Photo: SB Medien
Designed to be a cheap alternative to the kings of the limousine segment, the S-Class, 7 Series and A8 models, the Hyundai Equus still has a long way to go to prove itself. The South Korean company won’t give up just yet and is apparently testing a brand new version toe to toe with the European companies it’s trying to dethrone. That’s right, the Equus was spotted testing in the Scandinavian peninsula.
That’s the place where most manufacturers head once winter sets in, looking for a harsh environment that would really put their products to the test. As for the Equus, as you can see, it’s pretty well covered up so we can’t tell a lot about its design.
What we did notice, however, were the S-Class inspired taillights that really don’t do it justice. It might be just an illusion as we can’t see them clearly at the moment but to copy off the cars you’re trying to best doesn’t seem like the best recipe.
As for the upgrades, they will be mostly done under the skin where changes are expected, especially for the drivetrain. The new model is rumored to be riding on a new platform from Hyundai, dubbed BH that is comprising steel and aluminum for better rigidity.
The engine choices will be limited to the same 3.8-liter V6 GDI petrol mill or the 5-liter V8 that’s also used in the Kia K900. While the former is good for 334 HP at the moment while the latter is rated at 420 HP. These numbers could be improved for the new model as well for both the rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive versions.
The cog-swapping will be down to an 8-speed automatic for now even though rumors claim that a 10-speed unit could be introduced later on (expect it closer to 2020). While it may seem peculiar to keep going with naturally aspirated engines, insiders claim that the high-wigs in Seoul are discussing turbocharging at least the V6. However, a decision is still to be made and while they’re discussing it, we’re bound to see the 2016 model launched with atmospheric plants.
The world debut of the new Equus will take place this year but don’t expect it to take place at an European show as this car is more popular in the Middle East and Asian markets. Therefore, that’s where it’s most likely to be introduced for the first time.
What we did notice, however, were the S-Class inspired taillights that really don’t do it justice. It might be just an illusion as we can’t see them clearly at the moment but to copy off the cars you’re trying to best doesn’t seem like the best recipe.
As for the upgrades, they will be mostly done under the skin where changes are expected, especially for the drivetrain. The new model is rumored to be riding on a new platform from Hyundai, dubbed BH that is comprising steel and aluminum for better rigidity.
The engine choices will be limited to the same 3.8-liter V6 GDI petrol mill or the 5-liter V8 that’s also used in the Kia K900. While the former is good for 334 HP at the moment while the latter is rated at 420 HP. These numbers could be improved for the new model as well for both the rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel drive versions.
The cog-swapping will be down to an 8-speed automatic for now even though rumors claim that a 10-speed unit could be introduced later on (expect it closer to 2020). While it may seem peculiar to keep going with naturally aspirated engines, insiders claim that the high-wigs in Seoul are discussing turbocharging at least the V6. However, a decision is still to be made and while they’re discussing it, we’re bound to see the 2016 model launched with atmospheric plants.
The world debut of the new Equus will take place this year but don’t expect it to take place at an European show as this car is more popular in the Middle East and Asian markets. Therefore, that’s where it’s most likely to be introduced for the first time.
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