Representing the pinnacle of Hyundai engineering and design sophistication, the all-new EQUUS will serve as an effective import fighter in the Korean luxury sedan market taking on the best from Germany and Japan.

As the replacement for the first-generation EQUUS which has been retired after ten years in the marketplace, the new successor was developed under the VI project codename over a period of three years and represents a total investment of 500 billion won (approximately AUD$513 million or US$337 million*).

Hyundai plans to sell 13,000 units in the Korean market this year, increasing that number to 19,000 units in 2010. 

The new flagship sedan will also make its way to overseas markets such as China and the Middle East starting in the second half of this year, competing with other world-class vehicles.

Available in four trim levels, EQUUS will be priced at 63.7 million won (approximately AUD$65,500*) for the entry level VS380 model and will top out at 105 million won (approximately AUD$108,000*) for the VS460 Prestige. 

Later this year, the range will be extended to include a long wheelbase edition which will be powered by a 5L V8 ‘Tau’ engine.

EQUUS comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines:  The ‘Lambda’ 3.8 V6 and the award-winning ‘Tau’ 4.6 V8. 

To maximise power while minimising emissions and fuel consumption, both engines feature all-aluminium construction, continuously variable valve timing, variable air induction systems and are mated to six-speed transmissions. 

The ‘Lambda’ V6, good for 213 kW and a peak torque rating of 358 Nm, delivers an impressive fuel economy rating of 10.8 litres / 100 km. 

The ‘Tau’ 4.6 V8, named by Detroit-based Ward’s Autos as one of 2009’s ‘Best Ten Engines’, delivers 269 kW and 439 Nm of torque with a fuel economy rating of 11.4 litres / 100 km.

Note: All figures and features in this release are based on Korean domestic model specifications.