This photo clearly shows that the 2008 Equus will use a rear-wheel-drive configuration when it debuts roughly two years from now. This angle also gives a good indication of this vehicle's size. With a wheelbase of 116 inches, the Equus is nearly as big as a Mercedes S-Class between the wheels.







Unless you've visited Korea lately, you've probably never heard of the Hyundai Equus. It's Hyundai's largest, most luxurious sedan, but since its debut in 1999 it's been a domestic market sedan only. That may change in the coming years as the 2008 Hyundai Equus is being designed with U.S. sales in mind.

Our latest spy photos show an Equus sedan that's bigger and more luxurious-looking than the current model. The styling looks as though it will remain on the conservative side, but given that the Equus will likely go up against cars like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne it shouldn't be a problem. Size shouldn't be an issue either. Our handy spy shooters measured a wheelbase of 116 inches, a full 5 inches longer than the Avalon's 111-inch wheelbase. That should give the Equus plenty of room in back to go along with what looks to be a well-appointed cabin.

The last-generation Equus made the switch to rear-wheel drive and the 2008 model will retain that configuration. Power is expected to come from a 3.8-liter V6 with upwards of 270 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability will handle the shifts.

Look for this sedan to debut in about two years time, most likely with a new name for its new market.


More pics: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Featu...icleId=106903#9

That interior looks pretty similar to the CLS, but it looks good nonetheless.

Wow that interior is really impressive for a Hyundai. It does look like a CLS and reminds me of BMWs design too somewhat.

This is an impressive car even in camo. Damn, the Koreans are really coming on strong. Even the Japanese must be worried. Ahhh, competition, you gotta love it.

Edited August 22, 200519 yr by HarleyEarl

Looks good inside..I'm sure it will give Buick a run for its money...

The interior looks great for a Hyundai (or any manufacturer), though they mashed the interior design of the CLS and every new BMW together. RWD sounds nice, along with the 270HP. I think price (and perhaps exterior design) will be the deciding point. Overall, I'm very impressed. Edit: After looking at the exterior pictures again, I think the rear door design looks like an Altima and the windowsill and door sides look like the G35. I know there's camo on the car but those are my initial impressions.

Edited August 20, 200519 yr by sciguy_0504

Horrible steering wheel design. I have a feeling bits n' pieces will be dumbed down for the American market and this may end up being more Amanti than Lucerne.

Edit:  After looking at the exterior pictures again, I think the rear door design looks like an Altima and the windowsill and door sides look like the G35.  I know there's camo on the car but those are my initial impressions.

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I thought the roofline in general looked a lot like the Altima too. I see where you're coming from with the G35 on the sides but the crease appears to be sharper, sort of like on Cadillacs.

I do not have my development plans for Hyundai with me at home but that looks like it should be out on the market within the next year. Wow, that looks good, in and out.

I don't know.... While I've always been interested in the Equus, since I saw the first AWD version at the LA auto show years ago, I'm not too sure about some of the elements of this car. Rear-drive? Great! 270-horse V-6? Cool BASE engine, but where's the V-8? Is it much bigger than the upcoming Azera? And interiorwise, the steering wheel is whatever, but the dash looks kinda dated with that wavy 90s look; I'd like to see something more chiseled. Exterior should deliver, as long as they don't concave the fenders and give it an out-of-place grille, as the Koreans tend to do quite often.

This is a huge leap forward for the Equus. The dash is like a melding of several luxury makes. Hyundai's on a roll.

If the exterior looks as good as the interior, this is going to be a real thorn in the side of the domestics, Japanese, and Germans.

sucks. can we please keep this Korean trash off our shores. wait, they are building Korean trash here now.

yeah well that raised middle on the hood hints at power, it may be getting there, but where is the big muscle? great design though, i like it

Amazing Hyundai, but will Americans buy into Expensive KOREAN automobiles?

I don't care for the design of the interior. The exterior looks like it might turn out really well.

People dont like cars that they cant pronounce the name of, usually. How the heck do you say "Equus", and what does it mean?

People dont like cars that they cant pronounce the name of, usually.  How the heck do you say "Equus", and what does it mean?

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It's pronounced ECK-us and I believe it's Latin(?) for "horse".

That steering wheel is terrible, but the rest of the dashboard looks very nice. That center stack/console treatment is above and beyond most everything GM makes. The exterior doesn't look like it'll break new ground, but it'll be nice.

Wasn't a previous generation years ago of the Equus based on an older Merc E-class? (or was that the Hyundai Chairman..). Yes, Equus means horse...BTW, there was a rather strange movie with this title made in the '70s with Richard Burton.

Edited August 24, 200519 yr by moltar

I should have taken Latin; it seems much more useful. Equus = Equestrian.

the name makes me think of a equinox for some reason