Hyundai has announced that it will retain the 'Equus' nomenclature for the automaker's anticipated large rear-wheel drive luxury car, code-named 'VI'. In the Korean market, the name is instantly recognized for luxury and Hyundai is very well cognizant of that fact. The 'New Equus', as it is officially going to be dubbed, will be rear-wheel drive for the first time. The current Equus has been front-wheel drive since its inception in 1999. It is also developed fully by Hyundai for the first time, as the current generation model was the result of a co-operation with Mitsubishi. The New Equus will be available in two powertrain configurations initially: a 290 hp 3.8L Lambda V6 and a 375 hp 4.6L Tau V8. Later, Hyundai will add a more potent, 400+ hp 5.0L V8.
The New Equus will be unveiled next February, with sales commencing soon after.
[Source: Bobaedream (Korean)]
