Report: All-wheel-drive for Hyundai Genesis, Equus years away

May 16, 2011  

By Fred Meier, USA TODAY

Updated 2011-05-16 3:15 PM

The new Hyundai Equus luxury car is introduced at the New York InternaAuto Show April 1, 2010 in New York

By STAN HONDA, AFP/Getty Images

If you've been hot for a Hyundai Genesis, but holding off until the big rear driver is offered with the much-discussed all-wheel-drive option, looks like you might want to rethink the whole thing.

According to information ferreted out by Car and Driver in this report, the Genesis won't get AWD with the expected refresh for 2012. The report says AWD may wait until the next generation of the luxury sedan -- not due till 2014. That likely means the Genesis coupe and the upmarket and larger Equus also with go without for a few years, too.

Whether your interest is in performance or bad-weather traction, AWD would be worthy option for these cars:

And Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has been saying the Genesis and Equus would get AWD down the road -- we just didn't think he meant that far.

Hyundai will not offer all-wheel drive for its Genesis luxury sedan until the second generation of the car arrives for the 2014 model year. Krafcik indicated to C&D earlier that the Genesis line and Equus, would offer all-wheel drive. Since it was not included in the 2012 refresh for the Genesis sedan, it appears they'll all wait for their next-generation platform.

The Genesis sedan has been a winner for Hyundai in a higher market than the brand's previously been in, with solid sales and a lot of buyers new to a Hyundai showroom. AWD should make help gain sales in the snowbelt, though it will face in-house competition from a redone Azera -- we expect in the sexy, swoopy new Hyundai look -- due next winter. Krafcik has told Drive On that the front-drive Azera continues to attract a loyal buyer following, particularly in snowy markets.

Although they didn't announce AWD for the refreshed 2012 Genesis, Hyundai did reveal some interesting upgrades, including direct injection for the V-6 that increases horsepower to 333, a revised suspension set-up for the mainstream models, refreshed styling tweaks, and an 8-speed transmission for all models, including the new performance R-Spec sedan (there already is an R-Spec coupe). The highlight of the R-Spec sedan is its own new 5.0-liter, 429-hp. V-8. It also gets performance-tuned transmission and suspension and steering calibrations.

Source: USA Today

For the Person Who Wants Everything

By Allyson Harwood | Photos By Motor Trend Staff | July, 2011

Vehicle specs (Base Model)

Engine2.4L L4

Power176 hp / 168 lb-ft

TransmissionManual

MSRP$19,995

Seats5 adults

MPG23 City / 31 Hwy

Consumer Reviews

At the Hyundai Tucson's price range, value is the factor that is most critical to a crossover's success. There are so many crossovers with a price tag of $25,000-$30,000 that what differentiates one from the rest of the pack is the features. And the Hyundai Tucson has tons of 'em. Our topline Limited AWD comes with enough goodies that one staffer, having not driven the Tucson for a while, logged, "When it comes to the cabin, this Tucson has everything! Heated seats, Bluetooth audio, power everything, satellite radio, nav system, rearview camera, huge sunroof. I kept finding myself thinking, 'Oh, yeah-it has that, too.'" The steering-wheel-mounted controls also received kudos; they're well-placed on the wheel, and the layout is nicely uncluttered. As digital integration director Mike Floyd noted, "This is a really nicely designed set of controls that have proven simple and effective and rest roughly at the 9 and 3 positions, making it easy for thumbs to reach and operate." But that isn't the whole story. While it has plenty of features, when it comes to attention to detail, the Tucson leaves some editors wanting. There are complaints of road noise at freeway speeds, steering that's too lifeless, some poorly placed controls, and structural creaks when the Hyundai goes over speed bumps or enters driveways. There is definitely room for improvement, which is why we had mixed feelings about this long-termer. As copy editor Zach Gale explains, "This Tucson is impressive, considering the vehicle it replaces, but solid design carries this small SUV only so far." And considering how far this crossover has come in just two generations, we expect Hyundai will get the bugs out for the next one.

But that isn't the whole story. While it has plenty of features, when it comes to attention to detail, the Tucson leaves some editors wanting. There are complaints of road noise at freeway speeds, steering that's too lifeless, some poorly placed controls, and structural creaks when the Hyundai goes over speed bumps or enters driveways. There is definitely room for improvement, which is why we had mixed feelings about this long-termer. As copy editor Zach Gale explains, "This Tucson is impressive, considering the vehicle it replaces, but solid design carries this small SUV only so far." And considering how far this crossover has come in just two generations, we expect Hyundai will get the bugs out for the next one.

2012 Hyundai Azera Review

Denis Flierl | Sep 28, 2012 |

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is all-new and this is the second generation of Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan. Hyundai unveiled the new large sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. The Azera is the fifth vehicle in the lineup to adopt what the company calls their Fluidic Sculpture design language. The exterior of the new sedan is longer and lower than the previous generation. The big sedan also got lighter and weighs in at 3,605 pounds.

This flagship sedan from Hyundai also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine for the 2012 model year. The new engine develops 293 horsepower and has a best-in-class 23 mpg combined fuel mileage. The 2012 Azera is one of seven vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup to be revamped and picking the car you want is made simple. The Azera offers one trim level, one powertrain, one price and only one option is available.

Luxury abounds inside

Inside, the luxury sedan is comfortable and roomy. Azera has best-in-class front head and leg room. The standard leather seats are supportive and comes with 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power front passenger seat both of which includes a height adjustment. This 2012 Azera tester came with the Technology Package that includes an extendable section on the driver’s seat for thigh support, and the front seats are ventilated for maximum comfort. Fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats.

The cabin of the new Azera also gets dual-zone automatic climate control to keep all the occupants comfortable. The interior materials are of top quality and the fit and finish is top end. Controls are well planned and easy to understand. The standard navigation system with its 7-inch screen conveys needed information and features a backup camera display. The seats are heated, front and rear.

Other interior features that get special mention is the optional panoramic sunroof, which allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin. It also features 3D Carbon interior accents and ambient lighting floods the cabin. Other luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades that tuck away when not in use.

Optional Technology Package

The single option is the Technology Package ($4000), adding such goodies as a 19-inch Hyper-Silver alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, power tilt-and-slide, two-pane, panoramic sunroof; power adjustable, tilt-and-telescope steering column; two-setting memory for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering column; fan-ventilated front seats; Infinity premium speaker system with subwoofer and 550-watt external amplifier; power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades; and rear parking assistance sensors.

The latest engine technology

Priced at a highly competitive $32,000, this four-door, five-passenger sedan is powered by a remarkably efficient, 3.3-liter V6, that produces 293-horsepower and 255 lb ft of torque. The new Lambda II engine uses the latest Gas Direct Injection (GDI) and produces a best-in-class output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment.

The engine uses some high-tech features often found on more exotic sports sedans. It uses high compression, all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and a roller timing chain for maximum performance and efficiency. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transaxle outfitted with the Shiftronic manual shift feature. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

Smooth and quiet ride

The 2012 Azera is no sports sedan, but that was never Hyundai’s intention for the luxury car. The ride is comfortable and handling is well mannered. Azera comes with automatically adjusting shock absorbers that level out bumps in the interstate and city streets. The Hyundai Azera is also quiet while underway from the use of extra sound deadening material. Also use of sophisticated vibration isolating and motion counterbalancing underhood structures contribute to the quiet ride.

If you haven’t noticed, Hyundai Motor Group is designing and building quality cars that are catching the competition. The 2012 Hyundai Azera is another one of those cars to keep your eye on. Its new exterior design is sharp looking; it’s roomy, quiet and gets excellent fuel economy.