European consumers will get their first taste of the Centennial when it debuts during the Hyundai sponsored 2006FIFA World Cup in Germany. Hyundai says it will bring 30 to 40 of Centennials to be used for VIP shuttles, and depending on reaction will consider exporting them to Europe and beyond.
Two years is long enough for Hyundai to debut an updated version of the Centennial, hopefully with as much high-level styling as it has interior space. Luxury carmakers had best not laugh at the prospect of a full-size Korean contender, or they might end up staring down the tailpipe of their biggest nightmare. After all, everyone thought that the premium Toyota was going to flop before it debuted as a Lexus, and now it's number one.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Base Engine: 215 hp, 226 lb-ft of torque, 3.5-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Optional Engine: 275 hp, 278 lb-ft of torque, 4.5-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes: disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Cap: 5
- Prospective Competitors: Acura RL, Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Cadillac De Ville, Infiniti Q45, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS 430, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton
- Web Site: www.hyundaicanada.com
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.
