Hyundai Put The Sights Squarely On The LS With The Debut Of The New Equus

Hyundai is going to destroy Japan's best with their line up. It will be funny to watch the Asian brands reaping each other apart while the superior German brands will continue to set the standard in the auto industry.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 4:36:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -17   

Car Buyer: Excuse me sir? Can you show me where your new Eqqus is parked so that I can have a gander?

Hyundai Salesman: Absolutely! Right this way sir.. We have 'em all parked between the $10,00 Accent's and $13,000 Elantra's. Let me know if you have any questions about our Lexus LS killer.

— Lemonade (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 4:42:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

First of, this crown majesta rip off has nothing on the LS!

And second, Star have you seen the sale figures in that segment! You german buddy's are far behind the Lexus LS in sale's. So the only people that should fear this Toyota crown rip off are the Germans!

— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 4:44:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Hyundai might have to take over BMW. BMW is in huge financial trouble. The Equus looks like a good competitor to the 7-Series. It won't be able to touch the S-Class or LS.

Last year, net profits for BMW went down almost 90 percent but company heads claimed that the carmaker is in good health financially speaking.
As it turned out the 89.5 percent drop in BMW’s profits, which was equivalent to 2.4 Billion Euros (2.24 Billion Pounds), is attributed to exceptional costs connected to bad debts, personal costs and provisions to cover risks on used car outlets.

— DocMarten (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 5:06:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Another awesome car from Hyundai.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 5:18:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Looks like the new Maxima.

— FitzLA (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 5:20:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

Looks like a cross between a Lexus LS46 and a Buick Enclave.

Looks like ToyLex is screwed :-/

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 5:30:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12   

Weird fact of the day:

EL34 having Mickey Mouse as his avatar makes more sense than anything Star will post this year.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 5:35:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

Trust me, Lexus will pay attention to this. But Lexus will just step it up a notch or two. This is what competition is all about. Look at the electronics world. There will be no repeat of what Sony did with Samsung... at first, Sony laughed at Samsung. Now who's laughing?

Sony waited, but eventually stepped it up. Lexus will not wait.

— Ricks2Dogs (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 6:23:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

What makes Lexus the de facto competitor to this car? Just because Agent009 says so? This site tries to compare every new Hyundai to an Infiniti or a Lexus, and for what? To try and embarrass them out of personal disdain? This car will kill the Lincoln Towncar, Cadillac DTS, VW Phaeton crowd before it gets anywhere near the Lexus LS, Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 crowd.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 7:43:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

I think Hyundai is on the right track with this car and others in the line up, maybe this could warrant a 2nd brand though

— 1fstmach (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 8:11:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Great accomplishment by Hyundai, but maybe a little over ambitious. Front end sings Toyota Crown on steroids all day long, with the styling hips of a Bentley GT and the rear end of a previous gen Acura RL. But in this day and age when technology is so accessible and easy to create or even "duplicate"...it actually becomes more tough on the new comers, more so the one that are already there.(you would think it would be the other way around)..but that is simply not the case, especially in the automotive world.

— BigShow50 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 8:28:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I see Hyundai is still too embarassed to put their name on the car.

Hyundai couldn't beat the Avalon with the Genesis so now they come out with a new car to try and take down the 4yo Avalon.

The Equus has probably already joined the Germans in offering deep, deep, really deep it stopped being funny, discounts.

Bet Star still couldn't afford one of these.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 8:43:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

What's funny is that the master race needs an American (Bungle) and Arab? (Habib) to design their cars for them.

Lexus atleast uses Japanese designers for a homegrown style, unlike the "copy this, copy that, what's everybody else doing" German brands.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 8:48:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Don' kno how many of u pushed around an LS hard, but after AMG and Bentley Continental GT, the V8 in the LS makes a nice monstrous bass exhaust sound. If the Equus can do that, then good. But must be sold at different dealer, or else Phaeton, which was my favorite of the large lux. sedans, & I like RWD. Except for rear, the Equus doesn't look much different from the Genesis. Bad idea, stop here @ Genesis for now, I compare Genesis to G8 or Charger, and i'd rather get those than Genesis.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 9:35:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Star,
You should know, on the internet, I own atleast 9 Porsches. Tell me something about the C63 that only an owner would know besides where the steering wheel is (and something that you can't simply look up on the net).

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 10:11:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

It must really irk you that even the Koreans have stopped copying Germany because they know Japanese cars are #1 now. All the German sell now are plastic emblems on economy cars, a perfect match for Hyundai actually.

How does it make you feel that a lowly WRX STi is just as fast as your alleged Viagra mobile, can pull a higher g (even the IS-F can do that) and it doesn't need a 17 cylinder engine to do it. The only difference is a $50K plastic trinket on the hood. That's the sad truth of MB of late, they're following the hated Americans down the path of "bigger engine = more power" instead of "better engine = more power".

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 10:23:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

How convenient. Yeah, and I own an H1 too and it comes standard with an elephant. You still didn't answer my question, then again, I can't pretend to own a C63 so you can name off whatever you want. What's it got, a column shifter?

LOL, the supposed STi you own is slower because you can't drive stick. I don't blame you though, I prefer autos too.

Can't wait to see what else you come up with to avoid my challenge to you.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 11:20:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

If this goes to the Unites States, BMW is in huge trouble. This car will directly compete with the 7-Series and outsell it. BMW's profits are down 90% and they might go bankrupt in the future. Hyundai might have to bail the company out. BMW might even be bought out by Toyota or Honda. Hyundai is in direct competition with BMW and will beat them every step of the way.

— DocMarten (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 11:27:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I hope Hyundai brings this to the states.

— hyundaifansdotcom (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 11:55:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Are you serious? BMW would never be bought out by Hyundai! Just wouldn't happen.

BTW I don't see how you figure this Hyundai can steal sales from the 7-series but not the LS or S-Class? If anything the Equus is much more comparable to the LS & S-Class than the 7. Granted it doesn't resemble either of them from the outside but the interior of this Hyundai is clearly inspired by LS's. Not to mention if it drives anything like the Genesis; which is geared toward comfort rather than performance, than it must handle more like a Town Car than an M5, which is exactly how the LS & S-Class handle in comparison to a 7.

— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 3/16/2009 11:58:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I was more excited about this car when it was still a concept. Now that I've seen a more complete version, I'm not as impressed. The interior is still nice though.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 12:59:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Nice effort but needs more engines.

— BarackBush (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 2:41:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Hyundai shouldnt have a Genesis brand though. They should just become a Lux make in the biggest David beats the Goliath automotive story in the history of the world. Hyundai should just go fully cocked with it. However, it seems as if they are doing it in all of their overseas lineups. Look at their European products. Even the i20 (Next Gen Accent) is Luxury. Plus the world has too many auto makes already. Also, those like me who drive Hyundais, drive them for their old school SAAB like quirkiness. Hyundai should be a 2 tier luxry company, Near Luxury and Premium. While KIA makes the cheap (Toyota/Honda) cars. They should old school SAAB it up in the smaller cars, like the Accent, Tiburon, and Elantra. Those cars have been good rally cars, and are proven good road cars. They should compete with the big boys on the higher end, Sonata, (no Azera, since the Azera is getting canned), Genesis/w Coupe, and Equus. The Santa Fe and Tuscon, should be on the SAAB-esque tier. While the Veracruz should be on the Lexus, Inifinti, BMW, Audi-esque tier.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 4:19:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Equus looks good 2 me, but its nowhere near an LS killer, since the Genesis V8, drives like an E-class, i think the Equus might drive like an S-class, which is a good think

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 4:22:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

By the way in Europe, The 1.6L 128 HP i20 (Next gen Accent) gets 32MPG City/55 MPG Hwy or 7.5L/100KM to 4.3L/100KM.

Hyundais new technological work of art 1.6L 128HP is more than:

New Ford Fiesta 1.6L 118HP 31 MPG city 43 MPG highway.
Honda Fit/Jazz 1.5L 115 HP 30 MPG city 35 MPG highway.
The others are too much of a joke to even list.

So at least in subcompacts, Hyundai exceeds the class leaders dynamically.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 7:08:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

The Horsepower of a Corolla with the MPG superior than a Prius Hybrid, in that Accent. That next Gen Tibby using the same 2.0 as the Genesis that weighs possibly 1000 lb more should be getting close to 40MPG. 44 MPG Sonata Hyrbids, 36 MPG theta engines. Those who think about the future with insecurity will choose the smart choice, HYUNDAI!!!!!!!!!!!

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 7:17:17 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Looks like Genesis themed LS460. Something like Hyundai took an LS and pasted small Genesis styling cues on it. Headlights and complete rear end is LS, the grille treatment and badge on the hood is MB inspired.
And look at the interior pics, i can remember LS was launched with similar pictures and same colour interior. Black with redishh wood and rear centre arm rest is a cabon copy of LS.

Equus is complete LS460 rip off. Even they copied the LS460 engine. 4.6l V8 producing roughly 480BHP.

Should sell for around same money as Phaeton, GS460.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 7:56:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

correction: 380BHP.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 7:58:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

They know better than to bring that over here
Soeul will love it
Thank you VW!
DarkPhoenix

— DarkPheonix (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 8:56:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

looks like the ES on the front. it also has that ridiculous goofy grin like on the genesis coupe.

— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 8:59:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

So is this only coming to Korea? If so, how many LS do they sell there? I'd love to sit in one of these, hopefully it does well enough that they consider a US launch.

— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 9:07:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I wonder if Lexus is laughing...

If I were in the market for an Asian luxury car, this would have to be one to cross-shop against Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura brands.

— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 9:51:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I think it looks pretty good. I rarely visit this site nowadays because it's like being on a playground. No intelligent conversations at all. This constant German-Japanese war is so boring. Don't you guys ever get tired of it? It would be much better if people would be honest. Most of the people on this site have a favorite brand or country and hate everything else..I thought this was a site for car enthusiasts...I think you people should find a German and Japanese lovers car site and leave the commenting to people who actually like cars. I'm not saying I would buy it, but since they're aiming at the LS, I would expect a certain price range and I'm not ready to spend that much on a Hyundai...I felt the same way when Lexus came out. I liked the cars initially, but the brand had to earn a reputation first.

— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 10:23:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

BMW profits are down 90% and they might go bankrupt. Hyundai is in a good position to do well with the Equus, as it competes directly with the 7-Series BMW. BMW is in big trouble. Their top designers have jumped ship and BMW is sinking.

— DocMarten (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 11:26:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I totally agree with 0to60.. DocMarten copy pasting the same sad "BMW in trouble message" without even going to the other previously mentioned morons, there really seems to be no room for the real commnents and discussion on this site anymore.. The James Bond's should take the situation under control.

— AntiHate (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 12:39:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Hyundai clearly set its sights for natural rival, Lexus and it seems Acura and Infiniti can't really compete with Lexus. Will Hyundai vs. Lexus (Asia) become the new BMW vs. M-B (Europe)?

These Hyundais seem to be getting better and better all the time. Definitely enough to give a typical Lexus shopper some pause. If it turns out to be just a reliable I think they will have a winner.

— Auto_expert (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 1:15:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Oh, Lord.... yet another bland, dull, ugly, uninteresting, derivative, unimaginative, lifeless, benign, blah, blah, blah boring car from an Asian manufacturer. Do we have to suffer these products? Ugh.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 1:30:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

All Luxury Sedans are bland 204E60. In this segment all that matters are: Engine (Power, and or High efficiency for the power available), Soft Elegance (the style wont turn heads all the time but the badge will a Luxury Hyundai will turn heads, its just that simple), and features for the money.


Hyundai had to change, to sell the volumes they want to sell. For the forseeable future I san see Luxury: Accents, Elantras, Genesis Coupes, Tiburons, and Sonatas selling like hot cakes in America. Hyundai makes better looking Near luxury and premium cars anyway.

Just like Ford Europe's strategy, they had to sell premium Focuses and Fiestas Americans cant afford in order to sell cars in Europe with all of the cheap competitors there. Hyundai is doing the same in Europe with its small cars first, just like Hyundai is doing that in America with its big cars first.

Hyundai Europe=Trickle up
Hyundai North America=Trickle Down

By the way, A Hyundai rep told me that all of Hyundais North American products will be premium cars by 2011, and that there will be a "Halo" from below. The Hints from Hyundai reps are usually very accurate about future products. A rep told me that Hyundai would be going upmarket in 2007 when I bought my Accent, and the Azera was just a "teaser" car, while KIA would focus on being a Honda competitor. I was also told by reps to look for Hybrid and Diesel models as options in all cars about 2009-2012 time frame.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 2:53:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Reps have also told me that when the dust clears, Hyundai will most definately be "the Most Fuel Efficient car Company in America" in every segment, and in the long term they will strive to be "the safest car company in America" in every segment.

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 6:11:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Star,
Quit dancing around my question.
I think I'll claim to own a Ferrari today.

— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/17/2009 9:01:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1