VIDEO: Bang, Bang, Bang it's the 2012 Hyundai Azera Sedan

Having wow'd us with teaser renderings at first followed shortly after by official real-life photographs, Hyundai continues to build hype around its all-new-2012 Azera before the full reveal by giving the car a promotional role in a South Korean TV drama called "The Fugitive Plan B".

While official information around the new Azera, which will be sold as the Grandeur in its home market, remains scarce, one of our South Korean readers, Jinhwan H. claims that word around local news sites is that the car will be offered locally with a choice of three engines. These include the Sonata's 2.4-liter GDI with 200hp and 184.4lb-ft torque, a 3.0-liter V6 GDI delivering 263hp and 225.7lb-ft torque plus a 3.0-liter LPI running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas with 230hp, 204.7lb-ft torque.

For the North American version there is talk about the 2012 Azera being offered with the 263HP 3.0-liter GDI V6 and a 3.3-liter GDI V6 producing 286HP and 254.6lb-ft torque, with power in both cases being transferred to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

We'll update the story as soon as Hyundai releases official intel.

Thanks to Jinhwan.H for the tip!

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Aussie Man Narrowly Escapes Hyundai Flying Into his Bedroom! [+Video]

To say that Demitrios Bisbelis from Melbourne, Australia, is lucky, is an enormous understatement. The 31-year old man escaped almost certain death - or serious injuries at best, when he decided to get out of bed briefly at 2 am to check his computer in another room. A few minutes later, a Hyundai Excel [also know as the Pony] ploughed into his house and onto the bed he was lying on moments ago!

Hyundai i10 and i20 Designed by Italian Fashion House Fiorucci

Not to be outdone by the likes of Fiat and its range of fashion house designed special edition models, Hyundai's Italian arm partnered with Milanese fashion brand Fiorucci to create a special series of models based on the i10 city car and the larger i20 supermini.

Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.

The most vibrant proposal is the i10 by Fiorucci. It is available with a choice of five colors including Deep Ocean Blue, Oyster Gray, Sleek Silver, Stone Black or Crystal White, with details such as the mirror caps and grille finished in either Fuscia (pink) or Verde Lime (lime green).

The two tone theme is repeated inside on the seat upholstery, dashboard trim, door panels, the unique gearshift knob and floor mats.

Added features include the retractable softop and a Park Assist system with a 4.5 inch monitor on the central mirror that's connected to the rear camera. The i10 by Fiorucci is powered by a 66HP 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with prices starting from €10,990.

For the more serious fashionistas, Hyundai offers the larger i20 by Fiorucci. Italian buyers can choose from four different colors (Crystal White, Blue Spark, Dark Grey, Sleek Silver and Black Diamond). All exterior details are finished in a matte black color.

Fiorucci upgraded the i20's interior with unique materials and a black and orange two-tone theme. The special edition i20 also gets two glass sunroofs and the same Park Assist system found in its smaller sibling. The only available engine option is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with 78 ponies. Prices in Italy start from €14,990.

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Desert Drifting a Sonata: Knowing When to Stop is a Sign of Wisdom...

What happens when you live in / near the desert and have a bunch of money to waste? Cars get destroyed, that's what. Here's a small clip of somebody taking their Hyundai Sonata out for a little slideways action and utterly shredding the rear passenger side. I'd venture to say it's totaled, considering the rear wheels aren't meant to be pushed up into the wheel well like that.

Also, how fast do you have to be going to launch the spare tire out of the trunk? If anyone knows what event this was or what specifically was going on (other than putting that poor white Sonata into a mound of dirt), give us a shout.

By Phil Alex

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