Hyundai has confirmed via Twitter that the next generation Azera will debut at the LA Auto Show this November. From these early preview shots, the upcoming 2012 Azera seems to slightly resemble the Toyota Avalon, but with better and less conservative styling. Hyundai has also kept the shape of the Azera very similar to the Grandeur sedan, which is sold in overseas markets and also has the "fluidic styling" design elements of both the Genesis and Sonata.

Under the hood, there is a very good chance the Azera will generate its power from a 3.8-liter V6 that churns out 333 horses or maybe a variant of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that cranks out 274 horses. The V8 option will remain exclusive to the larger rear-wheel-drive Genesis. Like the outgoing generation, the front-wheel-drive Azera is being placed directly in between the Sonata and the Genesis in both price and size. Its closest competition will be the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and the Buick LaCrosse.