Today, Hyundai performed the official market launch of its new flagship sedan, the Equus VI, at an event held in Seoul, Korea that was attended by more than 1,000 VIP guests including South Korea's Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo. Representing a total investment of 500 billion won (approximately US$337 million), the 2010 Equus will serve as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its likes.
Based on a modified version of the Genesis sedan's rear-wheel drive platform, the 5,160mm long Equus comes with a choice of two engines, the 'Lambda' 3.8-liter V6 with 290HP and 36.5kgm of torque and the 'Tau' 4.6-liter V8 delivering 366HP and 44.8kgm of torque. Both engines are matted to a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Hyundai, the Equus V6 has a combined fuel economy rating of 10.8 lt /100km (21.8 mpg US) and the Equus V8, 11.4 lt / 100km (20.6 mpg US).
The Equus rides on a 5-link suspension (front and rear) featuring lightweight aluminum control arms while Hyundai has worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop an air-suspension that is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.
Other notable highlights include the standard Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems, as well as the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver that brings the total airbag count to nine.
In Korea, the Equus will be available in four trim levels, with prices starting from 63.7 million won (approximately US$44,850) for the entry level, V6-powered VS380 model and topping out at 105 million won (approximately US$73,900) for the V8-powered VS460 Prestige. Towards the end of 2009, Hyundai will extend the range with a long wheelbase edition that will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 'Tau' engine.
Hyundai officials said that the company plans to sell around 13,000 units of the new Equus in the Korean market this year, increasing that number to 19,000 units in 2010. The new Korean flagship sedan will also make its way to selected overseas markets like China and the Middle East starting in the second half of 2009.
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