Hyundai’s Azera sedan prototype might be drolly described as a zero-carbon “muscle car” — but only until the real deal rolls out at the L.A. Auto Show in November. The knockoff — meant to give prospective buyers a sneak peek at the new model — currently is constructed of nothing more than steel tubing, Styrofoam, and plastic. But you’d need to muster up some muscle to drive it: The sample is powered only by pedals on the footboard under the driver’s seat.
The Hyundai build team created a pair of videos that include a time-lapse of the build as well as footage of the gawks the car gets when it “promenades” up to a gas pump and valet station. Eyewitnesses appear baffled but beguiled by the paper-thin frame of the car. Most are hesitant to actually take a seat behind the wheel.The 2012 Hyundai Azera is a completely revamped model, which the Korea-based automaker hopes will revive the car's rather humble position in the Hyundai lineup. Unveiled in 2009 in Korea as the Grandeur and in 2010 in North America, the model sold fewer than 4,000 cars per month at the end of last year, compared to 120,000 per month for the Sonata.
Positioned between the Sonata and the Genesis, the 2012 Hyundai Azera will feature the automaker's latest take on the `fluidic sculpture' design philosophy.
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"We're in the final stages of ride/handling tuning for the 2012 Azera, and it's dialing in nicely," said John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America on the company's Twitter (News - Alert) account.
A fuel-economy improvement is likely in the 2012 Azera, since Hyundai has become a crusader for better gas mileage. The EPA says the base 2011 Azera with the 3.3-liter V6 returns 20 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway. The 2011 Azera with the 3.8-liter V6 returns 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.
The 2011 Hyundai Azera starts at $26,270.
Cheryl Kaften is an accomplished communicator who has written for consumer and corporate audiences. She has worked extensively for MasterCard (News - Alert) Worldwide, Philip Morris USA (Altria), and KPMG, and has consulted for Estee Lauder and the Philadelphia Inquirer Newspapers. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
