Hyundai Evaluating the Creation of a Separate Genesis Brand to Compete with Lexus, May Build a BMW 3-Series Rival

If you were wondering what's next on the Hyundai and Kia Group's agenda of world domination, the answer is the addition of a third brand to the firm's portfolio to compete head on with Japan's Lexus and Infiniti, and possibly even Germany's finest, including BMW and Audi.

The luxury arm would most likely be called Genesis and include the South Korean firm's current rear-wheel drive offerings such as the Genesis Sedan and Coupe, plus the soon-to-be-launched onto the American market, Lexus LS-rivaling Equus.

The automaker, which saw its U.S. market share increase by an overly impressive 50 per cent in the past two years, would further enhance the range of the Genesis brand with a compact sports saloon in the likes of BMW's best-selling model, the 3-Series, and a crossover utility vehicle to compete with the Lexus RX 350.

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Hyundai Evaluating the Creation of a Separate Genesis Brand to Compete with Lexus, May Build a BMW 3-Series Rival

If you were wondering what's next on the Hyundai and Kia Group's agenda of world domination, the answer is the addition of a third brand to the firm's portfolio to compete head on with Japan's Lexus and Infiniti, and possibly even Germany's finest, including BMW and Audi.

The luxury arm would most likely be called Genesis and include the South Korean firm's current rear-wheel drive offerings such as the Genesis Sedan and Coupe, plus the soon-to-be-launched onto the American market, Lexus LS-rivaling Equus.

The automaker, which saw its U.S. market share increase by an overly impressive 50 per cent in the past two years, would further enhance the range of the Genesis brand with a compact sports saloon in the likes of BMW's best-selling model, the 3-Series, and a crossover utility vehicle to compete with the Lexus RX 350.

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SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen Racing's Signature Edition Hyundai Equus

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) is proving to be solid partner for Hyundai as for the third consecutive year, the two companies have joined forces at the SEMA Show. For this year's edition of the Las Vegas event, RMR customized Hyundai's new Equus luxury flagship with exterior, interior and performance upgrades.

On the outside, the Signature Edition Equus combines a two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint with an array of carbon fiber parts including mirror caps, front chin and rear deck spoilers, grille and exhaust outlet trims. The HRE 21-inch P40 wheels round off the exterior package.

The interior of the SEMA Show Equus sports RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and -hold on - ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

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SEMA 2010: Rhys Millen Racing's Signature Edition Hyundai Equus

Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) is proving to be solid partner for Hyundai as for the third consecutive year, the two companies have joined forces at the SEMA Show. For this year's edition of the Las Vegas event, RMR customized Hyundai's new Equus luxury flagship with exterior, interior and performance upgrades.

On the outside, the Signature Edition Equus combines a two-tone carbon fiber and Red Bull Racing blue satin clear paint with an array of carbon fiber parts including mirror caps, front chin and rear deck spoilers, grille and exhaust outlet trims. The HRE 21-inch P40 wheels round off the exterior package.

The interior of the SEMA Show Equus sports RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and -hold on - ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

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Hyundai Equus Receives the VIP Treatment and 450HP Turbo V8 by Mummbles Marketing [Updated]

[*Updated with photo gallery] And yes, we have a third tuned Hyundai Equus ready to take the ride to Las Vegas for the 2010 SEMA show - see the other two proposals here and here. This time the culprit responsible for the tune is Mummbles Marketing, which created the 450-horsepower-strong, VIP themed "Elegant Equus".

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Hyundai Equus Receives the VIP Treatment and 450HP Turbo V8 by Mummbles Marketing [Updated]

[*Updated with photo gallery] And yes, we have a third tuned Hyundai Equus ready to take the ride to Las Vegas for the 2010 SEMA show - see the other two proposals here and here. This time the culprit responsible for the tune is Mummbles Marketing, which created the 450-horsepower-strong, VIP themed "Elegant Equus".

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DUB Magazine Customizes 2011 Hyundai Equus for SEMA Show

Surprisingly, the all-new Hyundai Equus is grabbing the attention of tuners well before it makes its way into U.S. showrooms in December. The crew over at Dub Magazine is the second team (that we know of) after Rhys Millen Racing to be readying a customized version of the South Korean firm's range-topping sedan for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"We know that SEMA show-goers look forward to seeing the cool new cars like Equus and the unique ways we customize them," said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder, DUB Magazine. "With this car we tried to give tuners an idea of what modifications can be done within the luxury segment."

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DUB Magazine Customizes 2011 Hyundai Equus for SEMA Show

Surprisingly, the all-new Hyundai Equus is grabbing the attention of tuners well before it makes its way into U.S. showrooms in December. The crew over at Dub Magazine is the second team (that we know of) after Rhys Millen Racing to be readying a customized version of the South Korean firm's range-topping sedan for the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

"We know that SEMA show-goers look forward to seeing the cool new cars like Equus and the unique ways we customize them," said Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder, DUB Magazine. "With this car we tried to give tuners an idea of what modifications can be done within the luxury segment."

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2011 Hyundai Equus Flagship Starts at $58,900, Includes 5 years Valet Service [+ 60 Photos]

Hyundai's second attempt at the luxury segment after the Genesis, the all-new Equus full-size sedan, will arrive in U.S. showrooms in December with prices set at US$58,900 for the Signature version and US$64,900 for the Ultimate that gets all the bells and whistles, the South Korean automaker announced today.

Both prices include a $900 destination charge as well as free maintenance for 5 years or 60,000 miles, a complimentary valet service which includes a dealership employee picking up and delivering the car for maintenance, and an iPad that replaces the traditional owner's manual.

Not surprisingly, the Equus is priced much lower than other entry-level proposals in the in the luxury full-size sedan segment such as the Mercedes S-Class [S400 295HP V6 Hybrid $91,000], BMW 7-Series [740i 315HP six-cylinder $70,650] and the Jaguar XJ [385HP 5.0L V8 $72,700] and Lexus LS [LS 460 380HP 4.6L V8 $65,380].

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2011 Hyundai Equus Flagship Starts at $58,900, Includes 5 years Valet Service [+ 60 Photos]

Hyundai's second attempt at the luxury segment after the Genesis, the all-new Equus full-size sedan, will arrive in U.S. showrooms in December with prices set at US$58,900 for the Signature version and US$64,900 for the Ultimate that gets all the bells and whistles, the South Korean automaker announced today.

Both prices include a $900 destination charge as well as free maintenance for 5 years or 60,000 miles, a complimentary valet service which includes a dealership employee picking up and delivering the car for maintenance, and an iPad that replaces the traditional owner's manual.

Not surprisingly, the Equus is priced much lower than other entry-level proposals in the in the luxury full-size sedan segment such as the Mercedes S-Class [S400 295HP V6 Hybrid $91,000], BMW 7-Series [740i 315HP six-cylinder $70,650] and the Jaguar XJ [385HP 5.0L V8 $72,700] and Lexus LS [LS 460 380HP 4.6L V8 $65,380].

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Rhys Millen Sports-up Hyundai's Equus Flagship for 2010 SEMA Show

The soon-to-be-launched onto the U.S. market Hyundai Equus doesn't exactly scream SEMA Show material, but that hasn't stopped the Korean firm from allowing Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) to customize their flagship limo for the Las Vegas tuning convention. Dubbed the RMR Signature Edition Equus, the S-Class sized saloon will be upgraded with a variety of exterior, interior and performance parts.

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Rhys Millen Sports-up Hyundai's Equus Flagship for 2010 SEMA Show

The soon-to-be-launched onto the U.S. market Hyundai Equus doesn't exactly scream SEMA Show material, but that hasn't stopped the Korean firm from allowing Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) to customize their flagship limo for the Las Vegas tuning convention. Dubbed the RMR Signature Edition Equus, the S-Class sized saloon will be upgraded with a variety of exterior, interior and performance parts.

Read more »

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Hyundai's Having a Ball, Sonata and Tucson Driving US Sales to the Moon

According to US Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, Hyundai is looking to set an "all-time" sales record in September partially thanks to high demand for the new Sonata sedan.

Krafcik told Autonews that September "looks fantastic [for Hyundai]. The industry looks decent -- I wouldn't say great -- but I think we're going to be fine." That's because the two latest Hyundai models to arrive have been the well received Sonata and the crisp Tucson.

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North American 2011 Hyundai Equus Debuts in New York, Takes on Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class

It's clear that Hyundai is leaving no stone unturned these days in its quest to dominate the automobile market in every segment. At the New York Auto Show, the South Korean automaker introduced the North American production version of its all-new flagship model, the 2011 Equus that's already on sale in its home market.

Hyundai is pitting the Genesis sedan's big brother against rivals such as the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S 550, but at a much lower price as the Equus will launch in the U.S.A. this summer with a starting price in the mid $50,000 range.

"We've applied the lessons in engineering excellence we've learned with Genesis to the Equus, while adding a new level of customer experience that will further differentiate our take on luxury from the traditional premium brands," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.

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VIDEOS: 2010 Hyundai Equus Limousine Filmed Inside and Out

Earlier today we brought you news of the introduction of Hyundai's new flagship limousine model that is based on the regular Equus sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in the States towards the end of 2010. Now we bring you a chain of videos shot during the presentation of the XXL Equus Limousine at a special event in South Korea revealing Hyundai's ambitious Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS rival in detail. Hit the break to watch all three videos.

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VIDEOS: 2010 Hyundai Equus Limousine Filmed Inside and Out

Earlier today we brought you news of the introduction of Hyundai's new flagship limousine model that is based on the regular Equus sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in the States towards the end of 2010. Now we bring you a chain of videos shot during the presentation of the XXL Equus Limousine at a special event in South Korea revealing Hyundai's ambitious Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS rival in detail. Hit the break to watch all three videos.

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Hyundai Equus Limousine: Long Wheelbase Version Revealed, gets New 400HP 5.0-liter V8

This is the new Hyundai Equus Limousine, an extra long wheelbase version of the South Korean firm's flagship model that offers a bevy of upgrades over the normal sedan including a more powerful V8 engine, differentiated exterior styling and enhanced safety, comfort and convenience features. The Equus Limousine's most prominent feature is of course its 300mm (11.8-in.) longer wheelbase that brings the vehicle's overall length to a massive 5,460mm (215-in.) shadowing its rivals like the Mercedes S500L (5,210mm) and BMW 750iL (5,212mm).

But unlike its competitors that rely on larger rear doors to incorporate the added length, the Equus Limousine's stretched wheelbase is immediately visible due to the addition of a new section in the B-column area which brings to mind independently made custom limos.

Other exterior modifications include the unique horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center that looks as mundane as any other Hyundai grille we've seen so far.

The Equus Limousine will be offered in its home market with a choice of two gasoline engines, an entry-level 3.8-liter V6 that makes 290HP and 36.5kgm of torque and a new version of the firm's 4.6-liter V8 Tau unit with an enlarged displacement of 5.0-liter that develops 400HP and 51.0kgm of torque.

In both cases power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, apart from the significantly improved backseat legroom that reaches 1,310mm (51.6-in.), the Equus Limousine has been upgraded with many features that include a power-driven footrest and what Hyundai describes as "Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System functions."

The company also offers a bulletproof version of the Equus Limousine that was developed in-house.

Prices for the long wheelbase edition Equus range in South Korea from 135 million won to 146 million won which comes to around US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates.

Hyundai did not say whether or not the stretch version of the Equus will be available in the States when the model goes on sale in late 2010.

7:22 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Hyundai Equus Limousine: Long Wheelbase Version Revealed, gets New 400HP 5.0-liter V8

This is the new Hyundai Equus Limousine, an extra long wheelbase version of the South Korean firm's flagship model that offers a bevy of upgrades over the normal sedan including a more powerful V8 engine, differentiated exterior styling and enhanced safety, comfort and convenience features. The Equus Limousine's most prominent feature is of course its 300mm (11.8-in.) longer wheelbase that brings the vehicle's overall length to a massive 5,460mm (215-in.) shadowing its rivals like the Mercedes S500L (5,210mm) and BMW 750iL (5,212mm).

But unlike its competitors that rely on larger rear doors to incorporate the added length, the Equus Limousine's stretched wheelbase is immediately visible due to the addition of a new section in the B-column area which brings to mind independently made custom limos.

Other exterior modifications include the unique horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center that looks as mundane as any other Hyundai grille we've seen so far.

The Equus Limousine will be offered in its home market with a choice of two gasoline engines, an entry-level 3.8-liter V6 that makes 290HP and 36.5kgm of torque and a new version of the firm's 4.6-liter V8 Tau unit with an enlarged displacement of 5.0-liter that develops 400HP and 51.0kgm of torque.

In both cases power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, apart from the significantly improved backseat legroom that reaches 1,310mm (51.6-in.), the Equus Limousine has been upgraded with many features that include a power-driven footrest and what Hyundai describes as "Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System functions."

The company also offers a bulletproof version of the Equus Limousine that was developed in-house.

Prices for the long wheelbase edition Equus range in South Korea from 135 million won to 146 million won which comes to around US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates.

Hyundai did not say whether or not the stretch version of the Equus will be available in the States when the model goes on sale in late 2010.

7:22 AM | 0 comments | Read More