Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided

[Sal Collaziano]

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

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

Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore has confirmed to Autoblog that while a version of its home-market Equus is on the way to North America in 2010, the Korean automaker still hasn't decided what the car will be named when it arrives. The high-end sedan may carry the horse-inspired KDM appellation, or perhaps even its Middle East moniker, Centennial, but other nameplates remain under discussion. And although Bedore declined to offer any specific possibilities, when pressed, he did admit that the company hasn't ruled out anything with the word "Genesis" in its title, a move that would seemingly be appropriate given that the model has more than a few Genesis Sedan genes in its genetic blueprint. Such a strategy would also seem to be consistent with a rumored plan to separate Hyundai's pricier offerings within brand showrooms. Genesis Prestige or Genesis Supremacy, anyone?

The rear-drive, V8 luxury sedan is on track for arrival in the second half of this year, and while it will be essentially identical to the Korean Equus, small visual differences like alloy wheel patterns and perhaps the absence of the domestic car's prominent hood ornament (shown above) are also likely. No word yet on specific changes to the car's underpinnings, but Bedore tells us that we "can expect some adjustments to things like suspension damping and steering tuning for the U.S. market."

A Korean-spec Equus will be on display at next week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but no further announcements regarding the car are scheduled.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Hyundai Equus


Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[dataguy]

My guess: Genesis VS460, with BH/BK model numbers for the Genesis sedan and coupe.

 

[Dimitry]

Way too generic to be named in the "Genesis" lineup, Equus has more class imo

 

[danieltoye101@msn.com]

My guess is also Genesis VS 460 and I think they will adjust the current Genesis to fit into this scheme with the Genesis becoming more of a name brand then a name for a car

 

[dataguy]

Way too generic to be named in the "Genesis" lineup, Equus has more class imo

Again, I envision a naked Daniel Radcliffe whenever I see or hear Equus mentioned.

 

[knight]

"can expect some adjustments to things like suspension damping and steering tuning for the U.S. market."

Someone please educate me on why Hyundai would (and does) change these things just for the U.S. (and I assume Canadian) market? Are their roads worse or better in Korea? Do they drive differently? Are their preferences radically different for how a car should drive? I guess so otherwise why would they change it, but would be interested in any expert information.

-knight

 

[motorsportsauthority]

V460?? I thought it was going to be a 5.0L V8.

 

[mikec]

Someone please educate me on why Hyundai would (and does) change these things just for the U.S. (and I assume Canadian) market? Are their roads worse or better in Korea? Do they drive differently? Are their preferences radically different for how a car should drive? I guess so otherwise why would they change it, but would be interested in any expert information.

-knight

Different ideas of what "luxury" means. Fine/taut handling is preferred in some countries, pillow-soft ride is preferred in others. A lot depends on the type of driving too: does the country have wide open freeways like the US? Autobahns? Or are most roads narrow, slow speed roads winding through thousand-year-old cities with cobblestone or other bumpy surfaces? Folks that have to drive in crowded conditions typically care more about a soft/smooth ride because they never get the chance to "open it up" and enjoy speed & handling.

In some countries having a driver/chauffeur is a big status symbol - more important than the brand of car... thus the extra stuff in the Genesis (and Equus) rear seat area since that's where such owners will ride. Notice the speaker layout/distribution in the US model cars favors the rear seats? And the extra A/C - heater vents?

The Korean market cars have an adjustable air suspension... that was "deleted" from US spec Genesis sedans to save money. Hyundai made sure the Genesis could be sold at a specific target price in the US. Too bad the US spec springs+damper suspension has disappointed so many folks though.

mike c.

 

[Spectre]

It's wonderful to see Hyundai come out with so many nice looking cars. I used to sneer at them only a few years ago but after driving a few Hyundai's my impression of this company has completely changed.

 

[DanTheMan]

I saw Krafcik on CNBC interview this morning (1/11/10, Monday)--he specifically answered a question from the interviewer/reporter at Detroit Auto Show and said the Equus would be brought into the USA market under the Hyundai brand. He didn't address (wasn't asked) the question of the name of the car, but in his answer, he didn't appear anything less than 'confident' when he said the car name. They did the interview standing in front of a white V8 Genny. The question addressed that issue. The interview was more about how Hyundai increased sales (along w/Kia and Subaru) while the rest of the auto industry was in decline.

Now we know!!

Dan :>)

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[danieltoye101@msn.com]

It may be still be under the Hyundai nameplate but I still believe it have a the Genesis name.

 

[ProGenesis]

I realize style is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, this is gaudy and has unintuitive lines while possessing a too-busy interior junked up with awkward colors, textures and bright-work. It looks like a 2007 Lincoln or an old Soviet product styled by a committee. If brought into the U.S. as a Genesis in these clothes, I fear it will diminish the current Genesis products. It simply lacks charm.

 

[medhat]

I realize style is in the eye of the beholder, but to me, this is gaudy and has unintuitive lines while possessing a too-busy interior junked up with awkward colors, textures and bright-work. It looks like a 2007 Lincoln or an old Soviet product styled by a committee. If brought into the U.S. as a Genesis in these clothes, I fear it will diminish the current Genesis products. It simply lacks charm.

I wouldn't go so far as to call it "gaudy" and "unintuitive", but do prefer the overall appearance of the Genesis (I had the option to wait for the Equus, as I was in no hurry to get a new car). In fact, I Hyundai cared for my opinion, I'd probably prefer a "stretch" Genesis (eg. 740iL style) than an entirely new body style.

 

[Advocate225]

I wouldn't go so far as to call it "gaudy" and "unintuitive", but do prefer the overall appearance of the Genesis (I had the option to wait for the Equus, as I was in no hurry to get a new car). In fact, I Hyundai cared for my opinion, I'd probably prefer a "stretch" Genesis (eg. 740iL style) than an entirely new body style.

I agree with your opinion. I love the lines of the Genesis, but could see a 5" wheelbase stretch version for those buyers wanted acres of back-seat room. It works for Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Lexus. It'd work with Genesis. Though I did love the upgraded interior on the Equus, I was not in love with the exterior styling. The Genesis is far more attractive.

 

[YEH]

^ The Genesis has a more classic/sporty design than the Equus (the only thing about the exterior of he Equus that may be better than the Genesis is the more interesting headlamp design).

As for the design of the dash - the new Sonata's dash trumps the design of both the Genesis and Equus (I'm hoping that the next gen Genesis follows in the same design language w/ higher grade materials).