2012 Hyundai Azera Grandeur photos released

Hyundai has released pictures of the all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera Grandeur. This full-size sedan lines up in between the Sonata and the Genesis models in the company’s portfolio.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera Grandeur will slot right into the mid-size segment at a time when most buyers are looking to downsize their larger vehicles for more compact, efficient and greener commuting solutions. Hyundai seems to have become one of the leading players in this particular market segment with cars like the Genesis. Now, in an effort to solidify its position, Hyundai is seeking to replace the Azera sedan with a package with sleek new looks enhanced features.

Photo: 2012 Hyundai Azera Grandeur sedan

The new sedan exhibits what Hyundai calls ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy. While we don’t understand what this means in the real world, the photos accompanying this Hyundai release should help explain some of its salient features. The official renderings show a very stylish sedan, with the best elements of the Sonata and even some influences from Hyundai’s Equus flagship featuring in the design for the new Azera. To our eyes, there are even some lines from the Toyota Camry.

Pic: 2012 Hyundai Azera Grandeur rendering (we think)

“The Azera is a front wheel drive car whereas the Genesis is rear-wheel-drive and performance-focused, so [the Azera] will have greater appeal in northern, snow-states where front wheel drive is important, but there will be a very, very strong level of differentiation between the two cars,” the head of the company’s North American division, John Krafcik, said.

As is the policy with most car manufacturers nowadays, Hyundai too is leaking out information at a snail’s pace. As of now, we don’t know much at all about the car’s specs and features so stay tuned to DWS as they come out.

One thing we do know is that the new Hyundai Azera Grandeur is expected to be launched with two different V-6 engines: a 3.8-liter Lambda unit with 305 horsepower on tap and a smaller 3.3-liter mill to be sold overseas. Hyundai’s new six-speed automatic transmission with pseudo manual mode will also likely be standard across the range.

The car is expected to be officially unveiled before the year end.