Hyundai's new premium sedan, the Azera, launched in the U.S. Tuesday. Hyundai's new flagship will be available in dealers this fall, carrying the company's message of superior safety and value into the low end of the luxury market segment, where it is positioned against the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon, and Ford Five Hundred. More after the jump…

The car is powered by a 263 hp 3.8 liter aluminum V6, mated to a 5-speed ?SHIFTRONIC? automatic transmission, which functions either as a full automatic, or as a sequential shift clutchless manual, similar to the Porsche Tiptronic.

Interior appointments include front & rear climate controls, power seats and an air quality system. Available options include leather, a power rear sunshade, electroluminescent instrument cluster, tilt/telescoping steering column, power-adjust pedals, rain-sensing wipers and a 10 speaker, 315 watt sound system.

The sedan rides on a double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension with gas shocks, rack and pinion steering and front/rear antiroll bars. 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels complete the package.

Safety features include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution. The sedan carries 8 airbags and active front head restraints.

The Azera will be offered in two models: the base LE and the top of the line Limited, both with a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.

[Thanks, Joel!]