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2011-Hyundai-Equus-31small
Hyundai Equus
Hyundai
aka Hyundai Centennial
Production 2010 - present (US)
Class Full-Size Luxury/Executive Car
Body Style 4-door, 5-seat Sedan
Length 5160 mm (Sedan)
5460 mm (VL500 Limo)
Width 1900 mm
Height 1495 mm
Wheelbase 3045 mm (Sedan)
3345 mm (VL500 Limo)
Weight Sedan
V6: 1875 kg
V8: 2025 kg

VL500 Limo
V6: 2040 kg
V8: 2125 kg
Transmission 6-speed Auto, RWD
Engine 3.8 litre (3778 cc) Lambda V6
4.6 litre (4627 cc) Tau V8
5.0 litre (5038 cc) Tau V8
Power 300 hp (290 PS) @ 6200 rpm
N/A lb-ft (36.5 kg) of torque @ 4500 rpm

385 hp (366 PS) @ 6500 rpm
N/A lb-ft (44.8 kg) of torque @ 3500 rpm

400 hp (400 PS) @ 6400 rpm
N/A lb-ft (51.0 kg) of torque @ 3500 rpm
Similar Equus (2009-2015):
Audi A8 D4
BMW F01/F02
Chevrolet Caprice (2006-2017)
Cadillac XTS
Ford Crown Victoria (2008–2011)
Holden Statesman WM
Jaguar XJ (X351)
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes-Benz W221
Lexus LS (XF40)
SsangYong Chairman W
Volkswagen Phaeton GP2/Volkswagen Phaeton GP3
Designer Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)

The Hyundai Equus (현대 에쿠스), known as the Hyundai Centennial in the Middle East, is a full-size high-end luxury car that serves as the flagship model of Hyundai Motor Company. 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, Lexus LS.[1][2]

First generation (LZ/YJ; 1999)[]

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 rival, the SsangYong Chairman. Hyundai had great success with the Equus in Korea, but very few were exported to other 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 but it was not sold in the United States.

The first (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Zephyr Mark I 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark II 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark III 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark IV 4-door saloon, Ford Granada Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Granada Mark II 4-door sedan, 1986–1989 Hyundai Grandeur YFL, 1989–1992 Hyundai Grandeur YFL, 1992-1994 Hyundai Grandeur LX, and Hyundai Dynasty) generation was designed by Mitsubishi Motors, who had their own version called the Proudia. It was jointly manufactured by both companies. The first-generation model 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 a 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 for 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, resulting in complaints from drivers. Finally, Hyundai Motors modified this engine from a GDI Type to a MPI (Multi Point Injection) type to solve the issue. It added curtain airbags in 2001 and active head restraints in 2002.

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. 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.[3] 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.

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 (VI; 2009)[]

Initial version[]

The second (after-Ford Model T Fordor Sedan, Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan (1927-1929), 1930 Ford Model A Standard Fordor Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Slant Window Fordor Sedan, 1932 Ford 4-door sedan, 1933 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1934 Ford 4-door sedan, 1935 Ford 4-door sedan, 1936 Ford 4-door sedan, Ford Model 62 4-door sedan, Ford Pilot 4-door sedan, Ford Zephyr Mark I 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark II 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark III 4-door saloon, Ford Zephyr Mark IV 4-door saloon, Ford Granada Mark I 4-door sedan, Ford Granada Mark II 4-door sedan, 1986–1989 Hyundai Grandeur YFL, 1989–1992 Hyundai Grandeur YFL, 1992-1994 Hyundai Grandeur LX, Hyundai Dynasty, and Hyundai Equus LZ/YJ) generation Equus, codename "VI", was unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Unlike the old Equus, the VI has a rear-wheel drive architecture, a longer wheelbase, and a different engine. 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.

The US model was announced in 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and was unveiled in 2010 New York Auto Show. 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). 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.

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

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. 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.

Hyundai also developed an armoured vehiclebased on the limousine, with an enlarged 5.5L version of the V8 engine. In 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.

The first-built armoured limousine was donated to Blue House. 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.

Powertrain update (2011)[]

edit Hyundai introduced 3.8 L and 5.0 L GDi engines to replace the existing 3.8 L, 4.6 L and 5.0L MPi engines with a new 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the older 6-speed transmission on all applications. For North America, the updated Equus will debut as a 2012 model year with the 5.0L V8 engine rated 429 hp (320 kW) and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m). The engine updates carried over to the facelifted Hyundai Genesis as well.

Facelift (2013)[]

edit Updates included new 19-inch alloy wheels, front fascia and grille design, side mirrors, tail lamp graphics, standard LED fog lamps, instrumental panel and center stack, center console and shift lever design, steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings, genuine wood trim selections, rear seat center console controls, ride tuning, sport mode, front suspension bushings, standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link, 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.

This Equus was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show. US models went on sale in 2013 as 2014 model year vehicles. The Tau 5.0 GDi engine is the only engine offered in the US.

Body style[]

edit

Model Sedan (VSxx0) Limousine (VLxx0)
Lambda II 3.8 MPi 2009–2011 2009–2011
Lambda II 3.8 GDi 2011–2015 2011–2015
Tau 4.6 MPi 2009–2011 N/A
Tau 5.0 MPi N/A 2009–2011
Tau 5.0 GDi 2011–2015 2011–2015

US, Canadian models include only sedan (VS500).

South Korean models include sedan (VS380, VS460, VS500) and limousine (VL380, VL500).

Powertrain[]

edit

Petrol engines
Model Years Type/code Transmission Power Torque
Lambda II 3.8 MPi 2009–2011 3,778 cc (230.5 cu in) V6 6-speed automatic 290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) at 6,200 rpm 36.5 kg⋅m (358 N⋅m; 264 lbf⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
Lambda II 3.8 GDi 2011–2015 8-speed automatic 334 PS (246 kW; 329 hp) at 6,400 rpm 40.3 kg⋅m (395 N⋅m; 291 lbf⋅ft) at 5,100 rpm
Tau 4.6 MPi 2009–2011 4,627 cc (282.4 cu in) V8 6-speed automatic 366 PS (269 kW; 361 hp) at 6,500 rpm 44.8 kg⋅m (439 N⋅m; 324 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
2010–2011 383 PS (282 kW; 378 hp) at 6,500 rpm

390 PS (287 kW; 385 hp) at 6,500 rpm (Premium fuel)

44.8 kg⋅m (439 N⋅m; 324 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm

46.0 kg⋅m (451 N⋅m; 333 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm (Premium fuel)

Tau 5.0 MPi 2009–2011 5,038 cc (307.4 cu in) V8 6-speed automatic 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 6,400 rpm (Premium fuel) 51.0 kg⋅m (500 N⋅m; 369 lbf⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm (Premium fuel)
Tau 5.0 GDi 2013–2015 8-speed automatic 416 PS (306 kW; 410 hp) at 6,400 rpm 52.0 kg⋅m (510 N⋅m; 376 lbf⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm
2011–2015 423 PS (311 kW; 417 hp) at 6,400 rpm 50.5 kg⋅m (495 N⋅m; 365 lbf⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm
2011–2013 430 PS (316 kW; 424 hp) at 6,400 rpm 52.0 kg⋅m (510 N⋅m; 376 lbf⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm
2011–2015 430 PS (316 kW; 424 hp) at 6,400 rpm (Regular)

435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) at 6,400 rpm (Premium)

South Korean models include Lambda 3.8 MPi, Lambda II 3.8 GDi, Tau 4.6 MPi (366PS), Tau 5.0 MPi engines and the Tau 5.0 GDi (416PS) and (430PS) engines.

US models include only the Tau 4.6 MPi (390PS) for the 2011 mode year with the Tau 5.0 GDi (435PS) installed from 2012 model year forward.

Customized versions[]

edit

RMR Signature Edition Equus (2010)[]

edit 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 the 2010 SEMA Show.

DUB Edition Hyundai Equus (2010)[]

edit 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 the 2010 SEMA Show.

Armoured Limousine (2012)[]

edit 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.

Equus by Hermes (2013)[]

edit A limited (3 units) version of 2013 Hyundai Equus limousine was built in collaboration with French fashion label Hermès.

The vehicle was unveiled in the 2013 Seoul Motor Show.

In popular culture[]

edit 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.

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

See Also[]

2823016~2
HYUNDAI

Hyundai Motor Company


Hyundai | Kia


Current: Accent · Elantra · Sonata · Azera / Grandeur · Tucson · Santa Fe · Venue · Santa Cruz · Genesis · Ioniq · Kona · Veloster

Current (Europe): Getz · Matrix · Trajet · Terracan · i10 · i20 · i30 · i40 · Equus · H1 Transporter · i800 · ix20 · ix35 · Solaris

Current (Asia-Pacific): Starex · Creata · Casper · Tucson ix · Verna

Historic: Atos · Amica · XG350 · Pony · Excel · Dynasty · Lantra . Stellar · Marcia · Scoupe · Tiburon

Concept: E-Cubed Concept · Concept Genesis · QarmaQ · HCD-9 Talus Concept · HCD-10 Hellion Concept · Genus Concept · Arnejs Concept · Portico Concept · Neos-III Concept · HCD8 Concept · E3 Concept · CCS Concept · OLV Concept · HCD7 Concept · HCD6 Concept · HCD-V CrossTour Concept · NEOS Concept · HCD-III Concept · HCD-I Concept · HCD-II Concept · Euro-1 Concept · Clix Concept · Coupe Aero Concept · HIC Concept · Sante Fe Mountaineer Concept · Neos-II · HED-1 Concept · Pony Coupe Concept · i-Blue Concept · Elantra Touring ‘Beach Cruiser’ Concept · Genesis Coupe Concept · HED-5 i-MODE Concept · Santa Fe Hybrid Concept · i20 Blue Concept · HED-6 ix-ONIC Concept · BLUE-WILL Concept · Nuvis Concept · ix-Metro Concept · i-Flow Concept · Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive Concept · RB Concept · ix20 Concept

Racing: i20 N Rally1 · i20 N Rally2


Hyundai Driver Information System · Hyundai European Design Centre


Chung Ju-yung and Chung Se-Yung Corporate website independent


References[]

  1. Hyundai hopes the luxury Equus sedan finds a niche in US usatoday, 2009-05
  2. Hyundai Equus: White knight or dead horse? consumerreports blog, May 08, 2009
  3. Hyundai Motor Launches its New Equus Sedan - The Chosun Ilbo, chosun.com, 18 February 2009

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