open soft top: 377dm3
            with closed soft top: 198 dm3
    ENGINE
        No. of cylinders, layout: 4, in line
        Bore × stroke: 88 x 97 mm
        Displacement: 2360 cm3
        Compression ratio: 10.5:1
        Max power: 170 HP (125 kW) @ 6000 rpm
        Max. torque: 220 Nm @ 4500 rpm
        Fuel supply: Multipoint electronic injection
        Timing system: 2 overhead camshafts (chain), variable valve timing (intake and exhaust side), balancing counter-shafts
    TRANSMISSION
        Drive system: Front
        Transmission: Automatic 6-speed with electronic control and hydraulic torque converter
    TYRES
        Size: 215/55 R18
    STEERING
        Steering box: Rack and pinion with hydraulic servo control
        Turning circle: 11.6 m
    SUSPENSION
        Front: Independent wheel with McPherson layout and stabiliser bar
        Rear: Independent wheel with Multilink layout and stabiliser bar
    BRAKES
        Front: Self-ventilating disc brakes: 340 x 28 mm
        Rear: Solid disc brakes: 302 x 10 mm
    CAPACITIES - WEIGHTS
        Fuel tank: 64 litres
        Kerb weight: 1856 kg
    PERFORMANCE
        Top speed: 195 km/h
        Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.8 s
    FUEL CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS
        Urban: 13.6 l/100km
        Extra-urban: 7.0 l/100km
        Combined: 9.4 l/100km
        CO2: 221 g/km
        Environmental classification: Euro 5+

Hyundai Curb Concept, 2011

 

 

 Hyundai Curb Concept, 2011

Hyundai California Design Center and Hyundai Motor America presented the world debut of the Hyundai Curb Concept vehicle during a press conference at the 2011 Detroit International Auto Show. Curb is a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) for the next generation of Hyundai buyers. Curb is also a test bed for future Hyundai Blue Link™ and vehicle connectivity technology.

POTHOLES AND NIGHTCLUBS
The inspiration for Hyundai Curb Concept came from the need to evolve Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language for younger buyers. Hyundai designers wanted to create a vehicle loaded with technology that was at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets. The vehicle needed to secure the advanced Blue Link and connectivity features against impact and shock. From these ideas, the 'technology rugged' design direction for Curb was formed.

The  Exterior Design
The Hyundai Curb Concept's design starts with the glass that spills into the hood and wraps around the cowl, covering the A pillars. This look resembles the face shield of a sport bike motorcycle helmet. Beneath the glass are structural trusses with the glass panels applied like a shield.

The striking profile is dominated by a boomerang trajectory bodyside line. This dominant line brings the entire 

design together and reinforces the feeling of strength with its positive and negative shapes.
The thin, sleek headlamps and taillamps dive into the vehicle, creating the illusion that they are connected into the engine compartment or interior. To complete the 'technology rugged' look, designers added 22-inch five spoke wheels and Michelin tires with a custom saffron colored tread pattern to match the interior. These wheels have spokes set into the tires to make them have a more pronounced profile. To enter the Hyundai Curb Concept, one simply drags their finger across a touch pad to open the doors.

The exhaust vents serve a dual purpose. They pop out to reveal a bike rack so the owner could park and ride a "Fixie" (fixed gear) bike to the rest of his destinations as an alternative transportation source. The roof also features pop-up roof rack towers, demonstrating the perfect blend of being rugged, yet high-tech. Curb has a lighted clam shell rear hatch, also opened via a touchpad for loading gear and a third rear access door for easy passenger ingress and egress.

At startup, the Hyundai Curb Concept's numerous LED lights illuminate sequentially, starting with the outside rows and the Curb's badging illuminates through the paint. Shamze Custom Coatings developed the One-Way paint finish allowing the Curb name to illuminate through the paint.

EMPOWERED CONNECTIVITY
Connectivity is the theme for the interior, which is why information flows seamlessly from outside to inside of the Hyundai Curb Concept.

A large acrylic screen with multiple zones allows information to be passed between passengers all via a touchscreen that appears endless. It flows like a river from the gauge cluster to the center stack controls, across the instrument panel and all the way into back seat. The steering wheel itself is an opaque surface with a monitor showing through. There are also monitors in the back of the headrests. A Heads Up Display (HUD) provided by Continental with navigation keeps the drivers eyes on the road, while passengers search for their favorite channel on Pandora. Drivers are able to navigate their music via a 3-D carousel of album cover art as well as view the related cover art for a currently playing track. Cameras also replace the side mirrors and are linked to the HUD. The screen can also display vehicle diagnostics, download apps and act as a video phone all with a single touch sensor control strip provided by Methode.

To bring the outside look inside, the Hyundai Curb Concept designers had the rocker panels flow into the interior of the vehicle to create a seamless design. The Curb links its interior and exterior designs together by having the rocker panels viewable from the exterior flow into the interior. The three-holed open truss structured A-pillars enhance the driver's cornering visibility, structurally support the roof and are made from a single milled piece. This metal structure connects everything together.

Saffron accents inside match the ones on the tires. The saffron accents appear as a gradient pattern on the seats, which are made of super-stretch, fast-drying board short material. The rear seat also has forward and aft movement.
When it comes to storage capacity, Hyundai Curb Concept has rear head rests mounted to its robust frame, rather than to the seats. These head rests swivel up into the roof, allowing the rear seats to fold flat.

HYUNDAI BLUE LINK TECHNOLOGY
Generation Y wants to be connected to their electronics at all times. Inside the Curb, a driver could be listening to their favorite station on Pandora, cruising the city and get a phone call from a friend. Using Blue Link, the caller's location shows up as a Point-of-Interest (POI). The friend tells the driver that he just discovered a great band playing at a local club and invites him to come. His location then becomes the destination for the turn-by-turn directions.

1.6-LITER GAMMA POWERTRAIN
The Curb is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine mated to Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). This powertrain develops 175 horsepower and 169 lb. ft. of torque. By adding Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, the Hyundai Curb Concept would deliver 30+ miles per gallon in the city and 40+ miles per gallon on the highway.

Hyundai i-flow Concept, 2010

 

 

 

 Hyundai i-flow Concept, 2010

Making its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai i-flow Concept car carries forward the company's evocative new form language, 'fluidic sculpture'. The flowing, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics, helping to reduce the car's CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai's first diesel hybrid powertrain is also a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return, as is the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF.

Previewing a future D-segment contender
With an overall length of 4.780mm and a 2.800mm wheelbase, the Hyundai i-flow Concept brings new ideas and a pioneering form to the traditional European D-segment. The dramatically-sculpted forms of the interior and exterior make for a striking sports sedan, and its width and height (1.850mm and 1.420mm respectively) give it an athletic stance.

The name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines of the concept car's eye-catching styling, and retains the 'i' prefix of Hyundai's established alphanumeric nomenclature for Europe. In 2011 Hyundai will bring into production a new challenger in the segment, drawing on the Hyundai i-flow Concept's sleek styling and innovative technology.

The evolution of 'fluidic sculpture'
Thomas Buerkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe, appraises the design concept of i-flow, or HED-7, the seventh in a series of daring concept cars to be born in the Russelsheim styling studio:
Hyundai i-flow Concept

Inside: minimum weight, maximum space and a bionic feel
The interior of Hyundai i-flow Concept redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, were crafted for minimal weight and volume using cutting-edge materials from BASF - one of the world's leading automotive suppliers.

The seats, for example, were developed in conjunction with BASF using advanced stress analysis, which highlighted the unnecessary mass areas and pointed towards an optimized lightweight seat structure. 'Steron', a BASF material, gives the seats a highly-resilient quality, excellent breathability and a high-tech touch.

The upper dashboard, meanwhile, is treated with Elastoskin, a sprayed skin from BASF for a sophisticated, shimmering finish.
This technical, meticulous approach combines with an abundance of natural materials to engender a bionic feel in the cabin, further symbolized by the green color tones and the leaf-like shadows projected from the roof's semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells.

The cockpit's main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display. The fluidic forms of the exterior are echoed in the Hyundai i-flow Concept's cabin, where continuous lines sweep from the dashboard, through the doors to the open storage area at the rear.

The innovative, B-pillarless doors allow comfortable ingress and egress for passengers. The front door is hinged at the A-pillar, and the rear door swings backwards on an intelligent hinge arm system to allow unrestricted access to the rear seats. Additionally the front seats can be turned 30° towards the outside, to invite the driver and co-driver to enter the ultramodern lightweight seats.

An eco-technological test bed
The Hyundai i-flow Concept is a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator. The key technical components of the vehicle have been developed by Hyundai under the Blue Drive™ banner in cooperation with BASF. Blue Drive™ remains at the heart of Hyundai's product development strategy, and continues to drive the company towards its target of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive technologies.

A focal point of Hyundai i-flow Concept is its extraordinary CO2 emissions level of just 85g/km. The car uses efficient aerodynamics, energy harvesting technologies and weight-saving materials to significantly undercut the current average for a D-segment sedan. Furthermore, the company's first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain runs the exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine augmented by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai's Lithium Ion-Polymer battery to give a very efficient and advanced combination, particularly when partnered with Hyundai i-flow Concept's six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

Energy Conservation
BASF and Hyundai R&D engineers have developed thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly, by retaining heat when the car is at idle. Where a non-insulated engine would take three hours to drop to 40°C, the Hyundai i-flow Concept will stay above that temperature for 14 hours. This translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5 per cent during summer and up to 9 per cent during winter.

Energy Harvesting
Another pioneering technique introduced in collaboration with BASF is thermo-electric waste heat recovery. This process equates to further reductions in fuel consumption, 5% at highest driving. In fact, up to half of the electrical energy consumed by Hyundai i-flow Concept at 80kph - 250 watts - can be recovered through the work of a thermo-electric generator. Harvested energy from hot exhaust gases is recaptured by this generator which is fitted into the exhaust manifold. The thermal electric generator then converts the wasted heat into useful electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Liquid Metal, a coating with the appearance of a glossy skin made of liquid metal, has been developed by BASF Coatings. Special effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating system let the surface appear as polished metal with targeted mirror like reflections - this gives a liquid skin appearance to the car's exterior and increases the tension of the surface in the same time. The high color saturation on the Hyundai i-flow Concept adds an energizing charisma to the Hyundai concept car. The typical high contrast between highlight and flop underlines the sculptural impact of the Hyundai i-flow Concept.

Adaptive aerodynamic features harmonize with fluidic sculpture styling, not only to bring aesthetic value, but also to increase fuel efficiency. Radical ideas, such as the arch-like roofline and streamlined front, have a real impact, and the boat-tail shape and kick-up lines force the airflow to separate at the rear of the vehicle, leading to an extremely impressive aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd.

An eco-driving guidance system is present to encourage super-efficient motoring. The system includes fuel consumption and gear shift indicators, and an active ECO function which adjusts the powertrain to its ultimate condition by adapting the engine and transmission control units. Finally, 'eco route' uses real-time traffic conditions and three-dimensional road data to calculate the most fuel-efficient way of reaching the desired destination.

Hyundai Azera, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Hyundai Azera, 2012

The Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new Hyundai Azera in a North American debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Azera is the fifth vehicle to adopt the company's signature Fluidic Sculpture design language. Tucson, Accent, Elantra, Sonata and Azera now all have a modern, sleek, sophisticated style, creating the illusion of constant motion. This flagship Fluidic Sculpture sedan also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment.

AZERA MEETS THE MECHANICS OF FLIGHT
Hyundai Azera's Fluidic Sculpture design takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior of the all-new Azera is long, light and low. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines. The face is masculine with a large powerful chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The elegant look continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance, thanks to a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers.

ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR WITH STANDARD LEATHER
The 2012 Azera offers luxurious appointments that rival the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin with more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for front-seat passengers.

Special attention has been paid to other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin and 3D Carbon interior accents. Ambient lighting compliments the vehicle's modern appearance. Other unexpected luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. The side shades can be inconspicuously tucked away when not in use and no other car in the segment offers them.

Seats are extremely important in this segment. The 2012 Hyundai Azera offers first class seating assignments for all passengers. Leather seating surfaces are standard. A ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger's seats are standard equipment. The driver's seat has an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors. Hyundai Azera's climate and seat temperature controls keep occupants in total comfort.

•     Ventilated front seats (optional) - fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats
•     Heated front and rear seats standard
•     Dual automatic climate control standard
•     Second row air vents standard
•     Cooled glove box standard

BEST-IN-CLASS SPECIFIC OUTPUT
There's an old saying "there is no replacement for displacement." Well, gasoline direct injection technology has changed the game. The Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine is the heart of the 2012 Hyundai Azera. It produces a best-in-class specific output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment. This engine has a high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi), which dramatically increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This system eliminates the need for a large displacement V6 engine and increases the compression ratio from 10.4 to 11.5 for greater thermal efficiency and output. It also features all-aluminum construction, four valves per cylinder, piston cooling jets, roller timing chain, CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating on the top ring chamfer and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) for a broad power spread. A three-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle's off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Hyundai Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

The engine is mated to Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits the engine's characteristics.

Hyundai Azera's powertrain also has an Active Eco mode, which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy that translates into more than a five percent improvement in real-world fuel economy.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Hyundai Azera rides on a 112-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 193.3 inches and width of 73.2 inches. These exterior dimensions optimally size Azera between the Sonata and Genesis models.

BEST-IN-CLASS FRONT HEAD AND LEG ROOM
Hyundai Azera has best-in-class front head and leg room.

WORLD-CLASS WEIGHT EFFICIENCY
World-class weight efficiency is a program target for all Hyundai models. This strategy delivers outstanding fuel economy and performance simultaneously. At just 3,605 pounds, Hyundai Azera is more than 200 pounds lighter than the Buick LaCrosse (3,835 pounds) and more than 400 pounds lighter than the Ford Taurus (4,015 pounds). This priority on weight efficiency allows the Hyundai Azera to deliver a great combination of agility, performance and fuel efficiency.

BALANCED STEERING AND SUSPENSION SOLUTIONS
The Hyundai Azera is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension, coil springs and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer bar. The sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension enables precise geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Sachs Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD), allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:
    Improved ride comfort with more body/wheel control
    Increased driving comfort without compromised handling
    Optimized road surface contact

Standard are 245/45R18 tires on 18-inch Hyper silver alloy wheels. There is an optional 19-inch Hyper silver alloy wheel fitted with 245/40R19 tire.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAi'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT AND IT STARTS WITH THE SEATS

Hyundai Azera has an exceptional level of standard safety features for the large car segment right down to the part people spend the most time in - the seats. Hyundai engineers have developed an impact-reducing seat system for the Hyundai Azera. This seat system eliminates the need for active front head restraints and is expected to reduce head and neck injuries by 17 percent over the front seats in the previous generation Hyundai Azera, which had active front head restraints. This result is achieved through optimization of seat back structure to further absorb impacts.

Hyundai Azera has a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eightNewtonmeters of counter- steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

Hyundai Azera features nine airbags including dual front, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag.

The Hyundai Azera also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (12.6 inch front and 11.2 inch rear) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

Additionally, Hyundai Azera offers impressive passive safety features including a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for children's seats and three-point seatbelts for all positions.

ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY AND STANDARD NAVIGATION
Touch-screen navigation with backup camera is standard on all Azeras. No other car in the segment offers navigation with a backup camera as standard equipment. This easy-to-use unit can be controlled via seven-inch WVGA touchscreen or voice-activation by a headliner-mounted microphone. The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled phone one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route.

Hyundai Azera is available with two audio systems. Standard is a Dimension AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with seven-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. An Infinity 550-watt, Logic 7 audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier is available. An XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. Azera also offers standard HD Radio™ technology.

A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is standard.

HYUNDAI BLUE LINK
Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on the Hyundai Azera with a 90-day complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror inside the Azera, the web and via a smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

"Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package that works to both help simplify Hyundai owners' lives and reduce distracted driving," said Barry Ratzlaff, director of customer satisfaction and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. "We've carefully studied how drivers rely on smart phones and navigation systems as an innovative link to the outside world. Blue Link brings that seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Our agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system offers a 21st century solution to performing POI searches in the vehicle. This unique and innovative approach enables Hyundai to deliver fast, accurate searches and downloads of POIs to vehicles without the unnecessary costs of traditional operator-only type systems of our competitors."

COLOR PALETTE
Hyundai Azera's elegance is further brought to life through a bold color palette including Black Onyx Pearl, Porcelain White Pearl, Silver Frost Metallic, Smoke Gray Metallic, Hyper Silver Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl, Bronze Mist Metallic and Midnight Blue Pearl. Interior color choices are Camel, Graphite Black and Chestnut Brown.