When they say they are waiting for the 2011 models it really means they don't have any money--
No...it means there is a probable engine, transmission, and electronics upgrades. And, with the Equus also in the US, some other features left out of the US model may find there way over (since they have to do the training and stock the parts anyway).
If it is released early (May-July), the initial residual will be a little higher. That is because depreciation is primarily dependent on model year.
On a purchase, the small styling differences will distinguish it as the post mid-life update version, indistinguishable visibly from a 2012, 2013, and probably 2014. That should help resale. This is the case with most, but not all mid-life updates. Some are so small as to go unnoticed, and others actually make the car uglier.
For me, it is the drivetrain. However, I do agree with the posters who like AWD. It does make it seem surefooted in low traction conditions including rain. The Genesis and Jaguars are the only luxury models not offering it.
However, the poster who wanted FWD is wrong. FWD is limited to around 200hp to manage torque steer. The turbo Sonata will probably show some signs of torque steer. Virtually all FWD cars with over 200hp have the ECMs programmed to hold torque below some thresholds closer to 200hp. So, for practical purposes they are only 200hp cars.
For a luxury sedan weighting over 3800#, FWD is not practical. The Azeras don't exactly run off the showroom floors and the dealers don't have lines for Avalons or Maximas either.