Korea : HYUNDAI launches all-new Grandeur.

WorldWideTech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

  Press Release.

- Fifth-generation Grandeur is designed under ‘Grand Glide’ concept

- Powered by new Lambda II 3.0 Gasoline Direct Injection(GDI) engine

The Grandeur, Hyundai’s top-selling premium large sedan, returns with new safety and convenience features and sharper, more graceful styling.

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, rolled out the all-new Grandeur (badged as Azera in some markets) today at a ceremony in Seoul, attended by some 300 VIPs, including Hyundai Motor President Steve S. Yang, and media members.

The all-new Grandeur arrives in the Korean market six years after its predecessor’s (code named TG) launch in May 2005. The Grandeur is unrivaled as Korea’s No. 1 large sedan, with cumulative sales of 1.25 million units (domestic: 980,000, exports: 270,000) since the first generation launched in 1986.

The new Grandeur is the result of three-and-a-half years and 450 billion won of research, development and testing. The goal: To create a wholly different large sedan that harmonizes sophisticated design, significantly improved performance and fuel economy as well as cutting-edge safety and convenience features. The result of the project, code named HG, is the new Grandeur.

“Our world-class technology and dedication to quality management made it possible to create the new Grandeur, making it the leading premium sedan of our times,” said Mr. Yang. “The new Grandeur will meet every functional and emotional need of our customers.”

Hyundai designers followed the concept of “Grand Glide” when styling the new Grandeur, creating a look that evokes powerful, elegant flight.

Based on this concept, the exterior styling of the Grandeur is realized in a grand and progressive style that harmoniously connects dynamic character lines and striking surfaces.

The “Grand Glide” styling is carried to the Grandeur’s interior, as the center console, instrument cluster and dash are integrated into a graceful design that recalls the image of expressive, expansive wings.

The Grandeur projects a sporty yet refined exterior look (overall length: 4,910mm; overall width: 1,860mm; overall height: 1,470mm). Moreover, a 2,845mm-long wheelbase -- 65mm longer than the previous version -- delivers the most interior room in Grandeur’s class as well as greater stability and a smoother ride.

Equipped with a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the new Grandeur comes with two powerful and fuel-efficient gasoline engines: the new Lambda II 3.0 GDI (maximum horsepower: 270ps / maximum torque: 31.6kg•m / fuel economy: 11.6km/ ℓ) and the Theta II 2.4 GDI (maximum horsepower: 201ps / maximum torque: 25.5kg•m / fuel economy: 12.8km/ℓ).

Industry-leading safety features are standard on the new Grandeur, working to prevent accidents before they happen. Maximum passenger safety is achieved through a cutting-edge chassis design that absorbs and distributes crash energy throughout the Grandeur’s body.   

The new Grandeur boasts a suite of high-tech safety systems including VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal). Braking performance also has been significantly upgraded.

A nine-airbag system -- including a driver’s knee airbag – is standard in every trim level. The new Grandeur seeks to minimize neck injuries resulting from rear-end crashes by employing a new seat back-structure system.

The new Grandeur features Advanced Smart Cruise Control, which automatically keeps a safe distance from a car ahead and provides automatic stop and restart functions in response to traffic flow. Also, the Grandeur features a Smart Parking Assist System that uses a sensor to measure parallel parking spaces, controlling the steering wheel to semi-automatically park the car. With Electric Parking Brake, a simple switch replaces the traditional foot pedal or hand brake.

An advanced telematics system makes the new Grandeur a connected communication and control hub, and allows owners to contact their vehicle via smart phone, with the Grandeur’s premium eight-inch navigation screen.

Grandeur separates itself from other large sedans with a number of features, including a wide panorama sunroof, top-quality Nappa leather seats, front and back seat warmers, high-quality suede (tricot) interior, a power driver’s seat that can be adjusted in 14 directions and a uniquely styled button-start smart key. 

Hyundai aims to sell 100,000 Grandeur units this year; 80,000 in the domestic market and 20,000 outside of Korea. In 2012, when major launches in overseas markets are planned, Hyundai plans to sell 120,000 units globally.

The new Grandeur will be priced between 311.2 million won to 390.1 million won (approximately US$ 27,960 to US$ 35,049, based on today’s currency exchange rates).