Hyundai Evaluating the Creation of a Separate Genesis Brand to Compete with Lexus, May Build a BMW 3-Series Rival

If you were wondering what's next on the Hyundai and Kia Group's agenda of world domination, the answer is the addition of a third brand to the firm's portfolio to compete head on with Japan's Lexus and Infiniti, and possibly even Germany's finest, including BMW and Audi.

The luxury arm would most likely be called Genesis and include the South Korean firm's current rear-wheel drive offerings such as the Genesis Sedan and Coupe, plus the soon-to-be-launched onto the American market, Lexus LS-rivaling Equus.

The automaker, which saw its U.S. market share increase by an overly impressive 50 per cent in the past two years, would further enhance the range of the Genesis brand with a compact sports saloon in the likes of BMW's best-selling model, the 3-Series, and a crossover utility vehicle to compete with the Lexus RX 350.

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READ MORE - Hyundai Evaluating the Creation of a Separate Genesis Brand to Compete with Lexus, May Build a BMW 3-Series Rival

Hyundai to Bring 100 Equus Sedans to U.S. Dealerships this Summer

It looks like New York Auto show goers must have been quite impressed with Hyundai's new Equus luxury sedan as the Korean firm is planning to ship 100 examples of its Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival to U.S. dealerships this summer. This could explain the recent sighting of an Equus with California distributor licenses plates that was spotted just outside Los Angeles. According to a report from USA Today, the idea behind Hyundai's decision is to gauge what American consumers think about the company's flagship model that was recently launched in Korea.

Hyundai believes that if it the Equus were to be successful in the States, it would hugely benefit the image of the company. "It would decisively shift public opinion in our favor. It would be the capstone," told the newspaper Oles Gadacz, a Hyundai spokesperson at the company's Research & Development complex outside Seoul.

The rear-wheel-drive Equus sits atop the Genesis in Hyundai's range and is offered with a 290HP 3.8-liter V6 and a 366HP 4.6-liter V8 while a long-wheel-base version with an even more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine is also in the works.

The Genesis, which was Hyundai's first serious attempt in the luxury sedan segment, has sold just over 6,000 examples this year through April, according to figures released by Autodata. That's not a lot of cars if you consider that the Korean sedan is priced very competitively at $32k for the base V6 model to about $40k for fully packed V8 model. In comparison, the smaller BMW 3-Series Sedan starts from $33,600 for the entry-level 3.0-liter 328i while the rivaling 5-Series from $45,800 for the 528i.

Makes you wonder how many buyers in the U.S. would actually go well above $50k, maybe even up to the $75k range as the USA Today speculates, for a Hyundai-badged model.

In its home market, the Equus is priced from 63.7 million won (around US$51,200) for the entry level, V6-powered VS380 model and tops out at 105 million won (about US$85,000) for the V8-powered VS460 Prestige.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Hyundai to Bring 100 Equus Sedans to U.S. Dealerships this Summer

2010 Hyundai Equus Spotted with U.S. License Plates in Los Angeles

Hyundai may not have any official plans to import the new 2010 Equus luxury sedan in the States -at least for the time being, but an example of the Korean firm's Lexus LS-sized flagship model with California distributor licenses plates was spotted by a member of the 'Genesis Owner' community in the city of Diamond Bar, located 30 miles east of Los Angeles.

However, before you start the speculative rumors, the forum member claims that Diamond Bar " is home to many South Koreans on US corporate assignments," and that Korean domestic market cars are a common sight in the area.

The big, rear-wheel drive four-door saloon shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Genesis and it is aimed at high-end luxury saloons such as the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Currently offered only in Korea, the Equus is available with a 290HP 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8 delivering 366HP.

During it official unveiling at an event in Seoul in March, Hyundai said there are currently no plans to export the Equus to the North American or European markets. However, the Korean automaker brought the saloon over for show in New York in early April.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - 2010 Hyundai Equus Spotted with U.S. License Plates in Los Angeles

My Two Dents on Hyundai's Lexus LS Rival, the Equus

Two words I never would have expected to hear in the same sentence five years ago: Hyundai and luxury. In fact, I would have thought you were a little confused. Well, I guess that's egg on my face. Over the past few years the little Korean automaker-that-could has been turning itself into a powerhouse brand with impressive quality, price points, design, engineering, and performance. The automaker whose dealerships I tried to avoid like the plague only a short time ago now has a lineup that has me wanting to take a second look.

First came the Genesis, a lux-ish sedan that provides a V8 and rear-wheel drive to compete with the big boys from Germany and Japan while undercutting their prices by a wide margin. Then, hot on the Genesis sedan's tail came the Genesis Coupe with its 2.0-liter turbo four or big 300HP+ V6, again offering performance by mating both to a 6-speed stick and RWD.

Finally, just this week in New York Hyundai had their new home-market flagship on the podium, the new Mercedes S-Class sized Equus sedan, you know, just for show (yeah right). No doubt if reactions are good they'll be bringing this puppy across the Pacific to start recruiting Mercedes and Lexus buyers. If prices for the six-cylinder were really to start in the 40k's as rumors suggest, I can imagine a loaded model with the V8 would still come in under most competitors' prices.

I'm not quite sure where Hyundai got the nerve and the skills to leapfrog some of Japan's best attempts at top tier status (Acura and Infiniti, for example), but boldly bearing down on Lexus and Mercedes has definitely gotten consumers' attention. Never in a million years would I have thought that serious people would be comparing Hyundai with manufacturers from the inner circle of luxury.

From the looks of it, the Equus is just the next stage in Hyundai's grand scheme to show people the Japanese aren't the only Asian automotive force to be reckoned with. Having seen its flagship, now I'm (I can't believe I'm saying this) eagerly anticipating the Tiburon's replacement. Mercedes and Lexus, watch your backs. It's looking more and more like Hyundai will be a real contender in the years to come.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel since he was a wee lad. He currently resides a stone's throw from Japan's international airport in Narita. All of this can be seen on Facebook, so check it out. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded.

READ MORE - My Two Dents on Hyundai's Lexus LS Rival, the Equus

Hyundai brings its Mercedes S-Class rival, the 2010 Equus, to New York

While Hyundai remains firm to its decision not to import its Mercedes S-Class rival, the all-new 2010 Equus, to the States, the Korean automaker decided that it would be good for the brand's image to bring the flagship sedan over to the New York Auto Show. At the same time we're gathering that Hyundai execs will be keeping a close eye on the reactions of the press and consumers alike to see what they have to say about the Equus that sits above the Genesis in the firm's vehicle line-up. Hit the jump for the photo gallery from New York or click here to read our detailed article on the Equus.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - Hyundai brings its Mercedes S-Class rival, the 2010 Equus, to New York

SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen Racing's Signature Edition Hyundai Equus

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) is proving to be solid partner for Hyundai as for the third consecutive year, the two companies have joined forces at the SEMA Show. For this year's edition of the Las Vegas event, RMR customized Hyundai's new Equus luxury flagship with exterior, interior and performance upgrades.

On the outside, the Signature Edition Equus combines a two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint with an array of carbon fiber parts including mirror caps, front chin and rear deck spoilers, grille and exhaust outlet trims. The HRE 21-inch P40 wheels round off the exterior package.

The interior of the SEMA Show Equus sports RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and -hold on - ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

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READ MORE - SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen Racing's Signature Edition Hyundai Equus

Hyundai Equus Receives the VIP Treatment and 450HP Turbo V8 by Mummbles Marketing [Updated]

[*Updated with photo gallery] And yes, we have a third tuned Hyundai Equus ready to take the ride to Las Vegas for the 2010 SEMA show - see the other two proposals here and here. This time the culprit responsible for the tune is Mummbles Marketing, which created the 450-horsepower-strong, VIP themed "Elegant Equus".

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READ MORE - Hyundai Equus Receives the VIP Treatment and 450HP Turbo V8 by Mummbles Marketing [Updated]

DUB Magazine Customizes 2011 Hyundai Equus for SEMA Show

Surprisingly, the all-new Hyundai Equus is grabbing the attention of tuners well before it makes its way into U.S. showrooms in December. The crew over at Dub Magazine is the second team (that we know of) after Rhys Millen Racing to be readying a customized version of the South Korean firm's range-topping sedan for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"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."

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READ MORE - DUB Magazine Customizes 2011 Hyundai Equus for SEMA Show

2011 Hyundai Equus specification announced

Hyundai have revealed extra information regarding engines and specifications for the all-new 2011 Equus. The Equus will be offered in just two trim-levels, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate.

The Equus Signature features a 4.6 litre 385bhpTau® V8 petrol engine w/ 6 speed automatic, 608w Lexicon® sound system w/17 speakers, electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control, Vehicle Stability Management with pre-collision warning, Smart Cruise Control, bi-xenon headlamps w/ LED day-time running ligths, front and rear parking sensors w/rear-view camera, premium leather seating, Alcantara suede headliner, heated and cooled front seats w/ drivers massage function, heated wood and leather steering wheel, and other lavish luxuries.

The Equus Ultimate adds a grille-mounted front camera, power bootlid, electrically reclining rear seats with powered headrests, cooled rear seats, rear seat massage and leg support function, rear seat refrigerator and rear seat entertainment system.

"When you're spending this much for a new car, you don't want to feel like you've been short-changed 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."

Hyundai's novel perspective on intelligent luxury, features "Your Time, Your Place," the industry's first at-home vehicle demonstration program, the Valet Service program, which provides at-home pickup for Equus service and maintenance and the industry's first iPad-based interactive owner's manual.

A 5.0 litre Tau 429bhp V8 petrol engine will join the range at a later date, mated to an all-new in-house 8 speed automatic. Prices are expected to start around $58,000.

EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES:

4.6 litre DOHC Tau V8 engine, 6 speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® , electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS), electronically controlled air suspension with continuous damping control (CDC), 19” chrome alloy wheels with P245/45R19 (front) / P275/40R19 (rear) tyres, 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, 9 airbags; x2 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, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), lane departure warning system (LDWS), smart cruise control, adaptive high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators w/auto-levelling, fog lights and automatic headlights, front and rear parking assistance system w/rear-view camera, electric-folding heated auto-dimming mirrors w/ turn signal indicators and approach lamps, twin asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper, proximity key entry w/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, 608w Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround-sound 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 de-icer, rain-sensing wipers and auto-defogging windshield with humidity sensor, electrochromic auto-dimming inside rear-view 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 and first-aid kit (PIO).

EQUUS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:

Tau V8 engine, rated one of Ward's "Ten Best Engines" for 2009 and 2010

First-class seating available on Equus Ultimate (competitors' best seating options come only on the long-wheelbase variants)

Standard Smart Cruise Control

Standard Lane Departure Warning System

Standard heated steering wheel

Standard power reclining rear seats

Standard heated rear seats

Standard premium Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio system with 17 speakers

Available rear console refrigerator (only available on some competitors' LWB models)

EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA LUXURY FEATURES:

Equus Ultimate adds or replaces:

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function, rear passenger leg support and massage system, cooled rear seats, rear-seat entertainment system w/ 8” 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 and a power trunk lid.

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.

Equus offers four exterior colours and three interior theme choices. Exterior colours 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.

READ MORE - 2011 Hyundai Equus specification announced

2011 Hyundai Equus Flagship Starts at $58,900, Includes 5 years Valet Service [+ 60 Photos]

Hyundai's second attempt at the luxury segment after the Genesis, the all-new Equus full-size sedan, will arrive in U.S. showrooms in December with prices set at US$58,900 for the Signature version and US$64,900 for the Ultimate that gets all the bells and whistles, the South Korean automaker announced today.

Both prices include a $900 destination charge as well as free maintenance for 5 years or 60,000 miles, a complimentary valet service which includes a dealership employee picking up and delivering the car for maintenance, and an iPad that replaces the traditional owner's manual.

Not surprisingly, the Equus is priced much lower than other entry-level proposals in the in the luxury full-size sedan segment such as the Mercedes S-Class [S400 295HP V6 Hybrid $91,000], BMW 7-Series [740i 315HP six-cylinder $70,650] and the Jaguar XJ [385HP 5.0L V8 $72,700] and Lexus LS [LS 460 380HP 4.6L V8 $65,380].

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READ MORE - 2011 Hyundai Equus Flagship Starts at $58,900, Includes 5 years Valet Service [+ 60 Photos]

Rhys Millen Sports-up Hyundai's Equus Flagship for 2010 SEMA Show

The soon-to-be-launched onto the U.S. market Hyundai Equus doesn't exactly scream SEMA Show material, but that hasn't stopped the Korean firm from allowing Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) to customize their flagship limo for the Las Vegas tuning convention. Dubbed the RMR Signature Edition Equus, the S-Class sized saloon will be upgraded with a variety of exterior, interior and performance parts.

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READ MORE - Rhys Millen Sports-up Hyundai's Equus Flagship for 2010 SEMA Show

Hyundai's Having a Ball, Sonata and Tucson Driving US Sales to the Moon

According to US Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, Hyundai is looking to set an "all-time" sales record in September partially thanks to high demand for the new Sonata sedan.

Krafcik told Autonews that September "looks fantastic [for Hyundai]. The industry looks decent -- I wouldn't say great -- but I think we're going to be fine." That's because the two latest Hyundai models to arrive have been the well received Sonata and the crisp Tucson.

Due to the firm's recent product /quality blitz, sales for 2010 have risen 17% so far and should help Hyundai pass its 500,000 unit United States sales goal this year. This follows an industry-wide drop in sales after various clunker programs in which Hyundai benefited significantly, so good for them.

These sales also include the company's very conservative goals for its Lexus-fighting Equus. Regarding the Equus' target market of full-size luxury shoppers in the market for something fresh, Krafcik continued, "We recognize that's a tough segment...We're going in with a 2,000 to 3,000 units a year sales objective, which would give us a 6 to 7 percent share."

Other than the top-line Equus, the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will receive mild updates to stay up to date; on the low end, expect the Sonata and Tucson to hold down the fort until the new Accent, Elantra sedan, Veloster small coupe (see the latest spy shots here), and Azera saloon appear in the next year or so.

Expect to see more and more of these out-of-left field Hyundais in the future as the Koreans begin to take advantage of Japanese automakers' lack of direction.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews (sub. req.)

READ MORE - Hyundai's Having a Ball, Sonata and Tucson Driving US Sales to the Moon

New Cars

Hyundai, the South Korean automaker-that-could, plans to offer more personalized service and deliver the royal treatment to owners of its upcoming $50,000+ Equus luxury sedan that will slot above the Genesis in the firm's U.S. lineup.

First of all, those interested in buying the car won't even have to bother going to the dealership. As part of Hyundai's "Your Time, Your Place" program, a salesman will bring an Equus right in front of your door for demonstration purposes and a test drive.

If you decide to buy the car, then you'll be eligible for another perk, Hyundai's Valet Service program, which provides at-home pickup for Equus service and maintenance. And while your car is in for a fix, a dealer "valet" will drop off a Genesis so you can move around. Did we mention that Hyundai has also replaced the car's manual with an Apple iPad?

And if you're wondering how will Hyundai be able to offer so much to its Equus customers, the answer is simple; low volume. According to Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik, the firm doesn't expect to sell more than 2,000 to 3,000 Equus sedans a year in the States.

READ MORE - New Cars

Hyundai Announces Details on 2011 Equus Trim Levels and Equipment Features

It won't be long before sales of the new Hyundai flagship sedan start in the States, so the South Korean automaker decided to release additional details on the equipment levels for the all-new 2011 Equus today. The firm's Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival will be offered in two configurations, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate, both powered by Hyundai's 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine with 385-horsepower, linked to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

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READ MORE - Hyundai Announces Details on 2011 Equus Trim Levels and Equipment Features

Hyundai Announces Details on 2011 Equus Trim Levels and Equipment Features

It won't be long before sales of the new Hyundai flagship sedan start in the States, so the South Korean automaker decided to release additional details on the equipment levels for the all-new 2011 Equus today. The firm's Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival will be offered in two configurations, Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate, both powered by Hyundai's 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine with 385-horsepower, linked to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Read more »

READ MORE - Hyundai Announces Details on 2011 Equus Trim Levels and Equipment Features

Official: Hyundai to Sell Equus Sedan in the U.S. in 2010

Confirming earlier reports and rumors, Hyundai officially announced today its intention to launch its new flagship sedan in the U.S. next year. Created to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series - or at least that's what Hyundai supports, the Equus, which sits above the Genesis in the firm's automobile line-up, was launched this year in Korea while US consumers had the chance to see the luxury sedan up close at the New York Auto Show in April.

"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 travelling 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."

The rear-wheel drive Equus shares much of its mechanicals with the Genesis but at 203.1 inches (5,160 mm), the Equus is 7.2 inches (182 mm) longer than the latter. In South Korea, the Equus is powered by the same 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8 engines as the Genesis though Hyundai is readying an even more luxurious long wheelbase model that will feature a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Hyundai said that its new flagship model will be sold in the States beginning in late 2010 with pricing, packaging, specifications, and the final name of the car for the U.S. market to be announced closer to launch.

READ MORE - Official: Hyundai to Sell Equus Sedan in the U.S. in 2010

Hyundai to Bring 100 Equus Sedans to U.S. Dealerships this Summer

Hyundai to Bring 100 Equus Sedans to U.S. Dealerships this Summer

It looks like New York Auto show goers must have been quite impressed with Hyundai's new Equus luxury sedan as the Korean firm is planning to ship 100 examples of its Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival to U.S. dealerships this summer. This could explain the recent sighting of an Equus with California distributor licenses plates that was spotted just outside Los Angeles. According to a report from USA Today, the idea behind Hyundai's decision is to gauge what American consumers think about the company's flagship model that was recently launched in Korea.

Hyundai believes that if it the Equus were to be successful in the States, it would hugely benefit the image of the company. "It would decisively shift public opinion in our favor. It would be the capstone," told the newspaper Oles Gadacz, a Hyundai spokesperson at the company's Research & Development complex outside Seoul.

The rear-wheel-drive Equus sits atop the Genesis in Hyundai's range and is offered with a 290HP 3.8-liter V6 and a 366HP 4.6-liter V8 while a long-wheel-base version with an even more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine is also in the works.

The Genesis, which was Hyundai's first serious attempt in the luxury sedan segment, has sold just over 6,000 examples this year through April, according to figures released by Autodata. That's not a lot of cars if you consider that the Korean sedan is priced very competitively at $32k for the base V6 model to about $40k for fully packed V8 model. In comparison, the smaller BMW 3-Series Sedan starts from $33,600 for the entry-level 3.0-liter 328i while the rivaling 5-Series from $45,800 for the 528i.

Makes you wonder how many buyers in the U.S. would actually go well above $50k, maybe even up to the $75k range as the USA Today speculates, for a Hyundai-badged model.

In its home market, the Equus is priced from 63.7 million won (around US$51,200) for the entry level, V6-powered VS380 model and tops out at 105 million won (about US$85,000) for the V8-powered VS460 Prestige.

Via: USA Today

READ MORE - Hyundai to Bring 100 Equus Sedans to U.S. Dealerships this Summer