Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Hyundai Equus gallops into New York with first major refresh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai isn't horsing around with the Equus, its premium luxury sedan offering, for the 2014 model year. As stated in the automaker's press release, "Equus is the number-one shopped premium luxury sedan, well ahead of Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ."

We're not entirely certain what "number-one shopped" means, but regardless, that's some serious company to be rubbing elbows with. Hyundai is seeking to draw even more people into its showrooms to cross-shop the Equus with those German, Japanese and British rivals by issuing the car's first major update since it was debuted at the New York Auto Show in 2009.

Not a stone was left unturned in this comprehensive refresh, with the exterior, interior, powertrain and chassis all receiving updates for the new year. Most noticeably on the outside, the 2014 Equus gets a new fascia that includes a restyled grille, along with standard LED fog lamps. Inside, the changes are more drastic and include a brand-new instrument cluster and center stack to go along with "ultra-premium genuine wood trim."

Drivers are sure to note the expanded technology inside, which includes either a 7- or 12.3-inch LCD screen in the instrument cluster and a 9.2-inch display in the center of the dash. Rear-seat passengers are treated to redesigned center console controls, plus power lumbar support and dual 9.2-inch monitors.

Hyundai claims to have improved both ride comfort and handling by rejiggering the suspension bits, and a Sport mode has been added. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. The 5.0-liter direct-injected Tau V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission carry over from 2012, but with 429 naturally aspirated horsepower on tap, we don't consider that a bad thing.

There's plenty more detail to be found in the press release below, but first we suggest you scroll through our live image gallery above.

Continue reading 2014 Hyundai Equus gallops into New York with first major refresh

2014 Hyundai Equus gallops into New York with first major refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 new york auto show2014 hyundai equushyundaihyundai equusnew yorknew york auto showWed, 27 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york-2013/20520041/article-detail.xml 20520041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-new-york.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai refining dealer strategy for premium models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Hyundai Equus - front three-quarter view, silver

Automotive News reports Hyundai is set to give its sales strategy for premium vehicles a once-over. Moving forward, each of the automaker's five North American regions will have a premium product operations manager. Those managers will all report directly to a senior group manager based at the Hyundai headquarters in California. To begin with, the group will start by identifying what dealers are currently doing right to sell the automaker's luxury hardware. From there, the group will then help spread those practices to the 320 dealerships currently authorized to sell the Equus. All told, Hyundai has some 800 dealers in the US.

The move comes ahead of the launch of the second-generation Genesis and Equus. Both sedans are slated to hit showrooms by early next year. The Genesis debuted in 2008 with the Genesis Coupe following along in 2009, while the Equus first landed on US shores in 2011.

Hyundai refining dealer strategy for premium models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai equus2013 hyundai genesishyundaihyundai dealershyundai equushyundai genesisTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20517136/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/hyundai-refining-dealer-strategy-for-premium-models/20517136/article-detail.xml 20517136 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2012-hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai has dropped a pair of videos detailing the facelifted 2014 Equus (a.k.a. Centennial) ahead of the luxury sedan's official debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. New adaptive LED headlamps are matched with redesigned LED taillamps, along with new 18-inch alloy wheels at all four corners (19s are optional). Buyers will get to enjoy a card-type smart key and a shift-by-wire gear change indoors. More importantly, the vehicle's forward cabin is now dominated by a 9.2-inch screen mounted in the center of the dash.

The old analog gauges have also gone by the wayside in favor of a new TFT LCD display. Mechanically, the 2014 Equus will continue to offer a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine or an optional 5.0-liter V8, depending on the market (the US-spec car is currently only available with the V8). The vehicle can be configured with a total of three driving modes, including Normal, Snow and Sport, which can adjust multiple systems, including the vehicle's electronic dampers. You can check out two computer-generated videos of the four-door below.

Continue reading 2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut

2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 hyundai equuscentennialequushyundaihyundai centennialhyundai equusnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showvideoTue, 12 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499064/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/20499064/article-detail.xml 20499064 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai teases updated Equus before Big Apple debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/hyundai-teases-updated-equus-before-big-apple-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/hyundai-teases-updated-equus-before-big-apple-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/hyundai-teases-updated-equus-before-big-apple-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The digital ink has yet to dry on some of our Geneva Motor Show coverage, and we're already shifting gears getting ready for the New York Auto Show. To help get us in the New York state of mind, Hyundai has released this shadowy image hinting at the refreshed 2014 Equus that it will be unveiling at the end of the month at NYC's Javits Center.

While we can't make out any major changes in this single image, Hyundai promises at least 30 updates to its flagship sedan including improvements to styling, cabin materials and ride and handling as well as advancements in advanced safety features and "driver technology displays." If we had to guess, the latter sounds like it might be something along the lines of a digital, reconfigurable gauge cluster. The only major difference we can actually see in this image are the new multi-spoke wheels, but we're sure Hyundai will be dropping some more hints before the official introduction on March 27.

Continue reading Hyundai teases updated Equus before Big Apple debut

Hyundai teases updated Equus before Big Apple debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 hyundai equusequushyundainew yorknew york 2013new york auto shownyias 2013Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20492553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/hyundai-teases-updated-equus-before-big-apple-debut/20492553/article-detail.xml 20492553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai mulling four-door coupe model, V8 or V6 turbo for next Genesis Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hyundai-mulling-four-door-coupe-model-v8-or-v6-turbo-for-next-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hyundai-mulling-four-door-coupe-model-v8-or-v6-turbo-for-next-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/hyundai-mulling-four-door-coupe-model-v8-or-v6-turbo-for-next-g/#commentsFiled under:

Hyundai HCD-14 concept revealed at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Hyundai is showing no signs of slowing down, with plenty of new product in the pipeline. This, according to a recent Automobile magazine interview with John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Krafcik admits the Korean automaker is considering adding a four-door coupe to its lineup, possibly sharing some design elements of the HCD-14 Concept (shown above in Detroit). The brand's flagship Equus luxury sedan will receive a mild refresh, bowing at the New York Auto Show, and an updated Sonata is expected to follow on its heels. The executive dismissed suggestions of an upcoming current-gen V8 Genesis Coupe, saying the present platform cannot accommodate a V8, but an eight-cylinder engine or a turbocharged V6 is a possibility for its eventual successor.

Check out what the CEO had to say about Audi, why the new Honda Accord has Hyundai reconsidering a technology, and read a followup on the company's fuel-economy fiasco in the full interview at Automobile.

Hyundai mulling four-door coupe model, V8 or V6 turbo for next Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>equusgenesisgenesis coupehcd-14 concepthyundaijohn krafciksonataTue, 22 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20434510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/hyundai-mulling-four-door-coupe-model-v8-or-v6-turbo-for-next-g/20434510/article-detail.xml 20434510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-hcd-14-concept-628-1358198304_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hyundai-hcd-14-concept-628-1358198304.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai working on 3 Series-fighter for 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/hyundai-working-on-3-series-fighter-for-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/hyundai-working-on-3-series-fighter-for-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/hyundai-working-on-3-series-fighter-for-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to Automotive News, Hyundai is working on a smaller rear-wheel-drive car aimed squarely at the BMW 3 Series. Reportedly dubbed "RK" internally, this new model will not launch until 2015 at the earliest, according to the report.

Details on this new entry-level performance sedan are slim, with Automotive News only reporting that the new model will use a version of the rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins the Genesis Coupe.

In other RWD Hyundai news, AN states that the larger Genesis sedan is still on track for a complete refresh, with the new model expected to arrive by the end of 2013 at the earliest as a 2014 model. As we've reported before, the next-generation Genesis will also likely benefit from optional all-wheel drive. Hyundai's Equus flagship is also scheduled to get a slight refresh in the near term, debuting next summer for the 2014 model year.

Hyundai working on 3 Series-fighter for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 seriesbmwequusgenesisgenesis coupehyundairear-wheel driverwdTue, 14 Aug 2012 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300087/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/hyundai-working-on-3-series-fighter-for-2015/20300087/article-detail.xml 20300087 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10hyundaitucsonreview2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10hyundaitucsonreview2010.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/hyundai-announces-standard-brake-override-for-all-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/hyundai-announces-standard-brake-override-for-all-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/05/hyundai-announces-standard-brake-override-for-all-models/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Always looking for ways to one-up its Japanese competitors, Hyundai has announced that a brake override system will be standard equipment on its full line of vehicles, starting this month.

Truth be told, every 2012 Hyundai model save for the Elantra Touring already had a brake override system fitted. So why the announcement, and why now? Well, other than just tweaking Toyota, whose unintended acceleration problems led to widespread recalls, a Congressional investigation, and prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose requiring brake override systems on all new cars, the announcement likely has more to do with the end of Elantra Touring production than it does with anything else.

The old Hyundai i30, on which the Elantra Touring was based, has been redesigned, and reviews of the new model have already started showing up on foreign automotive websites. We won't get our version of the i30, dubbed Elantra GT here in the U.S., until later in the summer.

We'll be driving the GT in June and we promise to issue a full report, though we're going to try to avoid testing this new technology.

Continue reading Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models

Hyundai announces standard brake-override for all models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accentazerabrake overridebrake override systemelantraelantra gtelantra touringequusgenesis coupegenesis sedanhyundaii30santa fesonatasonata hybridtucsonvelosterveracruzSat, 05 May 2012 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20231102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/05/hyundai-announces-standard-brake-override-for-all-models/20231102/article-detail.xml 20231102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hyundai-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hyundai-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[Kia K9 launches in Korea, export model to get new name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/kia-k9-launches-in-korea-export-model-to-get-new-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/kia-k9-launches-in-korea-export-model-to-get-new-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/kia-k9-launches-in-korea-export-model-to-get-new-name/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Kia K9 - front three-quarter view, silver

We so wanted to lead this post with a Jim Belushi joke. Alas, the Kia press release announcing the launch of its rear-drive flagship in Korea today specifically clarifies that the K9 will be renamed for other markets.

While Kia says the large sedan rides on "its own platform," we know enough about the auto industry to posit that much of that platform is shared with the underpinnings of corporate cousin Hyundai's Genesis Sedan and Equus. Like the Hyundai pair, Kia is clearly hoping the not-called-K9-here will help the brand move upmarket, positioning the car as a premium product designed, in the words of Kia's head of design Peter Schreyer, "to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands."

The Kia sedan will split the difference between the Genesis and the Equus, matching the 120-inch wheelbase of the latter, but with an overall length of 200 inches that's three inches shorter than Equus and almost four inches longer than the Genesis. The Kia sedan will have the same 0.27 coefficient of drag as both the Hyundai models.

Kia says its luxury sedan will be powered by two distinct versions of the corporate 3.8-liter Lambda V6, one making 286 horsepower and the direct-injection version rated at 329. The more powerful engine is said to be "joining the global engine line-up next year," which we'd expect would coincide with the flagship sedan's U.S. launch. Both engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says the car will be available with a number of safety features including a lane-departure warning system and blind sport detection. A reclining rear seat with leg rest will also be available, just like in the Equus.

Today's announcement raises an interesting possibility. While we wouldn't expect Kia to send its flagship stateside with the less-powerful V6 - indeed, a V8 engine option is surely bound to accompany an official statement of the car's U.S. sales plan - doing so would certainly allow Kia to bring the car to market at a more attractive entry-level price. Kia has a scant resume when it comes launching anything other than budget models here in the U.S., and the brand certainly has considerable work to do if it aims to catch up to Hyundai in pricier segments.

It will certainly be interesting to see where Kia tries to position its unnamed sedan - and whether its (*ahem*) dogged pursuit of the luxury dollar will succeed. Scroll down to read the full press release and check out our gallery of K9 images.

Continue reading Kia K9 launches in Korea, export model to get new name

Kia K9 launches in Korea, export model to get new name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 kia k9equusgenesisgenesis sedanhyundaik9kiakia flagshipkoreaWed, 02 May 2012 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/kia-k9-launches-in-korea-export-model-to-get-new-name/20229158/article-detail.xml 20229158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-kia-k9-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-kia-k9-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Hyundai Equus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2012-hyundai-equus-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2012-hyundai-equus-quick-spin-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/2012-hyundai-equus-quick-spin-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hyundai Spreads The Five-liter Love

2012 Hyundai Equus

To hear Hyundai tell it, the company stumbled on something of a hit with the Equus. According to the automaker, the vehicle didn't just waltz past sales projections. It crushed them. Last year, 3,193 Equus models went home to loving families, and while that's not a huge number by any stretch of the imagination, the figure is well better than the 2,000 units Hyundai expected to sell. It was also good enough to snag the company a 5.7-percent share of the premium luxury sedan segment in 2011. So, how does the Korean automaker plan to build on this early Equus momentum? By adding power, of course.

For 2012, the Equus packs the same 5.0-liter V8 engine found in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec as well as a new eight-speed automatic transmission that helps keep fuel economy in check. With a few interior tweaks thrown in for good measure and the same gamut of standard equipment, the Equus continues to be a great reason to give the old stalwarts of luxury a second thought.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Equus

2012 Hyundai Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What A Difference A Year Makes

2011 Hyundai Equus Long-Term

There was a point in time where if we read one more lede that started with "Hyundai sure is on a roll these days," we would have clawed our eyes out. Fact of the matter, though, is that those words were absolutely true. Hyundai has really come a long way here in the United States, especially in the past couple of years. And the only reason people have stopped writing about Hyundai's forward momentum is because, frankly, we expect nothing less now. Every new product blows the doors off of the one that came before it, and brand-new ventures like the Genesis line or funky-fresh Veloster are nothing short of impressive.

But every family has its black sheep, and unfortunately for Hyundai, that might be the largest one in its herd. You see, while Hyundai has worked hard to create a unique brand identity here in the United States by offering cars that are designed specifically with our market in mind, the Equus was simply a vehicle hauled over from Korea with a few minor Americanized tweaks. Don't get us wrong, the Equus is a plenty good car, and through its faults, we praised it in both our initial first drive and follow-up review as being a tremendous value that's pretty darn up to snuff with its competitive set. But over time, can something that's simply a good value work in the highly competitive full-size luxury set?

That in mind, we ordered a White Satin Pearl 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate for our long-term garage in order to see if after one year of day-to-day use, the big flagship would be able to stand tall with the rest of its Modern Hyundai kin, or simply be another budget-minded also-ran from the days of Old Hyundai. 52 weeks and 22,638 miles later, all we can say is, man, what a difference a year makes.

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: Wrap-Up [w/videos]

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: Wrap-Up [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai storefront window

Back in April, Hyundai launched the Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee ensuring every new Hyundai's resale value two to four years down the road. Unfortunately for most folks still shopping for a Hyundai, that program has now ended. Keyword being "most" since Hyundai will no longer ensure the value of their mainline cars, but well-heeled buyers of the Genesis and Equus models can still sleep well knowing their high-end Hyundai will depreciate at a rate comparable to their neighbor's Toyota Avalon.

"It was a marketing program and we wanted to bring a spotlight on the strength of our residual values, and it did its job," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America tells Automotive News.

Residual value consulting agency ALG says the data seems to back that up. Residual value of the Equus is third best in the premium-lux market behind the Lexus LS460 and the Jaguar XJ and the Genesis sedan is second only to the Nissan Maxima among full-sized cars.

Hyundai downscales vehicle buy-back promise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've gotten word from our man on location driving the new 2012 Hyundai Azera that the Korean automaker's fully redesigned full-size front-wheel-drive sedan will start at $32,000, not including $875 in destination charges, when it goes on sale this spring. The only option available will be a $4,000 Tech package. We're not certain yet what all will be included in the Tech package since items like touch-screen navigation and a back-up camera will be standard equipment on the 2012 Azera, but we're looking into it.

Hyundai is asking an awful lot more for its new Azera compared to the one it replaces, which carried a base MSRP of just $25,495. We'll have our First Drive report on the 2012 Hyundai Azera ready soon to let you know if the price jump is justified.

We likewise have pricing information to report for the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which will start at $24,250, again not including $875 in destination charges. That's for the four-cylinder 2.0t model with a manual transmission, while the upper bound on pricing is represented by the 3.8-liter V6-powered Track model with the new eight-speed automatic transmission that costs $34,250.

Lastly, while rumors had resurfaced again that Hyundai was considering creating a luxury sub-brand called Genesis that would sell both the sedan and coupe along with the larger Equus, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik has told Autoblog, "There is no plan to create Genesis sub brand." He did, however, indicate that the next-generation Genesis sedan should have all-wheel drive as an option.

2012 Hyundai Azera priced from $32,000 and Gen Coupe from $24,250* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hyundai azera2013 hyundai genesis coupeazeraequusgenesisgenesis coupehyundaipricingTue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20171594/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/14/2012-hyundai-azera-priced-from-32-000-and-gen-coupe-from-24-25/20171594/article-detail.xml 20171594 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/azera10-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/azera10-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai still considering Genesis sub-brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai Equus

Automotive News reports Hyundai is still mulling the possibility of a luxury sub-brand. Vehicles like the Equus, Genesis Sedan and Genesis Coupe would all sail under a new Genesis brand sold through Hyundai dealerships. The models would also receive a new alphanumeric naming system to avoid redundancy. Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America, told Automotive News the automaker is currently discussing whether or not selling premium vehicles with a Hyundai badge on the hood is restricting the company from moving more units.

The report says many Genesis buyers are opting for dealer-installed Genesis emblems in place of their Hyundai badges already. Even so, no final decision has been made about the possible rebranding nor has any time table been placed on the move. Zuchowski says if the Hyundai does decide to segregate its luxury models from the rest of the fleet, it would likely coincide with a significant redesign. That means if it happens, the shift will land in 2013 at the earliest.

Hyundai still considering Genesis sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesis subbrandhyundai equushyundai genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai subbrandFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/hyundai-still-considering-genesis-sub-brand/20167009/article-detail.xml 20167009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: January 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus

January was not a busy month for our long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus. It did ferry one of our editors between auto company cocktail hours and dinners during the week of the Detroit Auto Show, but for the latter half of the month it wasn't driven all that much. But that's good news, because our Equus spent quite a bit of time at LaFontaine Hyundai, in Dearborn, Michigan, receiving a long-awaited repair to the driver's seat.

As we wind down its year in the Autoblog fleet, we also saw fit to address some cosmetic damage to the front fascia and have our 22,500-mile service completed. While the service was free, the "minor" scrape on the lower corner of the bumper skirt set us back some $669.25. Our time with the Equus ends in just a few weeks, which means we'll only have limited time to enjoy the now-comfortable seat. This has been one of our biggest issues with the car, and to have it finally fixed after all this time is so wonderful that some editors are grumbling that they won't have the chance to get back in the car again.

We do wish, however, that the seat bottom wasn't made to look even more worn by the contrast of the brand new seat back. At least we don't have to look at it while we drive around enjoying the comfort of the now-working back massager.

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: January 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equus2011 hyundai equus ultimateablongtermablongterm-equusequusequus ultimatehyundailong term equuslong term garageTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-january-2012/20165393/article-detail.xml 20165393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/equus-seat-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/equus-seat-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: December 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-december-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As the newest member of the Autoblog crew, I got to take my first turn in the long-term Equus just before the holidays. But rather than the early Christmas present I expected it to be, two weeks behind the wheel felt more like hazing the new guy.

Now, I'm a big fan of the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and I had ridden in an Equus before and found its backseat extremely comfortable, so I was excited to pick up this limousine-like Hyundai from the AOL Autos office in suburban Detroit. I truly wanted to like the car. But by the time I had completed the 55-mile freeway drive back to my house in Ann Arbor, I had already soured. Or to be more accurate, decided that our Equus was broken.

I had been warned about our car's out-of-control lumbar support on the driver's seat and was prepared for an uncomfortable experience, but the Equus proved more painful than I had expected. The problem wasn't just an extreme amount of lumbar support, but that the seat was poking me right in the kidney - reason one to call the dealer.

But that wasn't all...

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: December 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: December 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equus2011 hyundai equus ultimateablongtermablongterm-equusequusequus ultimatehyundailong term equuslong term garageWed, 04 Jan 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139256/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-december-2011/20139256/article-detail.xml 20139256 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/long-term-2011-hyundai-equus-opt-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/long-term-2011-hyundai-equus-opt-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: November 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-november-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-november-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/30/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-november-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I'll be honest - I don't love our 2011 Hyundai Equus. It's a perfectly fine luxury sedan, but as a daily driver, it has about as much personality as the new sofa I bought last month. Autoblog Editor-in-Chief John Neff, on the other hand, is quite fond of our long-termer, and in my conversations with him, the vast majority of his praise was concentrated around the Hyundai's behavior on really long road trips - something that, even after our team collectively put nearly 20,000 miles on the car, I had yet to experience, aside from a few quick jaunts between Detroit and Chicago.

Earlier this month, I needed to make a trip from Detroit to southern Illinois and back - 1,200 miles in total that would be covered over two 9.5-hour stints. And since my route would only take me along the hardly scenic, decidedly boring interstates of the midwest (looking at you, I-75, I-70 and I-57), this was clearly a job for the Equus.

Keep your eyes locked on the official Autoblog Facebook page for the majority of our updates, as well as the official Autoblog Twitter account (@therealautoblog, look for the #ablongterm hashtag).

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: November 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: November 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equusablongtermablongterm-equusequushyundailong term equuslong term garagelongtermultimateWed, 30 Nov 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20115654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/30/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-november-2011/20115654/article-detail.xml 20115654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/equus628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/equus628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: October 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-october-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-october-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-october-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Our long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate has made its way back to my hands after spending the summer with other members of the Autoblog team. Its mileage has nearly tripled since I last drove the big white luxoliner. Summertime excursions and business trips have added up, meaning the Equus now has just under 19,000 miles on the odometer.

With those miles has come a bit of wear and tear, but a recent dealership trip smoothed out many of the rough edges. (Read Editor-in-Chief Neff's report from last month to see what we mean.) Still, a few blemishes remain, but much of it is to be expected with this level of use. We've already talked about the discolored driver's seat, but I've also noticed some general wear in the leather that wasn't there before I gave the Equus away for its summer of road trippin'.

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: October 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: October 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equus2011 hyundai equus ultimateablongtermablongterm-equusequusheated steering wheelheated wheelhyundailong term equuslong term garagelong-termWed, 02 Nov 2011 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-october-2011/20094188/article-detail.xml 20094188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/equus628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/equus628.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: September 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-september-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-september-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-september-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Our 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate long-term tester made its way back into my garage for the month of September, and despite cresting the 16,000-mile mark, appears no worse for the wear. Or so I thought.

I hadn't seen the Equus since its odometer showed just a few thousand miles, and in that time it's been the vehicle of choice for many of our Detroit-based team members' summer vacations. It's easy to see why: The Equus is ideal for covering long distances in comfort. That piled on the miles quick, though, and sitting in my driveway in early September, the effects of this hard use became apparent.

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: September 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: September 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equusablongtermablongterm-equusequushyundailong term equuslong term garageTue, 04 Oct 2011 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-september-2011/20071750/article-detail.xml 20071750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/19-hyundai-equus-longterm-intro-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/19-hyundai-equus-longterm-intro-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: August 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-august-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-august-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-august-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Our 2011 Hyundai Equus long-termer continues to pile on the miles in the effortless fashion that one expects of a premium sedan. August's main outing was a weeklong stint in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, about 800 miles from Detroit. All-in, the trip accounted for over 2,000 miles, during which the Equus stretched its legs as a capable freeway cruiser and even was pressed into undignified service as a surfboard transport (see above). In case you're wondering, no, an eight-foot rental longboard won't fit in a luxury sedan (not in this or any other we can think of), so you'll be forced to do the shish-ka-windows-and-empty-side-road-creep with the hazard lights on if you don't have any alternatives.

With the exception of a modest bit of track time at Hyundai's Seoul proving grounds in a few prototypes, this was your author's first experience with the Equus. As one might expect, it acquits itself better over-the-road than on the track, delivering a comfortable ride and plush confines in which to while away the miles.

What was surprising for this driver was how much attention our Equus garnered - it's rather innocuously styled, after all. But we hadn't been driving further than our first rest stop when a couple of attractive twenty-something ladies stopped to ask about our car as we got out in the parking lot. "What is it?!" they gushed. "Believe it or not, it's a Hyundai," we answered. Puzzled looks. "Wait... really? Well... it's still really nice, though!" We laughed a little inside and moved on, but their reaction was telling - "It's still really nice, though!" is both a credit to what a pleasant surprise the Equus is for Hyundai, as well as a subtly backhanded ding at the company's "off the radar" standing among many consumers. The same rest area yielded a discussion with a very enthusiastic Genesis sedan owner, and subsequent conversations were held at stoplights with frantic arm-waving Toyota Avalon drivers and more random people in parking lots, including a BMW E60 5 Series owner fed up with his ownership experience. We have to admit, we viewed the Equus as something of a generic knockoff design-wise, but our conversations suggest that the general buying public doesn't feel the same way (or doesn't care).

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: August 2011

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate: August 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equusablongtermablongterm-equusequusequus ultimateglassman hyundaihyundailong-termlong-term carouter banksThu, 08 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/2011-hyundai-equus-ultimate-august-2011/20035272/article-detail.xml 20035272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hyundai-equus-longboard-628-1315500694_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hyundai-equus-longboard-628-1315500694.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #243]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/autoblog-podcast-243/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/autoblog-podcast-243/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/16/autoblog-podcast-243/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW 3 Series without camo, self-inflating tires, GMC Sierra HD victory, heavy truck efficiency standards

autoblog podcast

Episode #243 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. This week, Chris and Dan are joined by Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert. Topics we cover are the latest win for GMC in an HD-pickup torture test, the spotting of a 2012 BMW 3 Series without camo, Goodyear self-inflating tires and what the impact of the first-ever heavy truck fuel efficiency standards will be. Your questions and comments power the last third of the podcast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #243:
In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Toyota Highlander
Long-term 2011 Hyundai Equus


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:04:21
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #243

Autoblog Podcast #243 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai equus2012 bmw 3 series no camo3 seriesautoblog podcast 243equusfeaturedgmc sierra hdgoodyear self inflating tireheavy truck efficiency standardhighlanderTue, 16 Aug 2011 13:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #243Autoblog01:04:21 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/16/autoblog-podcast-243/20018764/article-detail.xml 20018764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/podcastlargephotor-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/podcastlargephotor-1.jpg -1 2