Spy Shots: Hyundai Equus
by John Neff on Jul 26th 2006 at 6:28PM 
More spy shots are emerging of Hyundai's upcoming rear-wheel drive large sedan, the Equus. Likely to be renamed before it goes on sale here in the U.S., the Equus sports a 116-inch wheelbase, more than half a foot longer than the Azera's 109.4-inch wheelbase. The Equus will likely not replace the Azera, but slot in the lineup above it where it will go head-to-head with the likes of Infiniti, BMW and even Mercedes. Hyundai could use its 3.8-liter V6 to power the Equus, but also may opt for a V8 to be competitive. No doubt, however, that Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive, luxury sedan will offer a lot of value for a reasonable price.[Source: StreetFire.net]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jon 6:45PM (7/26/2006)
I saw some undisguised photos of the ext/int of this car floating around the internet.Very up to the minute in its styling(evocative of bmw 5 series).The interior is what made me do a double take ,very high end,slick.Couldn't believe it was a Hyundai.Very well executed
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Jason 7:08PM (7/26/2006)
If it's as good as the current Sonata, plus rear-drive with a V8...it'll sell like ice cream on a hot day.
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Aki 7:35PM (7/26/2006)
Looks like a cross between a G35 and a Buick. Not bad but very derivative styling as far as the pics show so far.
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kwc 7:39PM (7/26/2006)
Maybe it's time Hyundai came up with a new luxury brand? They have certainly gained enough respect with buyers that it might work....
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James 8:24PM (7/26/2006)
I expect the car to be shown at the LA Autoshow this year. I drove the LZ450 (the working US name back then) several years ago and loved the power from the Hyundai V8. I'm certain Hyundai has done even more to improve on that version for it's US release. I can't wait!
James
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Mike 8:40PM (7/26/2006)
I picked up a catalog for the Equus Limousine at the Limousine Show in Las Vegas back in 2001. they had a car there, too.
the right rear seat position looks like a first class airline sleeper seat, with-= sections that fold out as leg supports all the way to a vertical footrest.
it shows the dash with a navigation system, and lots of wood trim. it list a 4.5 litre DOHC V-8 as standard, and a 121" wheelbase. the stretch was put in between the front and rear doors.
the one Hyundai is talking about now must be the next generation of this model, as this one lists front wheel drive.
when I looked at the car at the Limo Show, I just about had to wake up the Hyundai rep. he said I was the only person who was't laughing. at that time, the price was estimated to be around $32,000, which wasn't bad for a high-end livery vehicle with a television, DVD, refrigerator, and microwave.
Mike
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I_Hate_China 9:08PM (7/26/2006)
This is not a new Equus, but new Dynasty. Hyundai already confirmed it as such.
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mike 9:26PM (7/26/2006)
The first 6 posts are purily fixed. I can see it right now a bunch of hyundai workers at HQ typing away on this blog... STOP IT everyone knows hyundai sucks
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Ryan 9:47PM (7/26/2006)
"STOP IT everyone knows hyundai sucks"
Whatever they're suckin' it sure seems to be paying off.
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&& 10:03PM (7/26/2006)
I'm sorry, but I'd rather stab myself then compare a Hyundai to a BMW or Benz. Even mention Audi and I'll castrate you all.
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Thomas Chan 10:10PM (7/26/2006)
With Hyundai's build quality and styling langauge, Infiniti is about to died when upmarket Equus arrives!!!
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Brian 10:41PM (7/26/2006)
Perceptions are changing, I know mine have. 3 years ago, I snubbed my mom's suggestion that we buy a Hyundai Elantra. Now, I think of Hyundais as first rate cars. I'm glad I got the Elantra because I got so much more car for the money.
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TJ 10:42PM (7/26/2006)
hyundai sucks? really? how can you explain Hyundai is now the sixth largest automaker in the world surpassing Honda AND Nissan in global sales in 2005? how can you explain the numerous #1 quality awards by J.D. Power and Associates, AutoPacific, etc. making comments like "hyundai sucks" obviously is from people who can't think any better than troll around websites all day making stupid ass comments.
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Dan 10:55PM (7/26/2006)
Hyundai has made much progress over the last decade or so. Like the 2006 Sonata, the 2007 Santa Fe illustrates that progress:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/07santafe.htm
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Mike 11:00PM (7/26/2006)
mike, (with a small "M")
I'm comment #6, and I hate to disappoint you. I don't work for Hyundai; never did. I'm just a lowly business owner, selling parts for Buick Reattas.
I used to be in the livery business, and that's why I was at the limousine show in Las Vegas. this is where I saw the 2001 Equus limousine. if you could provide me with a fax number, I'll be glad to send you the brochure that I picked up there.
I think one of the worst things about the internet is that it allows some folks to act like they're seventh graders, and their parents have left them the house for a week. essentially, acting irresponsibly, saying whatever they want, with no responsibilty or consequence.
I always base comments on my personal experiences. here are some of them:
have you ever owned a Hyundai? I've had three. the first was a 1986 Hyundai Excel GS. when I sold it in 1998, it had 205,000 trouble-free miles on the odometer. I had a 2000 Hyundai Accent. when I traded it in 2003, there were 92,000 trouble-free miles on the odometer. ditto for a 2002 Sonata.
by the way, those last two had the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. would love to tell you about how that worked, but I never used it on either car.
I've always been mystified by your use of the word "sucks". in my book, that is a positive connotation, not a negative one.
I must be one of the few that don't fall into the category of "everyone knows." let me know where thatweb site is.
Mike (with a capital "M")
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jeff 9:10PM (4/07/2008)
I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra and its overheated 3 times and doesn't even have 80k on it. These assholes at Hyundai, even though I bought the car with 30k from Hyundai Dealership they refuse to honor their 10yr 100k warranty. Its only for the original owner. I'm done with Hyundaii. These idiots told me it was a broken radiator, I pick it up, turn the key the check engine light comes on, and I dont even get home before it overheats. I told them when I took it in I thought it was a blown head gasket, I guess maybe they will listen now. Hyundaii are trash, I never had this kind of problem with the last 2 Ford's I had. At least wtih them you could 100k trouble free miles. Hhyundai's suck in my experience and so does their service. I won't own another.
jeff 9:10PM (4/07/2008)
I have a 2003 Hyundai Elantra and its overheated 3 times and doesn't even have 80k on it. These assholes at Hyundai, even though I bought the car with 30k from Hyundai Dealership they refuse to honor their 10yr 100k warranty. Its only for the original owner. I'm done with Hyundaii. These idiots told me it was a broken radiator, I pick it up, turn the key the check engine light comes on, and I dont even get home before it overheats. I told them when I took it in I thought it was a blown head gasket, I guess maybe they will listen now. Hyundaii are trash, I never had this kind of problem with the last 2 Ford's I had. At least wtih them you could 100k trouble free miles. Hhyundai's suck in my experience and so does their service. I won't own another.
Sam 11:45PM (7/26/2006)
This isn't their first RWD car. The current Korean market Equus is RWD.
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JK 12:26AM (7/27/2006)
My first Hyundai was the 2001 XG300L luxery sedan, still have it, runs like new, looks like new.
I also have bought three Elantras (2) 2003 one of which was hit by other drivers 5 times and still draove great with over 104000 miles and I gave it to my son. Then had to buy a new car to replace it, so I bought a 2006 Elantra GT (Sweet).
The warrenty cant be beat. Believe me I used it. And the recal notification is worth rightful mention.
Most likely my next vehicle will be a Hyundai.
Also if anyone is wondering KIA is a Hyundai brand.
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jnik 1:43AM (7/27/2006)
I had a '95 Scoupe. THAT sucked.
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