Official: Hyundai Equus Coming To America

Fresh off of successfully introducing its premium Genesis sedan and sporty Genesis coupe, Hyundai Motors is planning to turn everything up a notch by introducing its largest sedan, the Equus, to the US market. Hyundai has been testing the sedan in the U.S. all summer to gauge dealer and customer reaction, deciding that the market for the Equus is favorable, thus its planned introduction. Hyundai expects to begin shipment of the sedan late next year. The automaker will hold a "soft launch" of the Equus at this year's Pebble Beach Concourse d'Elegance.

Hyundai first introduced the Equus to American consumers at this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) and claims that visitor reaction to the sedan was highly favorable. Soon thereafter, Hyundai decided to import one hundred examples of the big sedan to the US market for display in select dealerships. In Hyundai's official press release, the automaker indicates that the Equus was well received, which allowed the go-ahead for the Equus' launch in America.

The Hyundai Equus shares the same rear wheel drive platform that underpins the successful Genesis sedan. Stretched by 4.3 inches, the larger Equus offers a more limousine look and room than the Genesis. The USDM Equus will be powered by the 4.6L Tau V6 that produces 375 horsepower. The more potent 5.0L V8, confirmed recently for the long wheelbase model in the Korean market, may also arrive, but there is no confirmation on that.

For now, Hyundai will retail the Equus in select Hyundai dealerships across America (100 to 200). Executives stressed that a premium brand is still in the works for the North American market. With regards to pricing, we speculate the Equus to start just north of the fully-loaded Genesis' sticker price, which is $42K. Hyundai executives also noted that buyers will have the choice of either a hood ornament or a simpler emblem. The final name of the US-market model has not been revealed, but we speculate that the Equus nomenclature will carry over.

More details will be posted as they become available