Autoblog

Trio of bulletproof presidential Hyundai Equus limos are first-ever armored stretches built in Korea

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Hyundai, Police/Emergency, Specialty, Luxury

Hyundai Equus LV500 Limousine - Cick above for high-res image gallery

By now, vehicles like the Genesis and Equus have convinced most of how far Hyundai's come from bring the purveyors of punchline hatchbacks. But in case that wasn't enough, Hyundai has dropped the bigger-than-the-average-bear Equus VL500 limousine on the home market. Still not enough? How about presidential-grade armored versions, then?

That's precisely what Hyundai has built for Cheong Wa Dae, the seat of the South Korean president. Three of them were built and handed over to the Korean Presidential Security Service, and they'll be used at the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to be held in South Korea next year. Few details have been released, but the trio of armored Hyundais are said to be capable of withstanding the blast of 15 kilograms of TNT, putting it around the sixth or seventh level of the police certification which Mercedes-Benz and BMW use for their armored vehicles. The armored Equus stretches may not measure up to President Obama's Cadillac, but they are certainly a long way from the Getz, and they are apparently the nation's first-ever homebuilt armored limos.

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limo

[Source: The Chosun Ilbo]

Trio of bulletproof presidential Hyundai Equus limos are first-ever armored stretches built in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai develops stretched Equus limo for home market [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

Hyundai Equus Limousine - click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has just launched a new Equus limousine in its home market designed to appeal to executives that really need extra stretch-out room. The new Equus VL500 has had 12 inches of extra length inserted in between its axles. The extra length means that the already large Equus now bests other competitors like the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by almost 15 inches in rear leg room.

For those not in a hurry, the new limo uses the Lambda 3.8-liter V6 as the standard powerplant. The new 5.0-liter version of the company's Tau V8 is optional with 394 horsepower. As befits such a ride, the longer Equus incorporates features like power rear footrests and massaging seats. Korean customers can order the factory stretch now at prices ranging from the equivalent of $113,000 to $122,180, but at this time, Hyundai America has no comment about a possible U.S. variant to accompany the previously-announced standard-length model. Be sure to check out the press release and video available after the jump.

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limo

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai develops stretched Equus limo for home market [w/VIDEO]

Hyundai develops stretched Equus limo for home market [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus is a high horse looking for its Praetorian Guard

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, First Drive, South Korea, Quick Spin

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Hyundai Equus is doing its homework on the American market before it arrives in the fourth quarter of 2010. We took a ride in the upscale sedan during the Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey, and from our brief time aboard, we guess that, if it's priced right, it will do just as well as its only-slightly-less luxurious kin, the Genesis.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus

Continue reading Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus is a high horse looking for its Praetorian Guard

Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus is a high horse looking for its Praetorian Guard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Hyundai Equus coming to America in 2010

John Neff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

This shouldn't be a total shock to anyone who has been paying attention to Hyundai's Korean flagship model this year. It first appeared on U.S. soil at the 2009 New York Auto Show back in April where Hyundai says the Equus received a "fantastic" response, and since then the automaker has been giving rides to dealers and select consumers in the States who were reportedly equally excited about the luxury sedan.

With that in mind, Hyundai will be making the Equus' arrival in the U.S. official this weekend at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It will go on sale in late 2010, though pricing, a complete features list and even the car's official name for the U.S. market is still unknown. We do know that the Equus is based on a version of the same rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins both the Genesis Sedan and Coupe, and there's even a long-wheelbase version in the works for the Korean market. Expect power to come from a version of the same 4.6-liter V8 offered in the Genesis Sedan, perhaps with more power to accommodate the extra weight of the larger Equus.

We've got some shotgun time scheduled with an Equus this weekend in Pebble Beach, so stay tuned for our report of the next Hyundai halo sedan to arrive in the U.S.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Officially Official: Hyundai Equus coming to America in 2010

Officially Official: Hyundai Equus coming to America in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Equus prototype is one big Hyundai

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

The long wheelbase Hyundai Equus VL500 -- Click above for image gallery

Just when you were getting comfortable with Hyundai's $39,000 Genesis, the Korean automaker sprung the $50,000 Equus on you. Now, Hyundai has upped the stakes with the Equus VL500, a long wheel-base version of its Korean-market (and possibly U.S.-bound) flagship.

The engine bay in the long-wheelbase version is the first Hyundai to swallow the 5.0-liter Tau V8. Power output hasn't been released yet, but with the 4.6-liter mill in the Genesis putting out close to 400 hp, something north of that mark is expected in this application. The Equus VL500 will debut in November, but will be exclusive to Korea for the time being. Hat tip to William!

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limousine

[Source: The Car Blogger]

Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Equus prototype is one big Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Hyundai Equus coming to the States in July 2010, priced under $60,000

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2010 Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res image gallery

According to an anonymous source at Hyundai, buyers in the U.S. will get their first crack at the Hyundai Equus sedan beginning next July, with a cost of entry somewhere south of $60,000.

The Genesis-based sedan, which stretches a little over seven inches longer than Hyundai's first attempt at entry-level luxury, is available in Korea with either the Genesis' 3.8-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8. However, Stateside buyers will only be able to purchase the bent-eight model when sales begin next summer.

Hyundai's primary aim with the Equus is to compete with the similarly priced Lexus LS460 ($64,700), while offering more luxury amenities including reclining rear seats, massagers and LCD displays. According to Rick Case, the owner of six Hyundai dealerships in North America, "It won't be a volume model for us. It will be a halo car for the brand." If you want to scope out the Korean-market Equus before sales begin next year, 100 sedans are currently available for evaluation at dealerships across the country.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: Autoweek]

REPORT: Hyundai Equus coming to the States in July 2010, priced under $60,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res gallery

This is the new Hyundai Equus in the steel and on U.S. roads, courtesy of Autoblog reader Alex. Depending on dealer reaction to the car, Hyundai could-maybe-possibly-might bring it to America. If so, we would then find out if Hyundai could do what Volkswagen was incapable of doing with its Phaeton: Charge top-tier money for a top-tier product wearing a lower to (now) mid-market badge.

As for the luxury sedan itself, being fans of the underdog, the Equus makes us go "Hooray, but hmmm..." We understand the need to lure unfamiliar buyers with familiar luxury themes, but we have to chide the Korean automaker for its reliance on Lexus' styling playbook. This is particularly true at the rear, where the taillight line jinks twice and runs to the wheel well, mimicking Lexus' L-Finesse language. Further, the rump wears a copy of Lexus' exhaust pipes and the car is badged the VS 460, which strikes us as a bit too close for comfort.

With Hyundai at least enjoying early signs of success with its upmarket Genesis sedan, perhaps there's room for an even more expensive offering, but early warnings point to a much higher sticker price than the automaker's reigning North American Car of the Year, and it's too soon to analyze the Genny's long-term prospects for success. What do you think... is Hyundai threatening to jump the gun, or is it headed in the right direction?

Gallery: More Hyundai Equus

[Source: Flickr]

Reader Spy: Hyundai Equus takes to U.S. streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

100 Hyundai Equus sedans coming to U.S. dealers

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has won plenty of accolades since its introduction, and with just over 6,000 units sold so far this year (through April), Hyundai wants a bigger share of the luxury pie. So beginning this summer, the plucky Korean automaker plans to ship 100 Hyundai Equus sedans to the States for display at dealerships throughout the country in order to gauge public reaction. If it wasn't obvious after the Equus' North American introduction at the New York Auto Show, it is now: Hyundai desperately wants to bring the Equus to the U.S., but are Stateside consumers ready for it?

According to Oles Gadacz, a Seoul-based spokesman for Hyundai, the automaker believes the introduction of the Equus, "would decisively shift public opinion in our favor," even more than the Genesis sedan and its coupe counterpart.

While the Equus would go head-to-head with such luxury stalwarts as the BMW 7 series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS460, it's price-point of approximately $75,000 (according to the USAToday) could still be too high for brand-obsessed buyers. However, the current economic climate could cause consumers to finally look beyond the badge and start considering alternatives that offer all the amenities available from the Germans and Japanese at a lower cost. But Gadasz admits Hyundai doesn't expect the Equus to be a huge seller in the States, saying, "We have modest expectations."

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: USAToday]

100 Hyundai Equus sedans coming to U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand

Chris Shunk — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai Equus: Click above for photo gallery

Hyundai may have started off as a value brand devoid of high end transportation, but over the past few years, efforts such as the Azera and Veracruz have demonstrated that Hyundai can elevate its game. This became abundantly evident with the introduction of the the new Genesis sub-brand, which shows that Hyundai can do full-blown luxury. Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik feels that Genesis could eventually be a model lineup all its own, much like Toyoda's Lexus brand. Krafcik told Wards Automotive that Hyundai didn't want to ask its dealers to spend $5 to 10 million on new showrooms to peddle a whole new brand. Instead, the decision was made to sell the Genesis at existing Hyundai dealerships, just separated from the rest of the lineup.

The Genesis lineup is in its fledgling state at this point, but it holds promise. The Hyundai Genesis sedan has its sights trained on luxury competitors like the Lexus GS, while the Genesis Coupe obviously places a premium on sport over luxury. Hyundai's high-end, home-market Equus sedan, displayed for the American audience in New York over the last week, looks ready to compete with the LS460 in terms of size and amenities, while costing thousands of dollars less. Hyundai's Equus flagship sedan could arrive Stateside within 2-3 years.

Beyond Genesis, Hyundai has plans for turbocharging and direct injection in its vehicles beginning next year with the all-new Sonata. The goal is increased sales in the lucrative US market, but given the current economic state of affairs, volume projections take a back seat to sustaining the sales Hyundai has already achieved.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: Wards Automotive]

REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S. in two-to-three years?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai, Rumormill

Hyundai Equus - Click above for a high-res gallery

Citing an unnamed source "close to the project," InsideLine is reporting that Hyundai plans to bring the Equus super-sedan to the States within the next two to three years. According to the insider, "... you wouldn't be too far off if you said the car was coming to the United States. Our chairman wants it."

Although the news doesn't come as a complete surprise, particularly considering Hyundai brought out an Equus to this week's New York Auto Show, the biggest hurdle to overcome is price. In its current form, the Equus starts at around $96,000, putting it squarely up against such high-dollar machinery as the Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Hyundai knows it's not ready to swim with the whale sharks of the luxury world, so it's hoping to get the sticker closer to $50,000 when equipped with the automaker's 5.0-liter V8 and new eight-speed transmission.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: InsideLine]

Hyundai Equus coming to the U.S. in two-to-three years? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York: Checking out the Hyundai Equus in person

Alex Nunez — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you think the Genesis sedan is nice, wait'll you get a load of Hyundai's home-market luxu-flagship, the Equus. The automaker has one prominently on display here at the New York Auto Show this week, and while it's supposed to merely be a "Look, this is how awesome we can be" thing (there's no plan for the Equus to be sold here at this time), you can bet Hyundai is taking note of people's reactions. Outside, the Equus is more ornate than the Genesis, with a bright grille, highly-polished wheels and a pedestrian-impaling hood ornament. The sheetmetal details are nice, too. We especially dig the subtle fender bulges over the rear wheels.

While that's all well and good, it's inside the cabin where the Equus shows that it's truly meant to do battle against the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series. All the toys are present: push-button start, a console-mounted control interface for the in-car systems, classy wood accents, upmarket switchgear, and even Grey Poupon snack trays for the rear passengers. Oh, those rear passengers get massaging back seats, as well. It's very impressive looking and it stinks of quality. If Hyundai ever decides to gamble and attack the next price segment up from the Genesis sedan, they clearly have the ammo to do so. The Equus is the real deal.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

New York: Checking out the Hyundai Equus in person originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More official info/pics of Hyundai Equus

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai Equus

There's been a deluge of pictures of the Hyundai Equus surfacing in the last few days, and new official images have turned up that give us a glimpse both inside and out. The new exterior shots show off two different grille treatments, with the V6 models get Genesis-esque horizontal slats, while V8 models use vertical elements. A straight-on side view also shows off the size of this big sedan -- it's a long wheelbase with lengthy rear doors, a true executive sedan in size and style. Inside, the appointments appear luxurious and comprehensive, ready to take on the big guns from Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Hyundai's saying that it looked past its usual practice of engineering a vehicle to a price point and just went for broke with this new Equus to make it truly great. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and plans are underway to bring the model to the North American market, possibly as a 2011 or 2012 model. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Equus

[Source: TheCarBlogger]

Continue reading More official info/pics of Hyundai Equus

More official info/pics of Hyundai Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Equus: First official images hit web

John Neff — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

Click above for gallery of the Hyundai Equus

We've seen plenty of spy shots and teasers showing Hyundai's new flagship luxury sedan, the Equus. These, however, are the first official images of the big South Korean luxury car that appear to be from an actual brochure. The Equus is about 7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and has a wheelbase nearly 4.5 inches longer than the Genesis, but will launch in South Korea using the same 3.8L V6 and 4.6L V8 currently used by Hyundai's large sedan in the U.S. A more powerful 5.0L V8 producing upwards of 420 horsepower will also reportedly be offered sometime after launch.

If the Genesis is aimed at the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, then the Equus has its sites set squarely on vehicles like the 7 Series, S-Class and Lexus LS460. It is still not known whether Hyundai will sell the Equus in the U.S., though with a base price of 130,000,000 South Korean won (about $93,471 USD), it would be the automaker's most ambitious U.S. offering by far. Hyundai is no doubt watching sales of the Genesis very closely to see if the brand can hold its own in the image-obsessed luxury segments, and early signs in terms of sales and critical success are positive. Whether or not that means the U.S. is ready for such an expensive Hyundai remains to be seen.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Equus

[Source: The Car Blogger]

Continue reading Hyundai Equus: First official images hit web

Hyundai Equus: First official images hit web originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: A more revealing look at the reportedly U.S.-bound Hyundai Equus

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

Take a Hyundai Genesis, put it in a giant taffy machine and give it a serious stretch out, add some details like a reshaped rear three-quarter and some Lexus LS exhaust tips, then call it the Hyundai Equus. Oh, and give it a price of 130,000,000 South Korean won (about $93,471 USD). That's about thirty million won more than the current generation - but have no fear, it looks like you'll be getting your money's worth.

Compared to the Genesis, the Equus is about 7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider, and it sports a wheelbase about 4.5 inches greater. Motivational choices will begin with the 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 currently found in the Genesis. By mid-year, a 5.0-liter V8 with 420+ horsepower - which would be at least 45 hp up on the Genesis - will be added to the menu, hauling the horse to 60 miles-per-hour in under six seconds.

While we didn't originally think that the Equus was bound for America, the folks at Ward's Auto are now suggesting the car will come to the U.S., albeit hopefully with a much lower price tag. With solid signs from early Genesis sales, who knows? Perhaps it will. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Hyundai Blog; Ward's Auto, subs req.]

Spy Shots: A more revealing look at the reportedly U.S.-bound Hyundai Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next Hyundai Equus is one angry stallion

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Rendered Speculation

Click the rendering for high-res images

This is the sketch that follows an earlier rendering of the third generation Hyundai Equus, due in 2010. As far as sedans are concerned, it looks like Hyundai is moving toward the Aston Martin school of design -- make something everyone loves, and then make it a little different and give it another name. The coming Kia luxury sedan started it, and beneath the cartoonish anger of this Equus sketch there's a Genesis on a bad batch of nandrolone.

Underneath and inside, the car won't be lacking in either power or pleasures. Pushed by the rear wheels this time, an Equus first, initially it will be offered with the Genesis' 4.6-liter V8 and Hyundai's in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. Later, a 5.0-liter V8 will get up to 420 hp, and some speculation hints that the lump will be direct injection and cylinder deactivation. Other chatter suggests that engine will be joined by an optional 5.5-liter supercharged variant.

The bulging sheetmetal on the previous rendering won't be the only thing the car shares with the Mercedes S-Class; it will also be loaded with tech. Features will include a Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety Seatbelt System, and LED-equipped headlights and taillights. Hyundai's newest flagship is expected to be in South Korean dealerships in February.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai VI Equus rendering

[Source: Hyundai]

Next Hyundai Equus is one angry stallion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai releases teaser of extra large Equus sedan

Chris Tutor — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

Until now, we've had to be content with only spy shots of Hyundai's Equus replacement, usually in heavy camouflage. But now we're treated to the image you see above, though the camo has been replaced with heavy shadows and a glaring spotlight.

Don't bother taking it into Photoshop to bring out more detail on the bulging fenders or the big upright grille. We tried and there's just not a whole lot of info there to work with. But Hyundai-Blog says the company is going to make a full presentation of its largest, most powerful sedan in February. Expect the car to have a 5.0L engine with between 400 and 420 horses and an optional supercharged 5.5L V8.

[Source: Hyundai-Blog]

Hyundai releases teaser of extra large Equus sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Preview: Hyundai Concept Genesis heralds arrival of V8, RWD sedan from Korea

John Neff — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above image to view two-high res renderings of the Hyundai Concept Genesis

We've collected quite an archive of posts showing you spy shots of a large V8-powered, rear-wheel drive prototype sedan from Hyundai called the Equus, for lack of an official name. Things are getting more official ahead of the New York Auto Show in early April where this car, the Concept Genesis, is slated to debut. We've just received these concept renderings of the Concept Genesis that preview what we believe will become the production large, rear-wheel drive sedan from Hyundai everyone is expecting.

The Concept Genesis is clearly a large car, bigger than Hyundai's current range-topping sedan, the front-wheel drive Azera. Overall the design is fairly simple, elegant even, with a Camry-like grille flanked by a pair of headlights the quickly retreat up the car's hood. The rear continues the classy theme with what looks like a single strip of chrome that bisects and connects the two taillights. The New York state license plate is a nice touch, too.

We know nothing more about the Concept Genesis except what we can glean from these renderings, but will be sure to bring you the full scoop from the show floor of the New York Auto Show in a few weeks.

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

New York Preview: Hyundai Concept Genesis heralds arrival of V8, RWD sedan from Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPY SHOTS - Hyundai Equus replacement sheds more camo

Dan Roth — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai's working on a rear-wheel-drive successor to its home-market Equus luxury sedan. The car's expected to debut at the New York Auto Show in April, and these most recent spy shots show it with less camouflage than we've seen it wearing in the past. You can't see the front end, but you get a really good look at the clean flanks. The roofline pays homage to the Euro iron Hyundai undoubtedly has in its sights; not to mention the high-end Japanese makes like Infiniti and Lexus. The kink in the lower portion of the C-pillar is a nod directly to BMW - though Infiniti copied it first. Power will be provided by the Azera's 3.8 liter V6 at the bottom end, while there's a 4.6 liter V8 reportedly generating over 300 horsepower for the top-of-the-line car. This looks like a large vehicle, and we car nuts welcome more RWD platforms with available V8s - they're a hoot to be irresponsible in. Rumors have the entry price in the $30,000 range, which is a mighty deal if it continues with Hyundai's recent formula. Expect to find styling that's pleasant in an inoffensive, non-polarizing way when the wraps come off, and we're sure that equipment levels will be high and suspension calibrations will tend toward the softer side. How soft it goes will determine whether it's a spiritual successor to the Crown Victoria, or if it plays in more rarified air occupied by the aforementioned lux-marques.

[Source: The Car Blogger via GM Inside News]

SPY SHOTS - Hyundai Equus replacement sheds more camo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2008 Equus shows Hyundai is serious about luxury

Chris Shunk — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai's looking to bust into the highly-competitive entry-level luxury field with the 2008 Equus. The South Korean automaker already has the safety and luxury appointments thing down with the Azera, but the Equus appears to promise much more. With a spec sheet that includes rear-wheel-drive, V8 power, and a $30,000+ sticker price, Hyundai is clearly trying to follow the criteria that helped brands such as Lexus and Infiniti become established players in this tough segment.

Toyota was able to make Lexus a legitimate luxury brand in the states within 10 years with low prices, tons of standard equipment, and rock-solid reliability. What remains to be seen is whether a vehicle at this price point can survive a battle of the luxury sedans while sporting a Hyundai badge on the front grille.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: 2008 Equus shows Hyundai is serious about luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Hyundai Equus

John Neff — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

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]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Equus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments