Hyundai 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. It introduced seat ventilation cooling and heating, climate control with air purifier (2003), Alcantara leather seats (2007). 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 2009. A new bigger, rear-wheel drive Equus was launched in March 2009.[10] Instead of continuing production like Hyundai, Mitsubishi Motors ended the production of the Proudia and the Dignity around the time of the introduction of this 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.

Hyundai Equus VS460 GLS (Chile)

The second generation Equus, codename "VI", was unveiled in Grand Hyatt Seoul.[12] Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine.[10] The VI is based on an all-new platform, developed in-house by the Hyundai Motor Corporation.

The South Korean domestic market Equus was available as a 3.8L "Prime" and a 4.6L "Prestige." 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.[13]

US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,[14] and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show.[15] 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).[16] 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.[17]

It was the first Hyundai with an Electronically-controlled Air Suspension (EAS) and Continuous Damping Control (CDC). Also first Hyundai with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) collision avoidance system that optimally manages Electronic stability control, the electronic parking brake, radar smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

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.[18][19] 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.[20]

Hyundai also developed an armoured vehicle based on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine.[21] On September 2009, Hyundai delivered three bulletproof limousine versions of the luxury sedan Equus to the South Korea Presidential Security Service to be used as the official state car. Hyundai designed this vehicle with a special alloy, with an automatic cooling system in case of fire as well as bulletproof windows.[22]

The first-built armoured limousine was donated to Blue House.[23] A modified Hyundai Equus was donated to Costa Rica and is currently used as the presidential car.

The limousine was available only in South Korea and Russia. The Russian version had the same price tag as the South Korean version.

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.[24]

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.[25]

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

US models include only the Tau 4.6 MPi engine for the 2011 model year (390PS). The Tau 5.0 GDi was installed from 2012 forward.

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

2012 model vehicles include 8-speed automatic transmission, introduction of GDI engines.[26] 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).[27] This engine will be an option for the Equus after January 2011. This engine will also be placed in the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis.[27]

South Korean models went on sale in 2012.[28]

It is a limited (3 units) version of 2013 Hyundai Equus limousine built in collaboration with French fashion label Hermès.[29]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Seoul Motor Show.[30]

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

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

United States and Canadian models include only the Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) engine.

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

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

On 17 December 2012, an armoured Equus Limousine was delivered to Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S.[31]

Changes include new 19-inch, turbine-blade polished silver wheel design, new front bumper fascia and grille design, new side mirrors and tail lamp graphics, standard LED fog lamps, new Night Shadow Brown exterior color, completely redesigned instrumental panel and center stack, redesigned center console and shift lever design, revised steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings, new ivory leather interior colour, new genuine wood trim selections, redesigned rear seat center console controls, revised tuning for both enhanced ride comfort and handling, sport mode receives crisper damper tuning for improved body control, normal mode receives enhanced ride comfort, snow mode added to drive mode system, revised front suspension bushings, standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link, larger 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display (Signature), 12.3-inch fully digital TFT LCD cluster display (Ultimate), larger 9.2-inch upper center stack LCD display, climate control system offers three distinct cabin temperature zones, standard smart cruise control with stop/start (from 0 mph), proximity smart key with both key fob and card-key types, dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors, power door closure, power lumbar for rear outboard seats, standard Assurance Connected Care (3-year complimentary services), standard Rear Cross-traffic Alert, standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD), heads-up display, vehicle multi-view camera system.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show.[32] US models went on sale in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. Early models included Tau 5.0 GDi.[33]

In 2013, a shipment of 61 2014 Hyundai Equus sedans carried by Korean freighter Morning Spruce destined for the United States was adrift for days after the ship had lost engine power in Pacific Ocean.[34]

On 11 March 2014, an Equus sedan was used in the Chilean inauguration ceremony.[35]

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

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

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

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

All models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.