Genesis Prestige (Hyundai Equus) coming to the U.S. in two-to-three years

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai, Rumormill

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


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[Sal Collaziano]

Anyway... This is basically the same thing I said last week. Though it appears they're considering starting this car closer to $50,000 than I'd heard - which was "the $50k-$60k range". I suppose that wasn't exactly inaccurate. This is good news to me.. Imagine the Genesis Prestige topping out at $65k? Even badged as a Hyundai, I'd still take it without a thought...

edit: Actually, they "want" to price the V8 with Hyundai's new 8 speed transmission near the $50,000 mark - but I personally don't believe that's going to happen. I mean - a fully loaded Genesis at $42,000 and what? A V6 Prestige starting at $46,000? $48,000? What do you think? Maybe?

 

[Mark_888]

Personally, I would shy away from a "new" Hyundai-made transmission. The Aisan tranny on the V6 (and ZF on V8) were big selling points for me.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Personally, I would shy away from a "new" Hyundai-made transmission. The Aisan tranny on the V6 (and ZF on V8) were big selling points for me.

I won't argue with you there - but I believe that Hyundai can make pretty much whatever car is wants to make. When this car comes available, I'll give it a shot - with the 5.0L V8 and 8-Speed transmission...