The Azera has become something of an odd fit within the Hyundai lineup. It slots above the Sonata but below the Genesis sedan and utilizes front-wheel-drive architecture. Think of it as a sort of Toyota Avalon competitor, a larger, comfortable cruiser for more traditional buyers. Nevertheless, Hyundai is committed to offering the Azera here in the United States, and the automaker has just confirmed via Twitter that next-generation 2012 model will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year.



It's probably safe to assume that the 2012 Azera will take a shape very similar to the Grandeur sedan seen here. The Grandeur has design elements of both the Sonata and Genesis, keeping in line with the automaker's "fluidic styling" language. As for powertrains, Hyundai hasn't said a peep, but our best guess is that the automaker's 333-hp 3.8-liter V6 will be found underhood, or perhaps a variant of its 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. We'll have the full details later this year.