Hyundai Equus to be offered in bulletproof spec
Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai Equus
In political circles, what you drive -- or more accurately, what you're driven in -- matters. For proof, look no further than the custom-built, tank-like Cadillac that President Obama is chauffeured in. Could you imagine the Commander-in-Chief riding around in the back of an automobile carrying a German logo? Unfathomable. But in Korea, its common practice for politicos to be driven in vehicles built abroad since no domestic automakers offer a bulletproof, executive-class vehicle... yet.
Korean President Lee Myung-bak has apparently requested that Hyundai rectify that unfortunate situation by manufacturing a bulletproof sedan for key governmental figures. The new sedan is currently in development and will reportedly be based on the upcoming Equus large car platform. Until this new vehicle is ready, President Myung-bak will make do with his current fleet, which consists of the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard and the BMW Security 760Li. Thanks for the tip, Mark!
Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Equus
[Source: Digital Chosun Ilbo]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
P.V. 7:07PM (2/23/2009)
WOW. Hyundai is REALLY SERIOUS about going after Mercedes-Benz in every possible category. Good luck, Hyundai!
Reply
Flashpoint 7:17PM (2/23/2009)
Hyundai might put a dent in Lexus' sales but no self respecting 7 series/ S-class owner would ever go for one of these.
And how many parts bins are they gonna steal from?
Lexus headlamps.
Lexus silhouette
Dodge Charger rear end
Lincoln MKS side chrome accents.
and for the love of God....
THE SPIRIT OF ECSTACY
God help us, baby Jesus help us.
P.V. 7:25PM (2/23/2009)
I don't know about that. According to Hyundai dealers, most Genesis buyers who previously owned a luxury car owned a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, or BMW. I don't think you are right to generalize about "self-respecting" Lexus/BMW owners.
Auari 7:30PM (2/23/2009)
I think they are trying to make something like VW did Volkswagen Phaeton, which was a total FLOP. If VW can't pull off a luxury car is the USA, good luck Hyundai.
P.V. 7:52PM (2/23/2009)
@Auari:
AFAIK, the Phaeton wasn't particularly reliable due to the plethora of electronic gadgets and associated electrical gremlins. Also, VW priced the Phaeton well for a full-size luxury car, but way too high for a VW.
Hyundai didn't make that mistake with the Genesis, and I don't think it will make it with the Equus (despite what Hyundai says).
Reader 8:05PM (2/23/2009)
Flashpoint, not everyone buys a car to supplement their self-esteem. Some people would buy a S550 because they find it worth the comforts, performance, etc... others would buy it to show off and tell people that they'll never see about it. The former might look into a Hyundai, but I can see why you wouldn't.
Flashpoint 8:16PM (2/23/2009)
I don't know about that. (at this point you should stop talking)
According to Hyundai dealers, most Genesis buyers who previously owned a luxury car owned a Lexus
ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI DEALERS.... WOW
According to THE BIBLE God defeats Satan in the End.
Seems a little biased don't ya think?
Mobius_1 8:57PM (2/23/2009)
And according to Flashpoint the S550 is the greatest car ever. lol. :P
Take off your brand-goggles, and see a car's merits as more than the logo on the steering wheel.
Sektor 10:02PM (2/23/2009)
"According to THE BIBLE God defeats Satan in the End.
Seems a little biased don't ya think?"
Best comment in this thread so far.
chineseneglet 12:57AM (2/24/2009)
Flashpoint & Sektor == Cheap Disgruntled/Jealous Chinese Neglets.
No wonder why they have to pretend to be from other country other than sh!thole third-world China... lol...
/quote on/
The Chinese are “cunning and dishonest, and have a great dislike to Europeans;” Arabians “subsist in a great measure by plunder;” Pictures of All Nations, with Simple Descriptions. London: Darton and Clark, n.d. [1840s].
/quote off/
You angry, jealous, bitter, insecure Chinese are "laughing stock of the world"!
jsjs 1:00AM (2/24/2009)
Flashpoint -
It would be helpful if you would stop being a doofus.
1st off the silhouette is totally reminiscent of the Azera.
As for the headlights, what's so original about the LS's lights (many think the headlights are more reminiscent of Mercedes).
Dodge Charger rear? Well, Buick fans have something to say about that (did Dodge copy off of old-time Buicks or did Buick copy off of Dodge?).
As for the hood ornament, it's for the limo version and is on the current edition of the Equus, as well as the Mitsubishi variant, the Proudia (you would know this if you bothered to read/comprehend previous posts instead of being in rush to repeat your inane comments).
As for the brand/type of autos traded in for the Genesis, the figures were from Hyundai USA.
A nimrod like Flash would rather just scoff at the figures, but if one goes onto a certain Genesis site - out of 95 owner, 26 reported trading in European brands (w/ BMW getting hit the hardest), w/ another 18 trading in Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac and Lincoln (I'm not including those who traded in their 300C) - which is totally in line w/ the figures given by Hyundai USA.
@Auari -
Uhh, the Phaeton was priced at $70k to over $100k. IF Hyundai decides to bring the Equus to the states, it will not only be priced at a lower pricepoint, it will also be sold under a different brandname - reportedly, the Genesis name will be spun off.
Sektor 1:06AM (2/24/2009)
Yes, you keep telling yourself that. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Bashing other countries = inferiority complex.
"Superiority complex refers to a subconscious neurotic mechanism of compensation developed by the individual as a result of feelings of inferiority."
cj 1:53AM (2/24/2009)
I don't get u guys. What's wrong with Hyundai trying?
You take risks and you venture into new markets, and so far, the risks are paying off. If you don't like it, don't drive it. No one's forcing you...
And for me and many other ppl, I dun think driving a benz will make me a better man. Just the fact that you think like that shows ur deep insecurity. And I do feel sorry for you.
Flashpoint 9:21AM (2/24/2009)
JSJS
--------out of 95 owner, 26 reported trading in European brands (w/ BMW getting hit the hardest), w/ another 18 trading in Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac and Lincoln (I'm not including those who traded in their 300C) - which is totally in line w/ the figures given by Hyundai USA.--------
The reason stupid people - like you - are perpetualy broke is because...well...you just aren't smart enough to think on a higher level.
If I traded in my old beat up LS400 and bought a Genesis... I haven't traded down, I've traded UP.
If I traded in my old BMW 740 and bought a Genesis, I haven't traded down, I've traded up.
If I traded in my old 1986 S-class for a Genesis... I haven't traded down, I've traded up.
FIRST OF ALL, I DON'T BELIEVE HYUNDAI'S CLAIM.
They never tell you WHAT YEAR the buyers traded in.
If someone trades in a $7000 used LExus/BMW or Benz and buys a $45,000 Genesis...all they did was buy a new car. That's all.
FIND ME 10 people who'd trade in an S550 for a Genesis.
FINE ME 10 people who'd trade in a BMW 750li for a Genesis.
THERE AREN'T ANY.
Cause if you can actually AFFORD to buy a 750 or a S550 or an LS460...you wouldn't be caught DEAD in a Hyundai. Its brand consciousness...not budget minded consumerism.
I GUARRANTEE YOU YOU CAN'T PROVE TO ME THAT THE 26% of trade ins TRADED IN VEHICLES NOT OLDER THAN 4 YEARS.
SO STFU
And if by some miracle of photoshop you could prove it... I'd gladly apologize and refrain from posting further.
BUT YOU CAN'T AND I KNOW YOU CAN'T SO STFU...
j 9:41AM (2/24/2009)
Wwow, this may be the first time I might actually agree with Flashpoint. Did Hell just freeze over?
jsjs 5:24PM (2/24/2009)
Uhh, dunderhead, um Flash -
A good no. of those were late model BMWs, etc.
AND a lot of the people who posted stated that they cross-shopped w/ Infiniti, Lexus, BMW,Caddy, etc.
Plus, your "logic", not surprisingly, makes no sense.
A person who trades in an old Lexus, BMW, etc. and buys a new Lexus, BMW, etc. also traded 'up".
According to your hypo - a person who trades in an old Lexus, BMW, etc. and buys a Toyota Yaris also traded "up" simply b/c he/she bought a new car.
And yes, you'd be hard-pressed to find many previous owners of the S Class/7 Series who have traded-in for a Genesis (tho, there are a few) since the Genesis does NOT compete w/ the S-Class, 7 Series, etc. - that would be the Equus (if it ever makes it to the states) . No wonder you have a hard time writing intelligent posts (you'd think you would be cognizant of that after all the postings about the Equus) - lol
Your hypo also makes little sense - since an owner of an "old" Mercedes/BMW, instead of purchasing the Genesis, could very well have purchased an Infiniti, Lexus or Acura - much less a Camry, Accord or Maxima/Altima.
What percentage of new Camry owners do you think "traded up" by turning in their "beater" BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc.? If you think it is anywhere close to 40%+, then you are a sad, sad mess.
Before you call anyone stupid, I suggest you look in the mirror (or re-read your long string of inane, obtuse posts).
And not that it matters, I'm hardly broke and it is the kind of people who buy based on the quality of the vehicle/model (rather than be "badge-snobs") who are the type not to be "perpetually broke".
And oh, btw, nice language - very classy.
Flashpoint 6:33PM (2/24/2009)
JSJS
A new BMW 7 costs about $90,000 with taxes
My S-class cost me $95,000 with 4/matic
A Genesis fully loaded is around $47,000.
Hyundai never tells you (again) what year the buyer's trade in was.
Furthermore, THEY NEVER TELL YOU IF THE PERSON COULD AFFORD a BMW, Sclass or LEXUS.
That makes a big difference.
They are mischaracterizing (LYING) the situation to make it sound as if people are turning in their luxury cars left and right to get a Genesis.
As far as I know, these people are driving old junkers they bought 10 years ago and they CAN'T AFFORD a new Lexus, BMW or Benz and therefore they pick the Genesis cause it comes with almost as much as the better choices.
I don't get suckered by a lil commercial showing BMW and Lexus CEO's shouting angrily. After all, DEITER ZEITCH wasn't in that commercial.
FSM 7:07PM (2/23/2009)
So if I understand correctly this car is going to cost well north of the Genesis? Am I the only one who doesn't think Hyundai can pull this off?
Reply
Torrent 7:12PM (2/23/2009)
Only if it was under a new name.
Torrent 7:12PM (2/23/2009)
And they fixed the overhang problem.
(ok maybe it's just me.)