Thread: Hyundai to Sell Equus Flagship in U.S. Next Year

Breaking: Hyundai Equus Flagship to Go On Sale in U.S. Next Year : Auto News

Hyundai continues to shake up perceptions of what a Korean automaker can be, announcing today that it will offer its flagship Equus sedan in the U.S. starting next year.

The Equus is based on the same architecture as the Genesis, but is noticeably larger. Hyundai intends that it will compete with the world’s premiere luxury saloons including the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS.

“We showed the car at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, and the response was fantastic,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Since then, we’ve had a fleet traveling around the country, capturing input from our dealers and consumers. Here, too, the response was extraordinarily positive, and similar to the market reaction to the award-winning Genesis, so we’ve decided to bring it to the U.S.”

And as though showcasing the car at the New York Auto Show wasn’t enough of a shock to the traditionalists, Hyundai will again display the vehicle this weekend at the ultra-prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Hyundai has yet to release specifications on the new model, but it’s certain to be offered with the company’s 375hp 4.6-liter V8. Recently we reported that the Korean automaker has also developed a 5.0-liter V8 engine as well, and there is a strong possibility that powerplant could be offered in North America.

Hyundai is also undecided on whether or not its flagship will keep it’s Korean-market name, indicating that the Equus badge may be dropped in favor of a more U.S.-friendly name.

Looks like an LS450 clone. They're definitely stepping up their game.

With a better looking grill, and no hood ornament, it's an attractive car. Should be a hit, if it's priced right. They haven't earned the street cred yet to charge LS/7/S class prices yet.

ooOoOooo, what a coincidence, I was just in Korea and saying they need to bring that sucker into the states. Korea's #1 luxury car.

This is a very nice car. Comparable to the ride of a Lexus w/ decent power by a V8. In Korea, a lot of bigwig business execs get driven around in mostly 3 cars: Black Benz S-Class, Black Equus and Black Chairman (it's Daewoo built). Don't get me wrong, you see everything else on the road (especially Audis and Bimmers), but the Equus or Chairman is strictly owned by either a businessmen or a high class taxi service. My client lent me his driver on my last trip to Korea. Very spacious back seat, felt as big as the S600's rear passenger space. The exterior looks were never good on the car, but this latest model is a big improvement. Me likey this car.

Oh, and I dig the front hood ornament.