08/18/2008, 10:58 AM
Future Cars
Hyundai releases Equus-replacement teaser (long-wheelbase Genesis sedan)
Hyundai engineers have been hard at work developing a long-wheel-base luxury sedan code-named BHL/VI — effectively a stretched version of the Genesis sedan — and the Korean automaker has released the first teaser image of its upcoming flagship model. Initially, the car is expected to be offered in the Chinese and Korean markets only, but there’s no reason it couldn’t find its way to North America if there’s a demand.
It’s unclear if the car will be marketed as a distinct model from the Genesis/i50 or if it will be sold as a LWB (long-wheel-base) variant. Sources are referring to this luxury sedan as the i70 — and sometimes as the i90 — but the name is not yet confirmed. Either way, the sedan will replace the current Equus.
However, we do know that it will be offered as a V8 model only and will be even more prestigious than the new Genesis. According to Hyundai-Blog, the new sedan will be powered by a 5.0L V8 — rated between 400 and 420 horsepower — although two supercharged V8s, displacing 5.5L and 4.6L, are said to be in the works.
As Hyundai is using Cadillac BMW and Lexus as benchmarks, expect an iDrive-type system, as well as many other luxury amenities.
The new model is a whopping eight inches longer than the Genesis, according to a new report. R&D boss Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee told Jalopnik in a recent interview the large sedan will replace the Equus JS 380 — and best it in length by around two inches.
Dr. Lee also said Hyundai has no plans for body styles other than sedans and coupes for the Genesis platform — that means no crossover or station wagon, as speculated by some.
Hyundai’s standard Genesis sedan hit the market last month, and has already seen some positive sales results. The company also launched the Genesis Coupe at the New York Auto Show in March, slated to git the market as a 2010 model.
08/18, 11:21 AM
posted by:
jayjc08
Oh, who cares if it’s a whopping “8 inches” longer than the current Genesis? Let’s just build them like boats, 20 footers, and call it a day. I’d get the feeling though people would still call it “too small” 10 years later.
08/18, 11:46 AM
posted by:
Red
Only fear I have is that as gas prices are starting to dip, folks are going to get that whole short-term memory thing again and actually BUY this thing!!
Isn’t the Genesis enough???
I know it would be hard for Hyundai to just suddenly ditch a vehicle so far into development, but MAN…we don’t need anymore teen-MPG type vehicles anymore!!!
08/18, 11:48 AM
posted by:
crackerhemi
Hyundai is smart. They realize that Americans are fatties/obese, and they are trying to profit from it by offering long wheel base versions of their cars. It is similar in concept to airlines charging more for fatties to fly on planes.
08/18, 12:05 PM
posted by:
bigp
i dont like hyundai but at ove 400 horse i want it but i will take an g8 gxp
08/18, 12:44 PM
posted by:
shaver
crockerpothomi: If it was for “fatties” wouldn’t they make it wider instead of longer. Maybe its for the tall or people with elphantitus of the balls.
08/18, 1:17 PM
posted by:
crackerhemi
To shaver: If you haven’t noticed, the first thing that grows on fatties are their stomachs. Although it grows in width, the first thing it does is grow in front of the person.
08/18, 3:06 PM
posted by:
mrfu
thats why this car will do well in usa. all the fatties love big cars.
08/18, 6:06 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
well i’m an american (in texas) and i’m 5′7″ and 140lbs. i’m also a soccerplayer so by NO means fat. so stop assuming we’re all fat-@sses. we’re not. as for hyundai, good for them. they’re trying to take a stab @ BMW & Lexus and become the more luxurious devision of the corp. so go for it! the only way they’re gunna get to that goal is just to DO IT.
08/18, 7:00 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Americans aren’t fat? Jesus, take a trip to Vermont or Texas. The land of blubber. It’s like Shamu and his family escaped from Marineland.
There’s this ****hole in Burlington Vermont called Al’s. Not big gay Al’s, just Al’s. They sell peanut-oil french fries by the quart and the FU.CKING GALLON!!! It’s like watching hippos at feeding time at the zoo. Fat fu.cks.
08/18, 7:28 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
obviously you read my comment or you wouldn’t have said what you did. since you read it i guess you’d understand i’m FROM Texas. So i don’t need to take a trip there. duh.
08/18, 7:49 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Not all of us are fat, but I’m starting to get there. I’m starting a strict exercise regimen to keep myself from gaining too much. The first thing I’m going to do is stop drinking soda. That stuff is the worst thing for you.
Fries by the gallon is really nasty. That made me want to hurl. Thanks, Deanster, for ruining my day and making me realize how nasty fries are. Tempura shrimp, anyone?
08/18, 7:54 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Very nice. I play football 2.
08/18, 8:16 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Over 600 people nationwide pounded Hyundai’s doors to pick up one of these world-beaters.
DrFill
08/18, 8:17 PM
posted by:
DrFill
In July
08/18, 10:06 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Vermont or Texas? You go to 2 states, and you pass judgement on all 57 states? I guess that’s reasonable…
That was a joke. I hope some people get it.
08/19, 12:59 AM
posted by:
LS7
There is no such thing as fuel crisis. People will adjust to the prices. History has proven itself, even in worse times.
11/25, 10:41 AM
posted by:
Sal Collaziano
I REALLY hope this car makes it to the United States.. Sure, the Genesis is big enough - but why not make a Bentley Arnage size vehicle available to those not so fortunate people? Even if it’s not “Bentley” sized, something slightly bigger to compete with the Mercedes S550 more closely than the Genesis can - would be a welcome addition…
Sal C.
http://genesisowners.com