HYUNDAI EQUUS

At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Hyundai Motor is displaying an example of its US-specification 2014 Model Year Equus luxury sedan.

The 5,2-metre-long luxury car is Hyundai’s largest production model and is being shown to demonstrate the company’s technology and luxury credentials. Designed to carry four or five occupants in serene luxury and comfort, no matter how long their journey, Equus is equipped with every conceivable convenience, comfort and safety feature.

The Equus is not sold in Europe but has been well-received in the markets it has been specifically designed for. Its success was most recently reflected when it was named ‘Best Luxury Full-Sized Car for 2013′, by top Middle East motoring magazine, Automobile, where the car is known as Centennial. Earlier in the year, Equus was also announced as winner of the Luxury Car category in the 2013 ‘Ideal Vehicle Award‘ (IVA), run by automotive research and consulting firm, AutoPacific. The award is based on surveys completed by owners of new cars and light trucks in the United States and the Equus beat off competition from premium American, German and Japanese manufacturers.

In addition to providing drivers and passengers with the most advanced levels of equipment to make any journey pleasurable and safe, Equus offers customers added peace of mind and convenience, with three years free servicing that includes pick up and delivery and a courtesy car.

Refined, powerful and sophisticated powertrain

The most powerful Hyundai ever produced, Equus delivers effortless performance thanks to a 429 ps 5,0-litre V8 ‘Tau’ engine that is mated to a seamless 8-speed automatic transmission.

The advanced aluminium block engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI) for more efficient combustion, also boasts a Tuned Intake System (TIS) and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), all of which help it to deliver power and torque across an unusually wide range of engine speeds.

In the best tradition of luxury cars, Equus is rear-wheel drive, giving it near-ideal front-to-rear weight distribution. This dynamic balance is enhanced by larger rear tyres, which also enhance handling and maximise traction.

Sophisticated Continuous Damping Control (CDC) is standard. Featuring sensors to monitor body, wheel, and lateral acceleration, it applies the ideal damping forces to each wheel. As a result, body roll is minimised, as are the effects of acceleration and deceleration. The driver can select even Sport mode, which firms up the damping and to sharpen the throttle responses. Also standard, electronically-controlled air suspension (EAS) helps to maintain consistent vehicle height and pitch regardless of load and road conditions, delivering a more comfortable ride.

Advanced equipment heightens comfort and safety levels

With every luxury imaginable, the Equus, includes a heated and powered steering wheel, Smart Cruise Control, HID headlamps, front and rear parking assistance system with rear-view camera, premium leather seating, micro fibre suede headliner, driver seat massage, heated and cooled front seats, wood and heated leather steering wheel, a premium navigation system, 598-Watt Lexicon^® 7.1 Discrete Surround Sound Audio System and a 12-way power-adjustable driver seat that is heated and cooled.

Full suite of advanced driver aids

Equus encompasses a number of innovative aids designed to avoid collisions or compromising situations. The Head-up Display (HUD) for example projects the car’s most crucial information – including vehicle speed, turn-by-turn navigation, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) — in real time directly onto the surface of the windshield, allowing the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

Furthermore, the Equus helps to ensure the safety of other road users and pedestrians with equipment such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which alerts drivers of unintended lane changes. Audible, visual and haptic warnings are triggered to restore the driver’s attention in cases where the car drifts or changes lanes without using an indicator.

The Equus’ multi-view camera system utilises four cameras that provide a 360-degree view around the entire vehicle. This system includes a forward-view cornering camera mounted on the front grille, two cameras incorporated into the side mirrors and a rear-view camera. When the system is on, the driver sees an aerial view of the Equus, and can then be controlled to offer front, rear and side camera views. All camera views are displayed on the central in-dash navigation screen at low parking speeds; the screen then switches back to the navigation mode at higher driving speeds. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) is also fitted, providing audio and visual warnings when an obstruction is detected.

A total of nine airbags are fitted: advanced dual front airbags; front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags; roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants; and a driver’s knee airbag.

In the event of a collision, Equus calls for help instantly. The same system is used to provide owners with a monthly ‘health report’ on the Equus, delivered via email.

A luxury ownership experience

‘At Your Service’ is complimentary on every Equus. All normal scheduled maintenance is free for the first three years or 36.000 miles – including all parts and labour. When maintenance is due, owners can contact Hyundai via telephone or the Hyundai Blue Link® service (offered in the United States only) and their Equus is picked up for them, and a courtesy replacement vehicle delivered. The Equus is returned to its owner when ready.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (EQUUS NOT SOLD IN EUROPE)

Drivetrain

Permanent rear wheel drive

Transmission

8-speed automatic transmission

Gear ratios

Suspension and damping

Steering

Brakes

Wheels and tyres

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Interior

Weights* (kg)

* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates