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Refreshed 2011 Azera arrives with more horsepower

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Khatir Soltani
As reported by Hyundai

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - The 2011 Hyundai Azera adds power and efficiency to a model known for its luxurious appointments. The updated large sedan now includes an advanced six-speed automatic transmission and other powertrain refinements raising the bar on fuel economy in its class, while still gaining horsepower. The 2011 Azera will be available at Hyundai dealerships in spring 2010.


All of these upgrades help illustrate why more and more customers are discovering how well Azera stacks up against the competition. Overall, the 2011 Azera is a strong competitor to vehicles like the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus. Spacious and luxurious, the Azera features more interior volume than expensive luxury sedans such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class, BMW 750i and Lexus LS 460. Both Azera powertrains still offer more standard horsepower than the BMW 528i demonstrating that Azera is one of the smartest premium large-sedan choices available in the American market today.

The Azera GLS is equipped with an enhanced 3.3-liter, DOHC V6 engine that now produces an estimated 260 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 233 lbs.-ft. at 4,500 rpm of torque. The performance gains were achieved by incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) that improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust camshafts for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, DCVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power. Previously, the 2010 Azera only had CVVT on the intake camshaft. Now, the Azera GLS features a specially tuned intake manifold surge tank to take advantage of the new DCVVT configuration. A member of Hyundai's “Lambda” engine family, this new engine also has all-aluminum construction and four valves per cylinder. It also features a Variable Intake System (VIS) that further broadens its power curve to improve the vehicle’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. Fuel economy estimates for the Azera GLS are 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.

The Azera Limited delivers powerful performance due to its revised clean and efficient all-aluminum 3.8-liter, DOHC V6 engine, which delivers an estimated 283 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 263 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. To maximize the power spread, this engine also uses DCVVT and a Variable Intake System (VIS) to help cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpms. Estimated mileage figures for the Azera Limited are 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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