Hyundai Equus

Hyundai Equus
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Production	1999–present
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Chronology
Predecessor	Hyundai Grandeur (2nd Generation)

The Hyundai Equus (/ˈɛkwʉs/; Korean: 현대 에쿠스 [hjə́ːndɛ ekʰusɯ]) known as the Hyundai Centennial in the Middle East, is an upscale full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Hyundai Motor Company worldwide, named after the Latin word for "horse". The Hyundai Equus is the largest and most expensive sedan in the company's lineup. In 2009, the company released a new version on a rear-wheel drive platform aimed to compete with the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and Lexus LS.^[1] As of June 2013, the Hyundai Equus is available in South Korea, China, the Middle East, and the Americas(except Mexico).

First generation (1999–2008)

First generation (LZ)
Overview
Also called	Hyundai Centennial Mitsubishi Proudia Mitsubishi Dignity
Production	1999–2008
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Layout	FF layout
Related	Mitsubishi Proudia Mitsubishi Dignity
Powertrain
Engine	Sigma 3.0 L V6 Lambda 3.3 L V6 Sigma 3.5 L V6 Lambda 3.8 L V6 8A80 – GDI 4.5 L V8 8A80 – MPI 4.5 L V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,840 mm (111.8 in) (limo: 3,090 mm (121.7 in))
Length	1999–2003 : 5,065 mm (199.4 in) (limo: 5,335 mm (210.0 in)) 2003–2008 : 5,120 mm (201.6 in) (limo: 5,390 mm (212.2 in))
Width	1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58.3 in) (limo: 1,485 mm (58.5 in))

In 1999, Hyundai Motors and Mitsubishi Motors presented their full-size sedan. Hyundai said that it was making a full-size sedan to compete with Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the Korean market. In reality it was competing against its domestic competitor SsangYong Chairman. Hyundai had great success with this car in Korea, but very few were exported to foreign countries. One was exported for the 2001 New York International Auto Show to gauge the reaction of U.S. consumers. Hyundai identified the car to the U.S. consumers as the Hyundai LZ450 luxury sedan.

The first generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors who had their own version called the Proudia. It was jointly manufactured by both companies.^[2] The first generation car was introduced in 1999 as a front wheel drive car measuring 5.1 metres (200.8 in) long and 1.9 metres (74.8 in) wide. A long-wheelbase limousine model was available exclusively for the Korean domestic market, and at 92,510,000 South Korean won for the 2008 model with a V8 and no options, was the most expensive model in the company's lineup. The first generation Equus extended length limousine was also mechanically related to the Mitsubishi Dignity limousine for the Japanese market. The first generation Equus were sold in South Korea, China, and the Middle East. A very limited number, badged as the Centennial, were made available for some western European markets in the early and mid-2000s. At first, there were two engine types – a 3.5 Sigma V6 and 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine. After a few months, the 3.0 Sigma V6 engine type was added. Two versions were available: a sedan (3.0, 3.5 and 4.5) and limousine (3.5 and 4.5). In Japan, under the name of Mitsubishi Dignity (limousine version) and Mitsubishi Proudia (sedan version), about 2,000 units were sold. Specifically, the 4.5 8A80 (Omega) V8 engine was a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) type engine which was designed and developed by Mitsubishi Motors. This engine was optimized with premium unleaded gasoline fuel, but there was little opportunity to get this type of fuel in Korea at that time. So, most of these engines used normal unleaded gasoline fuel, and then had significant performance issues, about which drivers of this engine-type complained. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue.

New Equus

In 2003, Hyundai presented their 'New Equus', changing the hood design and some of interior. A 7 inch screen for the rear seat, Xenon headlamps, front parking sensors, etc. were newly offered. Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of Mitsubishi Proudia and Mitsubishi Dignity, unlike Hyundai. From 2005, 3.0 and 3.5 Sigma V6 engine types were changed to 3.3 and 3.8 Lambda V6 engine types which were designed and developed by Hyundai Motors. But the automatic transmission was not changed. Hyundai officially ceased the production of 1st generation Equus in November 2008. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus was launched in March 2009.^[3]

Limousine model

1st gen limousine model

A limousine model was made for the Korean market. Equus Limousines have been used by famous company owners in Korea as well as foreign VIPs.

Second generation (2009–present)

Second generation (VI)
Overview
Also called	Hyundai Centennial
Production	2009–present
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea Kaliningrad, Russia[4]
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Related	Hyundai Genesis Kia K9
Powertrain
Engine	Lambda 3.8 L V6 (GDI) (standard buyer) Tau 4.6 L V8 (standard buyer) Tau 5.0 L V8 (GDI) (Sedan, limousine) Tau 5.5 L V8
Transmission	6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic (2012-on)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,045 mm (119.9 in) (limo: 3,345 mm (131.7 in))
Length	5,160 mm (203.1 in) (limo: 5,460 mm (215.0 in))
Width	1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Height	1,495 mm (58.9 in)

Initial version

Hyundai Equus VS460

The second generation Equus, codename "VI", was unveiled in Grand Hyatt Seoul.^[5] Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine.^[3] The VI is based on an all-new platform, that has been entirely developed by Hyundai Motor Corporation. Although the car has nothing in common with the previous Equus, the VI takes only the name from old Equus, because the name 'Equus' has prestige in Korea.

The Korean domestic market Equus comes as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige" in South Korea. It is the most expensive model in the company's lineup. It launched in the People's Republic of China in August 2009. The Hyundai Equus was listed in the '10 exciting cars for 2010' from Forbes.^[6]

US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,^[7] and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show.^[8] Early US model includes the same 4.6L V8 engine as the Genesis except with 10 hp (7 kW) more than the current version. This puts the total engine output at 385 hp (287 kW) with 333 lb·ft (451 N·m).^[9] The North American Equus features a badge attached on the hood as opposed to the hood ornament, the grille features a horizontal grid pattern like its Genesis sibling as opposed to the vertical one on international models, and an included iPad device with an Equus user's guide application pre-installed as opposed to a traditional owner's manual.^[10]

A modified Hyundai Equus was donated to Costa Rica and is currently used as the presidential car.

Equus Limousine

2010 Hyundai Equus Limousine

The long-wheelbase version Equus was unveiled in September 2009. It is 300 mm (11.8 in) longer than the sedan version. Engine choices include Lambda 3.8L and Tau 5.0L engines.^[11][12] The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The limousine model has an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille, as well as features such as a power-driven footrest, rear-seat leg support and a massage system.^[13]

Hyundai also developed an armoured vehicle based on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine.^[14] On September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service. Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, and it has an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows.^[15]

The first-built armoured limousine was donated to Cheong Wa Dae.^[16]

At the moment, the limousine is only available in South Korea.

RMR Signature Edition Equus

It is a concept vehicle customized by Rhys Millen Racing, based on Equus with 4.6 Tau engine. It included bolt-on RMR Signature Edition air intake and stainless exhaust, increased engine power by 30 hp, RMR Signature Edition embroidered headrests and floor mats, and ostrich hide leather seats with suede accents.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 SEMA show.^[17]

DUB Edition Hyundai Equus

It is a version of 2011 Equus sedan built by Mummbles Marketing and DUB Magazine. It included Trex DUB Design mesh grille, DUB Design custom body kit, tinted windows and tail lights, and a custom two-tone, gloss black-and-matte charcoal body colour, DUB Edition custom suspension, 24-inch TIS modular style 10 wheels with Pirelli Pzero Nero Tires, custom trunk enclosure with Infinity Kappa audio (9 Infinity Kappa Series speakers, KAPPA ONE mono and KAPPA FOUR four-channel amplifiers), DUB Design custom leather and suede upholstery, DUB Design illuminated headliner and custom rear bucket seats.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 SEMA show.^[18]

Body style

Engines

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 MPi, Tau 4.6 MPi (366PS), Tau 5.0 MPi engines.

US models include only Tau 4.6 MPi (390PS) engine.

Transmission

All models included ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

2012 model year update

2012 model vehicles include 8-speed automatic transmission, introduction of GDI engines.^[19] It was also revealed that the Hyundai Equus will be receiving a 5.0L V8 with 429 hp (320 kW) and 376 lb·ft (510 N·m).^[20] This engine will be an option for the Equus after January 2011. This engine will also be placed in the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis.^[20]

Body style

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

South Korean models include sedan (VS380, VS500) and limousine (VL380, VL500).

Engines

US, Canadian models include only Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) engine.

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 GDi, Tau 5.0 GDi (416PS) engines.

Transmission

All models 8-speed automatic transmission.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hyundai Equus.

• Hyundai sites: World, South Korea (Korean), Middle East (Centennial)
• Hyundai Equus Experience (USA)