2008 Hyundai Azera Packs More Luxury And Value Into An Award Winning Full Size Sedan

2008 Hyundai Azera Packs More Luxury And Value Into An Award Winning Full Size Sedan

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., In 2007, the Azera trophy case expanded once again, this time to accommodate the premium sedan's second consecutive win for large sedans in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL), and its Strategic Vision Total Quality Award™ in the large car segment. Azera continues to redefine the premium sedan segment and raise the stakes even higher, packing in more luxury, value, upgrades and standard equipment than ever before.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008

- 17-inch alloy wheels now standard on GLS
- Bodycolor rocker panels added to GLS
- GLS Premium Package (includes leather heated front seats and sunroof)
- Side mirror turn signal indicators standard on all Limited models
- Power sunroof standard on all Limited models
- Infinity® audio system standard on all Limited models
- LG navigation system available on Limited trim level
- Suspension enhanced for improved ride and handling
- Azera SE discontinued

For 2008, the Azera GLS has been upgraded to include 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and 235/55VR17 tires and bodycolor rocker panels. The GLS Premium Package receives leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power sunroof. The Azera Limited now comes standard with side mirror turn signal indicators, power sunroof and a powerful 315-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/MP3 audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers.

Azera upgrades also include an enhanced suspension for all models and an all-new LG in-dash navigation system to the long list of amenities available on the 2008 Azera Limited. This system was developed exclusively for Hyundai by LG, a leading worldwide electronics manufacturer. The LG navigation system provides coverage for the continental United States and includes touch screen functionality, audio and visual prompts and point-of-interest features for all entertainment needs.

More and more customers are discovering Azera's advantages. Enhanced design and convenience features, together with a comprehensive standard active and passive safety technology package, render the 2008 Azera a solid alternative to vehicles like the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. Spacious and luxurious, the Azera features more interior volume than more expensive luxury sedans, such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series. Couple this with its continued accolades from independent automotive studies across the board and there's no question that Azera is one of the smartest premium large sedan choices available in the American marketplace today.

STRIKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Hyundai appreciates the power of first impressions, and one look at this premium flagship sedan is proof. Azera's proportions are elegant, purposeful and aerodynamically efficient, which reduces wind noise, while adding maximum stability on the highway. Inside, its spacious cabin provides not only roomy comfort, but a luxurious look and attention to detail that makes both driver and passengers feel like they are riding in a much more expensive sedan.



SAFETY FEATURES

Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering class leading safety technology, the 2008 Azera boasts impressive active and passive safety features to protect its occupants in the event of a collision, earning the vehicle the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) top crash test ratings for frontal offset impacts. The Azera continues to set standards by making key life-saving active safety technology standard, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with a Traction Control System (TCS). Also standard are independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, large four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake performance even with differing vehicle loading.

Additionally, the Azera offers impressive passive safety features, including eight standard airbags, active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash, a child seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system and three-point seatbelts for all positions. Shingle-style rear seat head restraints provide drivers with improved visibility. Security is further advanced with an anti-theft engine immobilizer and remote keyless entry with alarm.



ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR

The 2008 Azera offers luxurious appointments and spaciousness that rivals the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin, with nearly 44 inches of legroom up front and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers. Hyundai engineers have created efficient packaging to maximize interior volume, with the 2008 Azera offering more interior volume (123.5 cu.-ft.) than the Toyota Avalon, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans and the BMW 7-Series.

Special attention has been paid to other interior details, such as the enhanced electroluminescent cluster display and steering wheel audio control functions. Other unexpected luxury appointments include rain-sensing wipers, power adjustable foot pedals, power folding side mirrors with turn signal indicators and LED tail lights on the Limited version.

The Azera comes standard with dual front automatic climate controls, electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink®, power seats for driver and front passenger, as well as woodgrain and metalgrain interior accents. The Azera interior is also now available in beige or gray premium cloth (GLS only) and beige, gray and black leather (standard on Limited and optional on GLS).

An AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system that includes a four-channel, 172-watt internal amplifier and six speakers comes standard in the Azera GLS. Audiophiles with even more demanding tastes will be impressed by the available Infinity audio system that includes a 7-channel, 315-watt amplifier with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers, standard in Limited trim levels.



LG NAVIGATION

LG, the South Korean based international manufacturer of consumer electronics that now distributes in more than 39 countries, has developed an exclusive navigation system for the Hyundai Azera, Santa Fe and Veracruz models. Using touch screen functions, the navigation system comes equipped with a premium 605-watt Infinity Logic 7® surround sound system with 12 speakers, 11-channel digital amplifier and AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 reception capability. It also includes mapping software for the continental United States and has available POI's (Points of Interest) for entertainment, shopping and dining. Route guidance is provided by audio and visual prompts.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

The Azera GLS is equipped with a 3.3-liter, V6 engine that produces 234 horsepower and 226 lb-ft. of torque. As the first member of Hyundai's "Lambda" engine family, this engine has all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power spread. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) that to further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle's off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera GLS are 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

The Azera Limited delivers a powerful performance, due to its clean and efficient all-aluminum 3.8-liter, DOHC V6 engine, which delivers 263 horsepower and 257 lb-ft. of torque. To maximize the power spread, this engine also utilizes CVVT and a VIS to help cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpms. The Azera offers more standard horsepower than the Buick LaCrosse and even the BMW 528i, yet still remains environmentally friendly with an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification rating. New EPA mileage figures for the Azera Limited are 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

Both V6 engines are matched with Hyundai's five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that ideally suits the engine's characteristics.

COMFORTABLE AND CONTROLLED SUSPENSION

Hyundai engineers benchmarked the best cars in the category before designing the Azera's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear four-wheel independent suspension system. By utilizing high-tensile steel in critical unibody areas, the Azera features increased stiffness and rigidity, which ensures formidable resistance to flexing, enhanced ride and handling tuning, while at the same time lowering interior noise levels. Attached to the 2008 Azera's rigid structure is improved suspension and steering hardware to keep the Azera even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. The enhanced suspension features four revalved twin-tube, gas-charged dampers, softer bushings and a quicker steering rack. The Azera also has front and rear stabilizer bars and rides on 17-inch wheels and 235/55VR17 tires.

AZERA GLS

The GLS now includes a more impressive range of standard features that give it a competitive edge, including a powerful 3.3-liter, DOHC V6 engine with 234 horsepower, a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control, standard ESC with TCS, eight airbags, active front head restraints, and a six-speaker AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD audio system with MP3 capability. The vehicle achieves 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway fuel economy ratings.

Further enhancing the GLS' first-class appearance are bodycolor sills and rocker panels, and wheel wells that house 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and 235/55VR17 tires. Upscale features include LED tail and brake lights, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink, power seats for both driver and front passenger, and automatic headlight control. Also available as a stand alone option is a power tilt and slide sunroof.

AZERA GLS with PREMIUM PACKAGE

The Azera with Premium Package adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power sunroof to an already loaded standard equipment package.

AZERA LIMITED

A truly impressive array of standard features and amenities define the prestigious Azera Limited. Additional standard features on the Limited include leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, an electroluminescent gauge cluster, power rear sunshade and other upgrades. The Limited now adds side mirror turn signal indicators, power sunroof and a powerful 315-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/MP3 audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers.

AZERA LIMITED with NAVIGATION PACKAGE

The Navigation Package includes the LG navigation system and premium 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system. The six-disc CD changer is replaced by the navigation system.

AZERA LIMITED with ULTIMATE PACKAGE

The Ultimate Package defines Hyundai's flagship Azera, offering a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 Surround Sound AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with 12 speakers (including subwoofer) and external amplifier. The Ultimate Package also offers a power tilt and slide sunroof, power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, integrated memory system (power driver seat, exterior mirrors, and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel), woodgrain steering wheel and door pulls, and rain-sensing wipers.

AZERA LIMTED with ULTIMATE NAVIGATION PACKAGE

The Ultimate Navigation Package includes all of the Ultimate Package items plus the LG navigation system, which replaces the six-disc CD changer.

WARRANTY

The Azera, like all 2008 models, 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), a service that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 750 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.