2011 Hyundai Equus Preview

2010 Hyundai Equus

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•    What is it: The new luxury four-door from Hyundai, bigger than the Genesis sedan
•    Key facts: As long as an S-Class; shares its V-8 with the Hyundai Genesis
•    On sale: July 2010
•    Price: $60,000-$80,000

With the 2009 Hyundai Genesis successfully launched, the Korean automaker is planning for the arrival of an even bigger, more luxurious sedan--the 2011 Hyundai Equus, now slated to arrive in the U.S. late next year.

The Genesis took home the 2009 North American Car of the Year award and Hyundai is hoping to further capitalize on this success, since the Equus is based on a lengthened version of the RWD platform underpinning the award-winning Genesis. A potential rival for the Lexus LS 460, the new Equus will likely be priced above $50,000--while the Lexus starts at $65,000.

In size and performance, the Equus might be a competitor for the Lexus LS, but would also stack up against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series. The current Equus is only marginally shorter than the German duo, while it could be priced $30,000 beneath them.

The new Equus has been on sale in South Korea since March, with some versions exceeding $80,000. It will share the 4.6-liter, 375-horsepower V-8 with the Genesis; Korean versions also share the Genesis V-6, but American editions will not. A long-wheelbase model will eventually be offered, complete with a brand new 5.0-liter version of the Tau V-8. This new 5.0-liter unit is likely to be the sole powertrain used for U.S. versions.

Some of the possible options include tilting rear seats, massagers and TV screens in the rear seats. Full details, options and specifications will be revealed closer to the car's launch next year.

TheCarConnection and MotorAuthority drive the Equus tomorrow; stay tuned for a full driving report.