Kelley Blue Books kbb.com named the 2011 Equus to its Top 10 Summer Sizzlers list, a compilation of all-new early arrivals from the automotive class of 2011. The Equus is Hyundais newest flagship, built on world-class rear-wheel-drive architecture and powered by the award-winning 4.6-liter Tau V8. Equus competes with the best luxury sedans in the world on all levels including amenities, performance, advanced technologies, design and ownership experience.
With its cutting-edge technologies, bold style and unparalleled combination of luxury and value, Equus will attract a new type of buyer to the Hyundai brand, said Scott Margason, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. Equus will help translate Hyundais successful formula for intelligent luxury into the retail and service environment so that owners get a high-end experience at a more affordable price point.
The Top 10 Summer Sizzlers list profiles the 10 new vehicles that are most likely to excite consumers as the new 2011 model year begins. This summer, automotive manufacturers from around the world have opened one of the most diverse and intensive product launch schedules in their collective history. Intent on jump-starting sales to accelerate the nascent auto industry recovery, they have begun filling U.S. showrooms with 2011 model-year rides.
From redesigned longtime success-stories to all-new entrants to the marketplace, many hot 2011 model-year cars are coming through the product pipeline this summer, said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “It’s never been a better time to be in the market for a new car, because auto manufacturers have stepped up their game to offer more choices than ever.
A daring move by Hyundai to step up in class, the new Equus sedan seeks to directly confront luxury cruisers like the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, said kbb.com editors. Based on a stretched Genesis platform, this high-minded Hyundai matches tasteful exterior styling with a megaload of premium interior appointments. Mechanically, the Equus offers a 385-horsepower/4.6-liter V8, six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission, variable air suspension and comprehensive vehicle dynamics package.
Joining the Equus on the kbb.com Summer Sizzler list are the BMW 5 Series Sedan, Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Coupe, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda MAZDA2, Saab 9-5c, and Subaru Impreza WRX/STI. For more information about the Top 10 Summer Sizzlers list from Kelley Blue Books kbb.com, visit http://kbb.us/2010sizzlers.