Breaking: Hyundai Equus Stretch Edition Unveiled in Korea With New 5.0-liter V8

Hyundai has just unveiled a “Stretch Edition” of its flagship Equus luxury sedan in Korea, measuring a massive 215-inches in length – a foot longer than the standard sedan model. For the record, that’s just over half a foot longer than the extended-wheelbase BMW 750Li. It’s also just 15-inches smaller than the simply massive Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Hyundai has already announced that the standard Equus sedan will launch in the U.S. in 2010 as a 2011 model and while the company has officially “no comment” on plans to bring the car over… we believe the fact that they sent us this press release speaks volumes.

In Korea the car is priced from 135 million won to 146 million won, which equates to $113,000 to $122,180.

While the standard 3.8-liter V6 is standard, Hyundai will offer a more powerful 5.0-liter version of the impressive 4.6-liter Tau V8. With 375hp in is 4.6-liter version, the big 5.0-liter motor makes 400hp and 343 ft-lbs of torque.

Features found inside the limousine include a power footrest with a massaging chair. Hyundai has already built three bulletproof versions of the vehicles for the Korean president.

Hyundai Launches Stretch Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS

– 300 mm longer than the sedan version, increasing comfort for the VIP
passenger
– Features award-winning Tau Engine in V8 5.0L version
– Offering the world’s most comfortable passenger experience

*All specifications in this release are Korean domestic.

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Co. today began receiving orders for the long wheelbase edition of its most luxurious car, the EQUUS.

The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle’s length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.

To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle’s elegant image.

EQUUS Limousine comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8L engine and the Tau 5.0L engine. The Tau 5.0 engine, applied to the stretch version for the first time, is a reinforced version of the Tau 4.6L engine that won the 2009 Ward’s 10 Best Engines award.

With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the stretch version outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.

The power-driven footrest, the world’s first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.

The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today’s currency exchange rates).

Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company – and one of a handful worldwide – to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.

■ EQUUS Limousine Specifications

CLASSIFICATION EQUUS SEDAN EQUUS LIMOUSINE
Dimension
(mm) Overall Length 5,160 5,460
Overall Width 1,900 1,900
Overall Height 1,495 1,495
Wheel Base 3,045 3,345
Engine Name V6 V8 V6 V8
Displacement (CC) 3,778 4,627 3,778 5,038
Max.Output
(ps/rpm) 290/6,200 366/6,500 290/6,200 400/6,400
(with premium oil)
Max. Torque
(kgㆍm/pm) 36.5/4,500 44.8/3,500 36.5/4,500 51.0/3,500
(with premium oil)
Fuel efficiency (km/l) 9.3 8.8 9.0 8.0
Empty Vehicle Weight(Kg) 1,875 2,025 2,040 2,125
Suspension Front Multi-link Multi-link
Rear Multi-link Multi-link
Max Tire 245/45R19 (F)
275/40R19 ®

● Comparison with competitors
Classification EQUUS Limousine Lexus LS460L Mercedes
S500L BMW750Li
Spec
(mm) Length 5,460 5,150 5,210 5,212
Width 1,900 1,875 1,870 1,902
Height 1,495 1,465 1,475 1,478
Wheelbase 3,345 3,090 3,165 3,210
Rear Seat Leg Room 1,310 980 934 1,030
Engine Number of Cylinders 8 8 8 8
Displacement(CC) 5,038 4,608 5,462 4,395
Max output 400 380 388 407