Hyundai Motors has unveiled the Genesis, its answer to BMZ, Benz, and Lexus, and the replacement model for the Equus. The domestic version will have a 3.3 or 3.8L 290hp V6 engine while the export version will have a 4.6L V8 engine. Both versions will have a 6 stage automatic transmission, however the export version’s transmission will be German made. (Export versions of Korean cars have gotten better treatment. Why stop now?) The Genesis is expected to cost around 40 ~ 50 million Won.(US$ 40,000 ~ 50,000)
19 Comments
Doesn’t look too bad. Wouldn’t spend that much cash for one though. I say Pony all the way.
That’s actually a fine-looking automobile.
The real cost is greater than 50 million won. It costs me friends who have larger cars here in Korea about 600 000 to 1 000 000 won per month in gas just to commute to and from work.
Is this really going to replace the Equus? It’s hard to believe that Hyundai will replace a car for which it can charge 80-100 million Won with one going for almost half the price.
Well, supposedly the V6 version will cost about $30k in the U.S. and the V8 version will cost about $40k.
I know the car looks nice in the pic above, but I saw pics of it while it was on the road and it looked like a KIA Amanti rapped a Mercedes C Class. Very disappointing. The upshot? The same symptom of all recent Korean exterior car design: a failed attempt to imitate more prestigious car design.
I really just hope that the Genesis model above is more for the East Asian market and that the Genesis sold in the U.S. looks more like the concept vehicle first shown at the Detroit Auto Show.
The Equus is certainly a favorite of the chauffer-driven business elite in Korea – especially those who want to show off their Korean-ness by buying a domestic car. When last I checked the prices were closer to 60 million won, rather than 80 to 100 million won, though.
The Genesis, if it is truly to replace the Equus, represents a helluva update in styling over that other beast. Honestly though, I’m not so impressed by the front end. The grille kind of looks like it was stolen off of the Rhodius, the only car to surpass the Pontiac Aztec in ugliness. If you cover up the hood it has quite a strong resemblance to a BMW 5 series. Just look at the taillights and upward-sweeping mirrors.
My gripes aside, it seems to be a good move for Hyundai, although I think I’d prefer a Grandeur/Azera.
The Equus is surprisingly cramped inside for such a bloated car. But its target market is 5′ 5″ tall, so I guess that’s not much of an impediment.
Obviously, you’ve only been riding shotgun, Brendon, not in the Sajang’s seat. I’m 6′3″, and the BSD spot in my wife’s chauffer-driven model is quite comfortable. The front passenger side, on the other hand seems like it’s designed as a knee-capping device.
Equus is a hideous looking box…err…car. If that indeed is the replacement it is definitely a huge improvement.
You got me. Generally, when left to my own devices I prefer the front seat. The rear, “sajang” seat is — as you know — usually occupied by an asshole, and so even when I travel alone I tend to hop up front.
That the Equus would kneecap the front passenger for the pleasure of the rear passenger simply underscores how much the car is aimed at the asshole market. But Here is Korea™ — that’s the largest market.
Not mentioned is the fact that the new Genesis logo is almost identical to Bentley’s.
http://www.edmunds.com/insidel.....eId=123817
Almost identical? I think the Chrysler logo looks more like the Bentley logo.
http://www.crustyorange.com/pi.....20logo.jpg
Does it not closely resemble the Merc S-class and the Lexus ES?
With everyone making lookalike sedans the original Equus design was unique.
Will the new model be available in colors other than gangpae cream and sajang black?
I was just about to mention how much it looked liked an S-Class Merceedes.
Let’s just say that Detroit, Toyota and the Germans are not exactly shaking in their boots from the Genesis.
I work in the industry and know for a fact that the Genesis is not the replacement for the Equus. It is the replacement for the Dynasty (code name BH). The Equus (code name LZ) will be replaced or facelifted in 2009.
Here are three Korean sites that claim that the Genesis is the Equus successor;
http://www.global-autonews.com.....e_free_new
http://blog.daum.net/angtae/3245969
http://benang.tistory.com/145
This is a common misconception in the marketplace. We are producing parts for both the Genesis and Equus.
One correction to my comment above. The New Equus code name is VI. LZ is the current Equus code name.
#18.
I’ve heard about the VI from local auto enthusiasts, who all told me that it was less a Equus replacement and more a car that was a step up from the Equus. Considering that there are rumors that the VI will have a 5.5L engine I can understand why the people are stating the above.