What's Wrong With This Picture: Delay-sions of Grandeur? Edition

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: January 17th, 2011

what s wrong with this picture delay sions of grandeur edition

Hyundai’s Azera has long flown under the radar in this country, offering a near-luxury option that’s (at least) as stolid as it is solid. But because the Azera has never connected with America’s love of flamboyance, few know that the Grandeur, as it’s known in Korea, has a long, proud history full of grandiose names. Did you know the Grandeur was originally a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair, and that these two suave nameplates were jointly developed for at least one generation? Only the second domestically-produced front-drive sedan on the Korean market, the first generation had to be made from Mitsubishi knock-down kits so the Korean automaker would have a luxury car ready to transport dignitaries in time for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. It unseated the Daewoo Royale (an Opel Rekord/Senator mash-up) as Korea’s top luxury car, and eventually became the country’s best-selling car.

Yes, the “Azera” has had a more storied history than its near-invisible styling, marketing and name in this country seem to suggest… but back in Korea it’s making waves again. The latest Grandeur launched last Thursday, and our man in Korea, Walter Foreman, has sent us the latest production-model press shots, which give a far better sense of the car than the last set of spy shots and renderings. And though Hyundai says it expects to sell 100k Grandeurs in 2011, Reuters reports that a US launch is not going to happen until 2012. In light of the new design direction, perhaps they’re taking the time to rethink the “Azera” nameplate…

#3WTP #Design #Heritage #Korea #Luxury

Edward Niedermeyer

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Sgt Beavis on Jan 18, 2011

I like it. I love what Buick did with the Lacrosse but this is going to give them a run for their money... Fortunately I thing the Buick boys are up to the task... Competition is a wonderful thing...

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Glenn Konze Koniszewski on Jan 18, 2011

It doesn't look half bad. Unfortunately, I agree with the TTAC masses...this thing is a Sonata with a 3.0 liter GDI V6 under the hood. Question is, what the heck are they aiming this car at? The Avalon and the La Crosse? Personally, I think the Genesis does a fine job filling that niche.

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