.
Hyundai XG
History The Hyundai XG is a mid-size/full-size sedan manufactured and marketed globally by Hyundai Motor Company since model year 1986. The XG has evolved through four generations with intermediate restylings, and is marketed under various nameplates worldwide such as the Hyundai Grandeur XG or as the Hyundai Azera.
The first two generations were essentially rebadged Mitsubishi Debonairs, with the third and current generations developed entirely by Hyundai, with technical experience learned from the first two generations.
Future Models
Unknown
Current Models
Hyundai Grandeur
Discontinued Models
First Generation (1986-1992) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mitsubishi_Debonair_V_001.JPG The first Grandeur was a rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair produced by Hyundai. Initially launched with Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0L SOHC MPI engine also used in 1st generation Sonata. 2.4L SOHC MPI engine had added in 1987 and V6 3.0L engine model launched in 1991 to compete with Daewoo Imperial.
One of the reasons why Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi shared the car and its platform was because of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. VIP's who were visiting South Korea forced the Korean domestic car division to produce a luxury car to be used for transporting dignitaries for the occasion. Hyundai was the top manufacturer in South Korea, but didn't have a luxury car currently in production or the expertise and didn't have enough time because of time constraints for the occasion, so knock down kits were used from Mitsubishi.
Second Generation (1992-1998)
The New Grandeur and the third generation of the Mitsubishi Debonair were the products of a joint development between Hyundai and Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi was responsible for the powertrain, and Hyundai was responsible for the body and trim design. Production of the car began in September 1992 and ended in 1998.
The "New Grandeur" came in various trim levels and only V6 engine combinations (2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, and 3.5L). The new Korea based Grandeur became a huge success following the first generation Grandeur it replaced. However, the reception of the same model marketed by Mitsubishi in Japan was perfunctory eventually leading Mitsubishi to end the product earlier than expected.
The 3-liter and 3.5-liter engines developed by Mitsubishi were substantial legacies to Hyundai, which at the time did not have the ability to manufacture engines of that size on its own. Although Debonair's failure in Japan, the Hyundai-Mitsubishi tie further lead to the production of Hyundai Equus / Mitsubishi Dignity premium flagship sedan, and the slightly smaller Hyundai Dynasty and Mitsubishi Proudia. Since the production of Hyundai Equus, Hyundai develops all the engines in its product line on its own such as the industry-acclaimed 4.6-liter Tau Engine featured on the Hyundai Genesis
Although it was not exported outside the home market, the second generation Grandeur was a success in Korean domestic market as the flagship sedan of Hyundai lineup. This model became a status symbol in Korea, which many politicians and wealthy business executives have used.
Third generation (1998–2005)
The Grandeur XG was a mid-size luxury car. In some other markets, namely North America, it was called the Hyundai XG. It shared a platform and engines with the Kia Opirus(Amanti in North America). After their huge success with the Grandeur, Hyundai decided to develop the next generation Grandeur on their own from the ground up with the technology they have accumulated through the past Grandeur generations. This allowed Hyundai to export the XG outside South Korea without any possible legal issues. The XG300 debuted in 2000 with a 3.0 L Sigma V6.
It was called the XG30 in Europe and in Asian countries. It was produced from 2001–2003. A 2.5 litre model was also produced in some countries. The XG30 boasted many options available to only high end luxury models at the time such as the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-series. The XG30 is also longer and wider than most of its rivals, and is just a fraction smaller than the Audi A6.
Performance-
Acceleration: 0-60 mph - 8.5 seconds Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph) Power: 193 bhp (144 kW)
The XG350 name was used as of 2002 to reflect the new 3.5 L version of the Sigma V6. The model received a mild facelift two years later.
The XG350 L featured more options such as heated seats, 210 Watt Infinity sound system with 6 Speakers & trunk mounted 8 Disk Cd changer. Wood and leather steering wheel, moon roof, 10 spoke alloy rims. It featured 200 hp (150 kW) and 216LB torque.
And also 2.0 and 2.5 delta engines were available in South Korea
Fourth Generation ( 2006- Present)
The Grandeur TG is a full-size sedan introduced for the 2006 model year. A redesigned XG350, it shares a platform with the Sonata. It is sold as the Hyundai Azera in North America, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Iran, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Singapore, Peru, Chile and Brazil.
The Azera had been the top Hyundai model outside of Korea, China, and the Middle East — until the 2008 introduction of the Genesis.
The Azera has a four-wheel independent suspension (multi-link in the rear) and uses the company's new 3.8 L Lambda V6, which produces 265 hp (196 kW). The power is sent to the front wheels through a Six-speed automatic transmission with a "Shiftronic" manual gear selection. Hyundai claims 6.0 s to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel economy of 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway is expected.
The 2.2 VGT CRDI diesel engine from the Santa Fe is available in Europe.
And also 2.4 Theta and 2.7 Mu engines are available in South Korea
The Limited trim level adds 17 in alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather seat-upholstery, and a power sun shade in the rear window. The Ultimate Package includes an enhanced audio system with 10 Infinity speakers and a 6 CD changer, a power sunroof, powered tilt-telescopic steering wheel, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Model Year Notes:
The 2007 model featured a revised gauge pattern and steering wheel controls. The 2008 model introduced the optional LG Navigation system.
The 2009 model featured a new grille, new 17" 10-spoke wheel covers, blue backlit gauges and dashboard lighting (vs. the previous green), and available handsfree Bluetooth phone capability. The much criticized painted-plastic door interior door handles have now been addressed by replacing them with chrome handles. The audio player display takes the same design as the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, and the controls for the audio player have been redesigned to make them more ergonomical and intuitive. An auxiliary input jack and iPod integration system is now standard.
Safety The Azera comes standard with front and rear head curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Azera received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Acceptable overall score in the side impact test. The driver's pelvis/leg in the side impact category was given a Poor score and the structure/safety category rated Marginal.
NHTSA Azera
Frontal Driver: 4 Frontal Passenger: 4 Side Driver: 5 Side Rear Passenger (earlier models): 4 Side Rear Passenger (later models): 5 Rollover: 4
Awards 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards: named "Best New Family Car (over CAN$35,000)" Strategic Vision, 2007, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI) for the large car segment" Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best in Class” in the $25,000 to $30,000 category, 2007 Azera: Kiplinger’s Personal Finance 2007 Car Buyer’s "Best of 2007 Cars" March 2007. Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted - 2007 Edmunds.com Editor's Most Wanted Sedan Under $30,000 Consumer's Digest, 2007, named "A Consumer's Digest Best Buy" J.D. Power and Associates – 2006: named "Most Appealing Large Car" IIHS, 2006, earned an overall “good” rating in the crash test, frontal offset impacts. AutoPacific, 2006, named "Best in Class Vehicle Satisfaction, Large Luxury Car Strategic Vision, 2006, named the "Winner Strategic Vision’s 2006 Total Value Award for Best Large Car Ownership Experience"
==External Links==
