Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe

The current Hyundai Azera is not a bad looking car, but compared to the glut of new models that already are or will soon be populating Hyundai showrooms in the next year, it's starting to look long in the tooth. Hyundai appears to be on the case, as an all-new Azera has just been spotted testing in Europe. Like the current sedan, the new model will slot in between the front-wheel-drive Sonata and rear-wheel-drive Genesis. It will also feature Hyundai's new "fluid sculpture" design language, as evidenced by the characteristic rising crease along the doors that's visible through the camouflage.

The grille and mirrors of this camo'd Azera, which is called the Grandeur in its home market of South Korea, look similar to the new Sonata, but the lower edge of the side glass rises at the back giving the car a more pronounced shoulder. Power is expected to come solely from a V6 like the current model, but we'd be surprised if its displacement doesn't drop to the 3.0-3.3-liter range with direct injection and possibly a turbocharged version. Given CEO John Krafcik's commitment to 50 mpg by 2025, a version of the new hybrid system seen in the Sonata Hybrid seems like a smart bet as well.

[Source: Carpix]