Quite unsurprisingly the 2011 Hyundai Equus achieved highest rating of “Good” in all crash test conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and awarded “Top Safety Pick”.

These days even Hyundai’s hatchbacks are five-star cars in every way, so the Equus which is set to rival cars like Mercedes S Class and BMW 7er must be above the top. The car exceled at front, side, rollover and rear crash protection, plus the Institute’s roof strength test for rollover protection, withstanding a force equal to 4.87 times the car’s weight. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of four or higher earn a “Good” rating in the Institute’s test. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight.

As you expect Hyundai’s flagship sedan is packed with up to the minute safety features:

Equus features Hyundai’s newest safety innovation, the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. VMS governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system in the Equus works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus’ dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver’s knee airbags.

Other safety features include nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Hyundai Equus seems to the star of this year’s SEMA show as every one is coming up with a custom version of the car! Here’s another one by Mummbles Marketing, and they decided to steer clear of stupid sporty bodykits and go for a more elegant design. After all the Equus is a luxury saloon.

The “Elegant Equus” for SEMA gets, interior, exterior, brake, wheel and suspension modifications, as well as one-of-a-kind audio and video enhancements. They’ve turbocharged its V8 engine up to 450 horsepower and also used a lot of carbon fiber for the styling.

One very cool feature of this car is the Apple iPad control center that can be used to operate some of the features such as ride height, luxury curtains, stereo and windows.

“The Equus is a well-rounded, luxurious car with pure functionality and high-end performance capabilities and our SEMA car will be built with many of the best tools and products for customizing a high-end luxury sedan,” said Peter Colello, owner, Mummbles Marketing.  ”Mummbles’ ‘Elegant Equus’ is the ultimate VIP vehicle and will definitely be a must-see car at this year’s SEMA Show.”

Mechanically, Mummbles plans to customize the following:

• Legacy Innovations turbo kit
  • SPA turbo
  • S-Max wastegate
  • S-Max blow-off valve
  • S-Max front mount intercooler
  • S-Max catch can
  • Legacy Innovations OBD2 downpipe
  • Legacy Innovations aluminum intercooler tubing
• Nitrous Express kit
• Magnaflow dual-exhaust system

Modifications to the brakes, wheels, tires and suspension include:

• Air Lift digital air suspension
  • Air Lift extended air springs and struts (four)
  • Five gallon tank
• Wilwood big brakes kit (front)
  • Six piston brake calipers
  • 14″ slotted / drilled rotors
• Wilwood big brakes kit (rear)
  • Six piston brake calipers
  • 13″ slotted / drilled rotors
• 22″ x 9.5″ Work Equip E10 wheels (front)
• 22″ x 10.5″ Work Equip E10 wheels (rear)
• Falken FK452 tires
  • 245/30/22 front
  • 265/30/22 rear

Interior upgrades will include:

• Four glow shift gauges
• Southeast Carbonworks hydro-coating interior kit
• Idealistic Designs custom leather interior (gunmental / burgundy)
  • Seats, door panels, dash steering wheel and center consoles
• Black suede A, B, and C pillars
• Black suede headliner
• Junction Produce fusa / gintuna
• Junction Produce front door curtains
• Junction Produce rear door curtains
• Junction Produce rear curtains

Exterior modifications will include:

• BASF custom deep burgundy paint
• 717 Motoring five piece body kit
  • Front bumper
  • Side skirts
  • Rear bumper (with carbon fiber insert)
  • Rear wing
• Carbon fiber hood
• Carbon fiber roof overlay
• Carbon fiber trunk
• Carbon fiber B and C pillars overlay
• LightWurkz headlights (tinted)
• LightWurkz taillights (tinted)
• Tinted mirror signal

Mummbles Marketing will also upgrade the in-car entertainment features on the Equus, including:

• Two Apple iPads
• Apple wireless keyboard
• One 20″ Pyle monitor
• Pyle DVD player
• Four 12″ Infinity subwoofers
• Four Infinity Kappa Series amplifiers
• Infinity Kappa Series 5.25″ components
• Three Infinity Kappa Series 6.5″
• JBL MS-8
• Mobile Spec wiring and accessories
• Optima battery
• Kinetik 80 amp power supply

After RMR, now DUB is also preparing their own unique version of the Hyundai Equus luxury saloon to be featured at 2010 SEMA show. And while RMR has gone for a sporty look, DUB decided to go for a more elegant style, black on black! This Equus gets exterior, interior and audio modifications.

On the outside it comes with DUB Edition Hyundai Equus include Trex DUB Design mesh grille, DUB Design custom body kit, tinted windows and tail lights, and a custom two-tone, gloss black-and-matte charcoal paint job.

As for the wheels, you get the 24-inch TIS modular style 10 wheels with Pirelli Pzero Nero Tires, which are complimented by DUB Edition custom suspension.

And of course there’s a kicking audio system onboard. The factory-installed Lexicon audio system is completed with a custom trunk enclosure that will be fitted with Infiniti Kappa components including nine Infiniti Kappa Series speakers, KAPPA ONE mono and KAPPA FOUR four-channel amplifiers. Other interior modificaitons include leather and suede, a DUB Design illuminated headliner and custom rear bucket seats.

“We know that SEMA show-goers look forward to seeing the cool new cars like Equus and the unique ways we customize them,” said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder, DUB Magazine. “With this car we tried to give tuners an idea of what modifications can be done within the luxury segment.”

A while ago Hyundai released Equus’ bewilderingly long list of available features and equipments. But now they’re revealing the real winning card, the price! The car will be available in Signature with a starting price of $58,000, and the Equus Ultimate priced from $64,500. When you compare these prices to Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7-Series, then you might be able to find some ways to like the car’s looks! Honestly, how Koreans can offer this much luxury at such low price?!

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES
4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
Electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
Nine airbags: advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Smart Cruise Control
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
Fog lights and automatic headlights
Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors with turn signal indicators and approach lamps
Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
Proximity key entry with push-button start
Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara suede headliner
12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
Driver seat massage system
Heated and cooled front seats
Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
Power windows with auto-down/up
Navigation system with DIS and multimedia controller
Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
XM Satellite Radio & NavTraffic with trial subscription
Bluetooth hands-free phone system
Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass
Acoustic laminated windshield, front and rear side windows
Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
Luggage net
Premium-grade floor mats
Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
First-aid kit (PIO)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA-LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:
50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
Cooled rear seats
Rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch monitor
Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
Rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt
Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
Forward-view cornering camera
Power trunk lid

“At Your Service”
Valet service – The dealership will pickup and deliver the owner’s Equus for maintenance, replacement of wear items or warranty work
Replacement vehicle – If alternative transportation is needed while service is being performed, the dealer will provide a Genesis or Equus at no cost
Maintenance – Covers all factory maintenance for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first
Wear items – Covers brake pads, brakes discs, wiper blades and battery

After their successful time with Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Rhys Millen Racing is now thinking bigger, and is preparing a custom version of the Hyundai Equus for the 2010 SEMA tuning show. The RMR Signature Edition Equus will include exterior, interior and performance upgrades that will enhance the already luxurious sedan.

The body of the Equus is styled with two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint by BASF and HRE 21-inch P40 wheels will appropriately round out the exterior, and garnished with carbon mirrors, and front chin and rear deck spoilers.

The interior of the Equus will feature RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

The power of the car’s standard TAU V8 engine is also increased by using air intake and stainless exhaust, from the stock 385 to 415 bhp. The RMR Signature Equus will also feature a 14-inch brake kit.

“This is the third consecutive year we’ve partnered with Hyundai to bring a must-see car to the SEMA Show,” said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing. “The intelligent luxury platform of the new rear-wheel drive Equus is a perfect vehicle for tuners who have graduated from other segments and want to work with the best the automotive industry has to offer.”

The only thing really in common between the Hyundai Equss and Bentley Mulsanne is that they both have four doors and four wheels! But Motor Trend thought it’s funny to put them up against each other in a comparo test. Granted, the Equus is a brilliant car offering lots of toys for not much money, but luxury has nothing to do with the value-for-money factor. Comparing these two is like comparing Shia LaBeouf and Marlon Brando!

To back up the luxurious Genesis in their war against Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS, Hyundai has prepared the Equus, and boy is it loaded with features! This 385-horsepower super-lux sedan comes in two Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate trim levels and has a mind-bogglingly long list of equipments. Despite the great features, because it’s a Hyundai it’ll be cheaper than all of the competitors. We just wish they had spent more time on the drawing board! As you see it looks quite dull and has no character.

Hit the jump to learn more about them, and also see s comparison between the Equus and its main rivals.

“When you’re spending this much for a new car, you don’t want to feel like you’ve been shortchanged on engineering, technology or features,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Equus Signature has the technology and content of fully-optioned flagship models from Lexus and BMW, while Equus Ultimate delivers a specification approached only by our competitors’ low-volume, special-order models.”

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES

• 4.6L DOHC Tau V8 engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®
• Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS)
• Electronically Controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
• 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system with pre-collision warning
• Nine airbags: Advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags
• Electronic active front head restraints with power controls
• Electronic seatbelt pretensioners
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Smart Cruise Control
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators
• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling
• Fog lights and automatic headlights
• Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera
• Dual power-folding heated auto-dimming side mirrors w/ turn signal indicators and approach lamps
• Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper
• Proximity key entry with push-button start
• Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles and door armrest
• Premium leather seating surfaces and Alcantara® suede headliner
• 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat
• Driver seat massage system
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Heated, wood-trimmed and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
• Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped dash and real wood interior trim
• Electroluminescent cluster (Supervision) with 3.5-inch TFT LCD screen
• Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
• Power windows with auto-down/up
• Navigation system w/ DIS and multimedia controller
• Apple iPad interactive owner’s manual
• 608-watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers
• iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks and iPod connection cable
• XM® Satellite Radio & NavTraffic® with trial subscription
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Dual automatic temperature control with air quality system
• Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor
• Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Acoustic laminated windshield , front and rear side windows
• Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
• 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats
• Power rear sunshade and rear side-window sunshades
• Luggage net
• Premium-grade floor mats
• Premium-grade trunk cargo mat
• First-aid kit (PIO)

FIRSTS FOR HYUNDAI AND CONSUMERS

As Hyundai’s flagship rear-wheel-drive sedan, Equus contains many Hyundai firsts. One innovative new technology is the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus’ dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver’s knee airbags.

Beyond safety, the Equus will also debut power rear side-window sunshades, a heated steering wheel, power trunk lid, dual power, heated and cooled front seats, rain-repelling front side windows, a thermoelectric rear console refrigerator, 60/40 split power reclining rear seats and electronically-controlled Air Suspension with dual-mode Continuous Damping Control.

Several new driver information technologies make their debut on the Equus. Driver and passengers can keep an eye on the Equus’ numerous electronic systems through the 3.5-inch TFT LCD vehicle information monitor. Equus also features a forward-view cornering camera and a parking guide system with both top view and rear view perspectives.

Compared to its primary competitors, the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the Equus delivers a remarkable advantage in technology and feature content. Air suspension, 19-inch wheels, a collision warning system, nine airbags including rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, a Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlights, AFLS, front and rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera and a proximity key with push-button start come standard on Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate.

INTERIOR FEATURE COMPARISON

Equus delivers an extraordinary package of interior technologies and features including an Alcantara suede headliner, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, memory system, electronic parking brake, auto vehicle hold, navigation system, iPod connection, dual fully automatic temperature control, sunroof, power rear side-window shades, driver-seat massage, power reclining rear seats (60/40), heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.

Of special appeal to audiophiles is the Equus’ standard, industry-leading 608-watt audio unit, the Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system featuring 17 speakers.

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA LUXURY FEATURES

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

• 50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
• First-class passenger-side rear seat: leg support and massage system
• Cooled rear seats
• Rear-seat entertainment system w/ eight-inch monitor
• Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
• Rear-seat power up/down head restraints w/ manual tilt
• Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
• Forward-view cornering camera
• Power trunk lid

The Equus Ultimate takes the luxury mandate of the Equus Signature and enhances it with a package of high-end amenities new to this price class. In the rear, the power-adjustable right-side seat provides passengers a generous 84 degrees of leg support, with the capability to move the front passenger seat forward and out of the way for full leg extension.

The Equus Ultimate replaces the 60:40 rear seat of the Equus Signature with a 50:50 power reclining seating configuration.

The seat-back of this 50:50 seat massages and vibrates with heat — the perfect relaxation therapy for extended cruising. It is operated by its own remote control unit.

Ample, first-class-style headrests also contain wings that can be adjusted for perfect comfort and support, ideal for napping or mere relaxation.

The rear seat experience in the Equus Ultimate is further upgraded by an eight-inch LCD screen.

This individual entertainment system will play DVDs for rear-seat passengers, as well as demonstrate audio features and report on HVAC status. The rear multimedia monitor can be controlled from the rear console, which also houses the remote control seat massage function.

These controls also activate the heated and cooled rear seats and the rear console refrigerator.

Other Equus Ultimate features include rear-seat power up/down head restraints with manual tilt, rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors, a forward-view cornering camera to help drivers navigate around tight corners and a power trunk lid.

THE HEART OF HYUNDAI’S FLAGSHIP – SOPHISTICATED POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS TECHNOLOGIES

The Equus is powered by Hyundai’s two-consecutive-year award-winning 4.6-Liter DOHC Tau V8 engine, mated to a ZF® six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The overall driving experience is enhanced by Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) and an electronically-controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and Smart Cruise Control. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD. The Equus rides on 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tires.

STANDARD SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Equus features standard ESC with TCS and Brake Assist. A new Hyundai safety innovation comes in the form of the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with pre-collision warning. VSM ties all of the active and passive safety features together, making sure that they perform optimally and in conjunction with one another.

Other safety features include a total of nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In addition to these, a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) makes its Hyundai debut on the Equus.

COLORS

Equus offers four exterior color choices and three interior theme choices. Exterior colors are White Satin Pearl, Black Noir Pearl, Granite Gray and Platinum Metallic. Interior themes are Cashmere with genuine Birch Burl wood, Jet Black with genuine walnut wood and Saddle with genuine walnut wood.

So, if you always wanted one of those new iPads but thought it’s expensive you can now get it for free! Mind you, you have to buy a Hyundai Equus first! The Korean manufacturer has come up with a new idea to make their luxury sedan even more desirable and that’s replacing the tradition owner’s manual with an iPad which above all, is interactive and not boring!

Apart from that iPad thing, the Equus itself is one helluva good car! It comes with everything, almost, you get in a Mercedes S-Class apart form the looks and the badge of course, for a whole lot less money. Hyundai says that it starting price for the Equus in the mid $50,000 range, which is brilliant since even the most basic models is packed with features and equipments.

The car’s powered by a 4.6 liter TAU V8 engine developing 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque using premium fuel and 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft using regular fuel. It’s mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC which delivers the power to the rear wheels. It does 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.

This being a luxury saloon, it comes with electronically controlled air suspension which promises to both comfi and dynamic. It comes with Damping Control (CDC) which continually monitors road and driving dynamics and adjusts damping force accordingly, and 19-inch chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 front P275/40R19 rear tires.

Safety features of the Hyundai Equus includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags, electronic active head restraints, lane departure warning system and smart cruise control. Equus even has a Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM) that optimally manages ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. Equus’ total of nine airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants and a driver’s knee airbag.

The interior which is garnished with leather, alcantara and wood also features a top notch audio system. The Lexicon surround sound audio system includes a 13-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing 608 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete surround sound audio. Equus also offers the clarity of digital HD Radio technology, XM Satellite Radio and iPod/USB integration.

Hyundai today unveiled a special long wheelbase version of its flagship sedan the Equus for the Korean domestic market. This stretch limo is 30 cm longer than the standard car and comes with upgraded chassis and powertrain to cope with the extra length. Obviously a car of this type is loaded with luxury good!

A power-driven footrest, Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function are some of new stuff that the VIP passenger at the back can enjoy themselves with.

The car comes with two choices for the engine, a Lambda 3.8 liter V6 with 290 hp and the Tau 5.0 liter V8 with 400 hp. Equus stretch weights more than two tons so the V8 engine seems to be wiser option!

The Equus limo features a new front grille which differentiate it from the sedan. Hyundai has also made bulletproof version of this car for Korean presidential residence! The price of this ultra lux Hyundai is in the range of US$113,000 to US$122,180.

This time news from Abu Dhabi is not about exotic cars, it’s about the 2010 Hyundai Equus with Dubai plate number spotted by guys of Gulf4cars in Najdah street!

Judging from the pictures this seems to be a pre-production models down on UAE streets for tests or something, since UAE is one of the markets that will get this buffed up Genesis. However, the shape of the Equus which will go on sale in some months will be exactly as you see it here, the car will come with two different grilles based on the trim level you choose.

The 2010 Hyundai Equus is now officially revealed to the Korean and the web motorists and like the Genesis Hyundai does not put its badge on the car, it comes with its own branding. Despite the fuzz, the Equus is no match for big European players but it should come with a price that will cause trouble to all of them.

The Equus also features two different grilles for V6 and V8 models. This flagship Korean executive saloon offers a roomy interior which is either four or five seater, in the four seater version there is a big middle console where the buttons for the four zone air conditioning system and other gadgets are located. The dashboard is a fine design overall, but European cars have grown up from this woodish layout many years ago. Using this amount of wood makes the interior feel like an old car.

The Hyundai Equus can be considered as an alternative for the expensive European brands for those who cannot afford them, although it is still some years away.

Press Release :

EQUUS, Hyundai’s New Luxury Sedan, Previewed to Korean Media

Journalists get first chance to drive EQUUS at Namyang R&D Center
Retail sales begin in March

(Seoul, Korea) To create the best: That was the uncompromising objective for Hyundai Motor Co.’s VI Project design and engineering team. After ten years in the marketplace, the company’s flagship sedan EQUUS would be retired and replaced by a new EQUUS, an import fighter that would need to compete on an equal footing with the most storied names in the luxury car business. Much had changed in the interim requiring a rethinking of the basic assumptions. It started with the adoption of a front engine, rear wheel drive architecture, the luxury segment’s de facto standard, to achieve the ideal 52:48 front-rear weight distribution needed to achieve optimal ride and handling characteristics.

“Genesis showed the world what a great car we could build, but EQUUS improves on the Genesis in every measurable way,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of the Corporate Research and Development Division. “The VI (EQUUS) was a fun project: It was greatly satisfying to have absolute freedom to adopt the newest and the best technologies. For once, we weren’t constrained by our usual design-to-cost approach to engineering and manufacturing,” said Dr. Lee.

From design to execution, absolute excellence would be required on all levels if the new EQUUS was to meet the needs and wants of the target customers, a highly demanding group of top income earners, male executives or entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s for whom cars serve as an expression of status. A majority of Korean luxury car customers had defected to Japanese and German luxury marques over the years, and winning back their trust in Hyundai posed the ultimate test of the new EQUUS. An entirely new set of technologies would be needed to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

The visual statement is one of elegance and luxury. The exterior lines are progressive, faithful to the original design concept. Viewed from the front, the impression is one of strength and confident power but with luxurious refinement evident in the details of the headlamp and grill design. A study of the side profile hints at a deeper dynamic, sporty personality but without compromising the sedan’s overall grace and from the rear, perhaps the most commonly viewed angle, the emphasis is on balanced proportions for visual stability. LED rear combination lamps impart a dynamic, high-tech note.

The interior design concept is, in a word, sumptuous. A classical image welcomes the eye with a simplicity of form that is in balance with high-end IT details for a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury. From the selection of exotic hardwoods for the crash pad and centre console to the supple leather upholstery of the seats, master craftsmanship and premium natural materials soothe the senses taking luxury motoring to a new level. EQUUS customers will have a choice of three interior colors with matching hardwood accents (Eucalyptus, Walnut or Burled Birch) while brushed satin aluminum trim will add a contemporary feel.

POWERTRAINS
EQUUS comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8 V-6 and the award-winning Tau 4.6 V-8. To maximize power while minimizing emissions and fuel consumption, both engines feature all-aluminum construction, continuously variable valve timing, variable air induction systems and are mated to six-speed transmissions. The Lambda V-6, good for 290ps (Note: Korea domestic standard, using regular fuel) and a peak torque rating of 36.5kg?m, delivers an impressive fuel economy rating of 9.4km/l. The Tau 4.6 V-8, named by Detroit-based Ward’s Autoworld as one of 2009′s Best Ten Engines, delivers 366ps and 44.8kgm of torque with a fuel economy rating of 8.8km/l.

TRIM LEVELS
The 3.8 V-6 will be offered in four trim levels starting with the entry level 3.8 L. 3.8 GL and 3.8 GLS will add comfort and convenience features and V-6 range will be capped off by the 3.8 Top edition. Ruling the EQUUS stable as the most exclusive and best-equipped EQUUS of all will be the 4.6 Top.

SUSPENSION
Front and rear, EQUUS rides on 5-link suspension featuring lightweight aluminum control arms. Such a multi-link setup for both the front and the rear is uncommon in the industry but through a careful optimization of the wheel geometry and bushing characteristics, stability and ride quality were optimized. To improve shock control over the wheels, Hyundai worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) which features an innovative relief valve, a design EQUUS shares with only one other car in the world, its luxury stable-mate Genesis. The air suspension is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.

EQUUS also comes equipped with an Electric Parking Brake which is automatically released once the vehicle is put into drive gear and an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System which reduces fuel consumption.

SAFETY
EQUUS elevates driving safety to a whole new level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems to provide unparalleled active and passive safety. Using smart optics, the Lane Departure Warning System issues an audible warning if the car deviates from the driving lane without signaling. SCC uses radar waves to automatically regulate the brakes and throttle and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. If a collision danger is detected, the Pre-Safety System automatically applies the brakes, triggers a flashing warning light on the TFT-LCD which is followed by an audible alert and a vibration in the seatbelt harness. If a collision is unavoidable, full braking force is automatically applied and front seat belts are reeled in within a split second in order to maximize protection.

Another new safety improvement is the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver. With two front, four side and two side curtain airbags, this brings the total airbag count to nine.

Video cameras in the rear and front eliminate blind spots during parking and backing up maneuvers, reducing the risk of accidents while the new Parking Guidance System provides a computer graphic overlay on the display screen to assist the driver. High Intensity Discharge Head Lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System varies the angle of the light beam according to the steering direction for safer driving.

COMFORT and CONVENIENCE
Whether driving or being driven, EQUUS surprises and delights as it opens up a new realm in motoring luxury. Heating, for example, is to be found in unexpected places-steering wheel, seat cushions and backrests- providing a welcome touch on a chilly day. On hot summer days, the seat cooling system and glove box drink chiller will be appreciated while the massage system in the rear seats relaxes and refreshes while en route.

EQUUS is also equipped with an advanced Driver Information System whose menus are accessible through touch-screen menus or jog wheel which has adjacent buttons for menu short cuts. DIS displays navigational maps, personal cell phone directories (downloadable via Bluetooth) and serves as the central control of the 17-speaker Lexicon Sound System. Logic7.1 is able to transform the EQUUS cabin into a veritable concert hall with surround-sound wizardry.

A 3.5-inch display nestled between the speedometer and the tachometer provides a rich variety of information displayed in colorful graphics using the latest Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) technology. From the tire pressure to the AV system and lane departure warning system, fifteen different vehicle functions can be monitored using this high-resolution color screen.

As the pinnacle of the Hyundai motoring experience, EQUUS, Latin for horse, retains its trademark winged emblem which captures the spirit of the fabled winged horse that has been mythologized in both the East and the West. Not only does the EQUUS name generate a high level of awareness in the minds of Korean customers but it also has strongly positive associations as a symbol of status and success. Because of the tremendous amount of brand equity accumulated in the EQUUS name over the past decade, Hyundai decided to retain the name for the Korean market but export badging remains to be finalized. Hyundai is now committed to expanding the EQUUS range to nurture it as the company’s flagship model.

EQUUS has made its mark as Korea’s top luxury sedan with sales of over 120,000 units worldwide since its launch in April 1999. While the first-generation EQUUS was not exported to North America and Europe it was sold in a very limited number of overseas markets (primarily the Middle East, China and parts of Asia) under the Centennial name. In view of the critical acclaim received by Genesis, feasibility studies are underway to expand exports of the new EQUUS worldwide, including North America and Europe. However, it could be 2011 or 2012 before all the necessary preparations are completed.

Hyundai most luxurious car ever is almost ready and was revealed to the journalists in Korea. As you could guess form the sketches published earlier, this car goes into the same category as Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-series and Lexus LS, and Hyundai is not shy of admitting that Equus is a mixed copy of them all!

2010 Hyundai Equus will launch, in Korea, next month and comes with two V8  engines to choose from, a 3.8 or a 4.6 liter, and will feature Hyundai’s very own 8-speed auto gearbox.

source: carblogger

These renderings are the official look of the 2010 Hyundai Equus which will replace the current model, which is about 10 years old, in the Korean market. Comparing to current Equus, the 2010 model, also known as VI, has a very profound design and is not trying to hide the fact that it’s a copy of Genesis sedan. It is actually proud of it! The car will arrive at domestic dealerships in February 2010. Follow the jump for more details.

From Hyundai Blog :

The new Hyundai flagship model is expected to showcase Hyundais most advanced and sophisticated safety, transmission and engine technologies. Equus will benefit from latest safety equipment that will include goodies such as the second-generation Vehicle Stability Management System (VSM2), a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and a Pre-Safety Seatbelt System which on detecting an imminent front-end collision, automatically reels-in the safety belts to maximize the safety of the occupants.

The 2010 Hyundai equus is also believed to be the first Hyundai vehicle to receive an in-house developed 8-speed automatic gearbox. The brand-new Hyundai tranny will be mated to the award-winning 4,6L V8 engine. About six months later, Hyundai also plans to roll-out even more potent engine unit with the displacement of 5,0L and approximately 400+ horsepower. Some rumours also indicate that both engines will also feature a gasoline direct injection technology and cylinder deactivation technology.

The 2010 Hyundai Equus -VI will replace the aging Equus sedan, that hit Korean market in 1998 and was the first Korean-made vehicle to feature gasoline direct engine technology (GDI) and a V8 powerplant. The old Equus sedan was a front-wheel-drive vehicle, while the 2010 Hyundai VI is adopting a new rear-wheel-drive architecture.