The Hyundai Stellar is a large family car made by the Hyundai Motor Company. It was produced from July 1983 to 1992. The Stellar was made to replace the Ford Cortina, which Hyundai had built under license.[1][2] The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It used a rear-wheel drive chassis from the Ford Cortina Mark V and had an engine and transmission licensed from Mitsubishi Motors.
| Hyundai Stellar | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Hyundai |
| Production | 1983–1992 |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid Size Sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Doors | 4 |
| Related | Ford Cortina Mark V Ford Taunus |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speed Mitsubishi KM119 manual 5-speed Mitsubishi KM119 manual 3-speed Borg-Warner 03-55L automatic 4-speed Borg-Warner 03-71 automatic with overdrive (1987 only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,579 mm (101.5 in) |
| Length | 4,416 mm (173.9 in) |
| Width | 1,716 mm (67.6 in) |
| Height | 1,372 mm (54.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,000 kg (2,204 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Cortina |
| Successor | Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Sonata |
History and Features
changeThe Hyundai Stellar was introduced in 1983 and was made until 1992. It came with different engine options, such as 1.4 L, 1.6 L, and 2.0 L engines. The car was available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
In 1987, the Stellar was updated and became the Stellar II. This new version had a better 2.0 L engine, new headlights, and suspension. It also received larger brakes and a two-piece driveshaft.
Markets
changeThe Hyundai Stellar was sold in many countries, including Europe, Canada, and South Korea. It was sold in the UK from 1984 until 1991. In Canada, it was sold until 1992. The Stellar was Hyundai’s second model to be sold in Europe, after the Hyundai Pony.
In the United States, the Stellar was not sold because it did not meet the country's strict emission standards. However, it was still available in other countries like Canada and some European markets.
Discontinuation
changeThe Hyundai Stellar was replaced by the Hyundai Sonata in 1992 in many markets, including Canada and Europe. In South Korea, the lower models of the Stellar were also replaced by the Sonata.
The Stellar was the last rear-wheel drive car made by Hyundai in North America. After the Hyundai Genesis in 2009, Hyundai stopped making rear-wheel drive cars for the North American market.
References
change- ↑ Mastrostefano, Raffaele, ed. (1985). Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985 (in Italian). Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. p. 470. ISBN 88-7212-012-8.
- ↑ Lewis, Corey (2021-10-25). "Rare Rides: The 1987 Hyundai Stellar, Korean Midsize and Ford Cousin". thetruthaboutcars.com. Retrieved 2023-01-10.