Hyundai reveals refreshed Grandeur sedan in South Korea

Thu, 29 May 2014

Never heard of the Hyundai Grandeur? That's alright, because that's just the name the model uses domestically. Over here it's known as the Azera, but it's back in Korea where Hyundai has revealed a revised version of what is currently the company's largest front-drive sedan.

Compared with the previous Grandeur and even the recently redone Azera we know, the new model is marginally longer and benefits from a redesigned bumpers front and rear, a new grille, new LED fog lamps and upgraded equipment. Inside there's a reshaped center stack with upgraded HVAC controls and an eight-inch nav screen, and keeping it all on the straight and narrow are all the latest electronic aids you'd expect of a high-end model from a global automaker.

Whereas the Azera is offered here with a 3.3-liter V6 packing 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, back home Grandeur buyers get a choice of the 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft or a 2.2-liter diesel with 199 hp and 325 lb-ft.

In addition to the revised Grandeur, Hyundai is also unveiling a new sedan at South Korea's Busan Motor Show. The new model, dubbed AG, is set to supersede the Grandeur/Azera as the company's largest front-drive model, and Hyundai will also show a mid-engined Veloster show car. The latter stands little chance of production, but we'll be watching to see if the two large front-drive sedans will made the transpacific voyage to US showrooms.

Hyundai Motor Strengthens Large Sedan Line-ups at the 2014 Busan International Motor Show

- Grandeur receives new and upgraded powertrain, aesthetic enhancements
- The exterior of flagship premium sedan 'AG' unveiled at the show
- Hyundai Motor displays 25 vehicles and advanced technologies

May 29, 2014 – Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, today unveiled its significantly-upgraded Grandeur* and the exterior design of a new flagship premium sedan codenamed 'AG' - scheduled to debut in Korea later this year - at the 2014 Busan International Motor Show, which runs from May 29 to June 8 under the theme of "Ocean of Vehicles, Feeding the World."

"Amid tougher business conditions and fiercer competition, Hyundai Motor is continuously striving to provide products and services with solid fundamentals," Choong Ho Kim, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor, said today during his opening remarks at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO). "We place customer satisfaction before anything else, and the improved Grandeur and 'AG', introduced today, are at the center of these efforts, fully reflecting our customers' voices."

* Grandeur is badged as Azera in markets outside Korea

Grandeur Upgrades

The upgraded Grandeur is equipped with the company's powerful 2.2-liter R diesel engine, featuring a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, for the first time, which meets the Euro VI emission standard. This newly adopted power plant generates 202 ps and 45.0 kg•m torque.

Customers will also enjoy enhanced performance, benefitting from the Theta II 2.4-liter GDI petrol engine, which has been re-engineered to offer improved everyday drivability in the mid-row range of rpm. The engine delivers 190 ps and 24.6 kg•m torque. Furthermore, improvements to the motor-driven power steering system result in a greater handling responsiveness and stability.

Grandeur has also been upgraded with redesigned exterior front and rear styling, as well as enhanced audio equipment. The cabin receives a remodeled central fascia with the latest HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) controls, as well as a new 8-inch navigation screen as standard.

The upgraded Grandeur is 10 millimeters longer (length) than the previous model. A high-gloss two-tone rear bumper design provides a wide and elegant appearance, while a stylish new grille and front bumper complement the LED fog lamps to create a cutting-edge front visual aspect.

New safety and convenience features have been added to Grandeur to maximize customers' satisfaction. While cutting-edge technologies such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Front Collision Warning System (FCWS), and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) features secure drivers' safety, Advanced Smart Parking Assist System (ASPAS) and Smart Trunk offer more convenience.

AG

'AG' is an elegant large sedan that underlines Hyundai Motor's position as a manufacturer of premium vehicles, offering distinctive styling. Displaying an elegant yet simple exterior, 'AG' continues the modern interpretation of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, with a distinctive long hood, and a refined character-line that runs the length of the wheelbase.

This new front-wheel drive flagship sedan will offer quiet and sophisticated driving comfort, while adopting a series of advanced convenience features. 'AG' is expected to reinforce the premium image of the Hyundai Motor brand when it hits Korean showrooms in the second half of this year.

Busan Motor Show exhibits

Hyundai Motor's impressive booth at BEXCO focuses on not only showcasing its new cars and technologies, but the brand's investment in football and motorsports. Over ten exhibition zones include displays for each aspect of the Korean manufacturer's activities. In total, Hyundai Motor exhibits a total of 25 cars at the event, including its commercial vehicles.

In particular, Hyundai Motor's stunning next-generation fuel cell concept, Intrado, made its Asian debut at the show. Intrado is a unique vehicle that showcases Hyundai Motor's vision of future mobility. Powered by a next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain, the vehicle's body structure is almost 60% lighter than the conventional one thanks to its central carbon frame structure and innovative construction methods.

Hyundai Motor's commitment to sporting involvement is represented by a World Cup Zone, which celebrates Hyundai Motor's sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ with a range of vehicles wrapped in themed livery.

Paying tribute to the brand's involvement in global motor sport, an i20 WRC rally car is displayed alongside other key competition vehicles, such as the Genesis Coupe Racing Car, in a dedicated Motor Sports zone.

In addition, 'Veloster midship' show car is also exhibited in the same zone. The high-performance show car boasts Hyundai Motor's performance technologies, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter Theta GDI engine that generates 300 ps, lighter aluminum suspension, high-rigidity structure, and mid-ship engine mounting chassis.

Showcasing Hyundai Motor's brand enhancement through design, a selection of cars created through collaboration projects are also displayed on the booth, including the 'i40 Art Car' by Karim Rashid, 'My Baby' project and the 'Equus by Hermes' concept car.

Hyundai Motor's dedication to alternative fuel solutions can be shown by Sonata and Grandeur Hybrids, together with the world's first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell - allowing visitors to understand and appreciate the brand's forward-thinking approach to mobility.

About Hyundai Motor

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is committed to becoming a lifetime partner in automobiles and beyond. The company, which leads the Hyundai Motor Group, an innovative business structure capable of circulating resources from molten iron to finished cars, offers top-quality best-sellers such as Elantra, Sonata and Genesis. Hyundai Motor has seven manufacturing bases and seven design & technical centers outside of South Korea and in 2013, sold 4.73 million vehicles globally. With almost 100,000 employees worldwide, Hyundai Motor continues to enhance its product line-up with localized models and strives to strengthen its leadership in clean technology, starting with the world's first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, ix35 Fuel Cell.

By Noah Joseph