Tucson Limo

The Hyundai Equus (Korean: 현대 에쿠스), known as the Hyundai Centennial in the Middle East, is a full-size high-end luxury car that serves as the flagship model of Hyundai Motor Company. The Hyundai Equus is the largest and most expensive sedan in the company's lineup. In 2009, the company released a new version on a rear-wheel drive platform aimed to compete with the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS.

First generation

In 1999, Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi Motors presented their full-size sedan. Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the Korean market. Hyundai had great success with this car in Korea, but very few were exported to foreign countries.

The first generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors who had their own version called the Dignity. It was jointly manufactured by both companies. The first generation car was introduced in 1999 as a front wheel drive car measuring 5.1 metres (200.8 in) long and 1.9 metres (74.8 in) wide. A long-wheelbase limousine model was available exclusively for the Korean domestic market, and at 92,510,000 South Korean won for the 2008 model with a V8 and no options, was the most expensive model in the company's lineup. The first generation Equus was also mechanically related to the Mitsubishi Dignity for the Japanese market. The first generation Equus were sold in South Korea, China, and the Middle East. A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid 2000s. At first, were the engines only two types - 3.5 Sigma V6 and 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine. After few months, the 3.0 Sigma V6 engine type was added. Two versions were available: a sedan (3.0, 3.5 and 4.5) and limousine (3.5 and 4.5). In Japan, under the name of Mitsubishi Dignity (limousine version) and Mitsubishi Proudia (sedan version), about 2,000 units were sold. Specifically, the 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine was a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) type engine which was designed and developed by Mitsubishi Motors. This engine was optimized with premium unleaded gasoline fuel, but there were little opportunity to get this type of fuel in Korea at that time. So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel, and then had significant performance issues, about which drivers of this engine-type complained. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue.

In 2003, Hyundai presented their 'New Equus', changing the hood design and some of interior. A 7 inch screen for the rear seat, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, etc were newly offered. Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of Mitsubishi Proudia and Mitsubishi Dignity, unlike Hyundai. From 2005, 3.0 and 3.5 Sigma V6 engine types were changed to 3.3 and 3.8 Lambda V6 engine types which were designed and developed by Hyundai Motors. But the automatic transmission was not changed. Hyundai officially ceased the production of 1st generation Equus in November 2008. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus is to be launched in March 2009.

Limousine model

A limousine model was made for the Korean market. The Equus Limousine have been used for famous company owners in Korea or foreign VIPs.

Second generation

In March 2009, Hyundai unveiled the second generation of the Hyundai Equus. Earlier, Hyundai released a teaser sketch of the new Hyundai Equus flagship, expected to be rear-wheel drive and to feature a number of firsts in a Hyundai car, such as LED headlamps. The new generation Equus is a completely different model from previous Equus. Unlike the first generation Equus, the new generation Equus has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine. The new generation Equus has been entirely developed by Hyundai Motor Corporation. The new generation Equus is based on an all-new platform underpinning the Genesis sedan. The new generation Equus succeed only name and emblem from first generation Equus.

International markets

The Korean domestic market Equus comes as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige" in South Korea (overseas specifications will be different). The most expensive model in the company's lineup. It became available in South Korea on March 11, 2009. It launched in the People's Republic of China in August 2009. The Hyundai Equus listed as '10 exciting cars for 2010' from Forbes .

Limousine model

On September 2009, Hyundai unveiled long wheelbase version Equus limousine. It is a 300 mm longer than the sedan version, increasing comfort for the VIP passenger with award-winning Tau Engine V8 5.0L. The 5.0L Tau Engine delivers a peak torque of 368lb-ft and Hyundai says it outperform the LS460L by 19bhp and the Mercedes S500L by 11bhp. The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. According to Hyundai, it offers the passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume and world’s most comfortable passenger experience. Hyundai said, the engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience. To differentiate it from the Equus sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. The power-driven footrest, the world’s first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function.

Bulletproof model

According to some reports from South Korea, Hyundai has developed the bulletproof presidential limousine (such as the Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard and a BMW Security 760Li), based on the new generation Equus limousine with enlarged 5.5L version of award-winning V8 Tau Engine. On September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service.

The bulletproof Equus vehicles will be used for security purposes during various events including 2010 G-20 Leaders Summit to be held in Korea. The vehicles are based on the limousine version of the Equus. Hyundai made with a special alloy and have an automatic cooler system in case of fire. The limos also have bullet-proof windows. According to the Hyundai, the bulletproof Equus limousines provide a similar level of protection to bulletproof vehicles from such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Gallery

See also

• Hyundai Genesis

References

1. ^ Hyundai hopes the luxury Equus sedan finds a niche in US usatoday, 2009-05
2. ^ Hyundai Equus: White knight or dead horse? consumerreports blog, May 08, 2009
3. ^ "Automotive Engineering International Online: Global Viewpoints". Sae.org. March 2000, p. 4 . http://www.sae.org/automag/globalview_03-00/04.htm . Retrieved 2009-05-10 .  
4. ^ ^{a b} Hyundai Motor Launches its New Equus Sedan
5. ^ First official sketch of new Hyundai Equus released
6. ^ 10 exciting cars for 2010, CBC News, 29 September 2009.
7. ^ Hyundai launches £70k limousine2009-9-29. channel4.com
8. ^ Hyundai Launches Limousine Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS Thai Automaxx , 29 September 2009.
9. ^ 이명박 대통령, 에쿠스 리무진 방탄차 탄다 (Korean) 2009.09.28. Maeil Economy
10. ^ Lee to use bulletproof Equus limos Korea Herald , 29 September 2009.

External links

• Hyundai Equus official website (Middle East)
• Hyundai Equus official website (S.Korea)

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