Hyundai Rolls Out Newest Model at LA Auto Show
Hyundai made a splash at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show with the debut of the redesigned Elantra, which was enormously successful for the Korean automaker (2011 US sales doubled from the previous year). At the time, they were midway through an initiative they dubbed "24/7": Seven new models in 24 months. These models were the Tucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra, Accent, Veloster...
And at this year's L.A. Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the seventh and final new model: The 2012 Azera.
The sleek, second-generation full-size sedan now sports Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language and standard amenities like a leather interior with heated front and rear seats (plus ventilated front seats), Bluetooth hands-free phone system and Blue Link telematics platform.
Under the hood, Azera's been equipped with a Lambda II 3.3-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine that is not only powerful (293 hp) but efficient (combined EPA rating of 23 mpg).
Equus is Hyundai's luxury model, and the feeling of pampering begins during the shopping process. Equus buyers never have to set foot on a dealer's lot. Instead, Hyundai sends a salesperson and Equus to a prospective buyer's home or office to test drive at their convenience. This "Your Time, Your Place" valet test drive program has proven popular with value-conscious luxury car buyers.
The Equus concierge experience continues when the vehicle needs service, which can be scheduled online or through the vehicle's unique interactive owner's manual. Equus owners can choose to have their vehicle picked up at their home or business, with a complimentary loaner dropped off. Once service is completed, the owner again chooses the time and location for the vehicle to be delivered.
The vehicle itself features a powerful 429 horsepower, 5.0-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) Tau V8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, yet obtains fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway. This is better than both the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes S550. T
The interior features leather upholstery, natural wood trim and leather-wrapped French-stitched instrument panel, fully adjustable seats with controls for heating, cooling and humidity and even a massaging driver seat. Safety features include a total of nine airbags.
Veloster is Hyundai's head-turning compact coupe; a sporty three-door model that takes its design inspiration from a high-performance motorcycle. Veloster looks like a vehicle in motion -- even when it's parked. Thanks to gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology and an efficient six-speed transmission, its 1.6 liter 4-cylinder Gamma engine packs a powerful punch while delivering an efficient 40 mpg on the highway.
Veloster's user technology includes standard multi-function touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Hyundai Blue Link (TM), and integrated Pandora Internet radio. Optional features include a navigation system and rearview camera.
Donna Schwartz Mills loves her cars. Of course! She's SoCal Mom!
