TDB: Let’s talk about the car itself. How does it compare to Genesis?
Ewanick: It’s about a half-foot longer. There are more similarities to Genesis than differences. We’re going to keep the same 4.6-liter Tau V-8 and the same 6-speed automatic ZF transmission. But we are going to adjust the suspension. We’re looking for something between the (Lexus) LS and (Mercedes-Benz) S-Class. Interior volume and noise levels will be equal to or better than the competition. We’ll have sound-deadening glass, for example, in all windows, including the rear windows and backlight.
TDB: Technology seems to be the calling card, these days? What else will you have there?
Ewanick: This car will have the Active Lane Changing system, and it will be the first car that will be able to tell the difference between a yellow and a white lane. It will have cameras front and rear. And it will have amenities, like leather and suede that you’d only find a car like an LS or S-Class. There’ll be Active Cruise Control. And we’re going to have AutoHold. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, when you completely stop, you won’t have to keep your foot on the brake. But when you touch the gas, it will start going again.
TDB: I’m hearing a price tag of $60,000.
Ewanick: We haven’t decided yet, (but) in every other class Hyundai competes in, we’ve giving a significant price advantage compared to what we compete with. And, I wouldn’t see this as any different. One thing we’ll do is offer very few options. The more choices, the more expensive a car gets. So, we’re going to load it up and control the price point.
TDB: The winged hood ornament is distinctive – and very Korean. How does it fit in?
Ewanick: Our plan is to have an emblem when we bring the car into the States, but because we’ve received so many compliments – and I’m surprised, because I thought hood ornaments were going out of style – we’re going to make it a dealer-installed option.
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2009/08/qa-hyundai’s-joel-ewanick/
Ewanick: It’s about a half-foot longer. There are more similarities to Genesis than differences. We’re going to keep the same 4.6-liter Tau V-8 and the same 6-speed automatic ZF transmission. But we are going to adjust the suspension. We’re looking for something between the (Lexus) LS and (Mercedes-Benz) S-Class. Interior volume and noise levels will be equal to or better than the competition. We’ll have sound-deadening glass, for example, in all windows, including the rear windows and backlight.
TDB: Technology seems to be the calling card, these days? What else will you have there?
Ewanick: This car will have the Active Lane Changing system, and it will be the first car that will be able to tell the difference between a yellow and a white lane. It will have cameras front and rear. And it will have amenities, like leather and suede that you’d only find a car like an LS or S-Class. There’ll be Active Cruise Control. And we’re going to have AutoHold. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, when you completely stop, you won’t have to keep your foot on the brake. But when you touch the gas, it will start going again.
TDB: I’m hearing a price tag of $60,000.
Ewanick: We haven’t decided yet, (but) in every other class Hyundai competes in, we’ve giving a significant price advantage compared to what we compete with. And, I wouldn’t see this as any different. One thing we’ll do is offer very few options. The more choices, the more expensive a car gets. So, we’re going to load it up and control the price point.
TDB: The winged hood ornament is distinctive – and very Korean. How does it fit in?
Ewanick: Our plan is to have an emblem when we bring the car into the States, but because we’ve received so many compliments – and I’m surprised, because I thought hood ornaments were going out of style – we’re going to make it a dealer-installed option.
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2009/08/qa-hyundai’s-joel-ewanick/
