2011 Hyundai Equus Trims and Specs

Representing a bold new direction for the erstwhile Korean automaker, the 2011 Hyundai Equus Signature takes on the luxury establishment with tons of features and a low base price. Though the Hyundai name may be short on luxury brand equity, the 2011 Equus Signature sedan has all the features today’s high-end sedan buyer demands.

From its world-class rear-wheel-drive chassis (developed from the smaller Genesis sedan) to its smooth and powerful drivetrain, the 2011 Equus Signature provides a supremely composed driving experience. The Equus Signature’s 4.6-liter all-aluminum V8 engine delivers 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. It drives the 19-inch rear wheels via a 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox that serves up smooth, well-timed shifts.

Spacious and outrageously luxurious, the 2011 Equus Signature’s interior will impress even the most jaded Mercedes or Lexus driver. French-stitched leather covers nearly every surface, including the dashboard, and a decadent ultrasuede headliner is standard equipment. Other features that come with every 2011 Equus Signature include heated and cooled front seats, a powerful Lexicon stereo with 17 speakers and GPS navigation.

Representing the best efforts of the resurgent Korean auto industry, the 2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate dazzles luxury buyers with amazing levels of equipment and refinement. With a base price well over $60,000, the 2011 Equus Ultimate is by far the priciest Hyundai ever sold; it remains to be seen how America’s status-conscious luxury buyers will respond.

The 2011 Equus Ultimate rides on a unit body chassis derived from the smaller, but equally ambitious, Hyundai Genesis sports sedan. The long-wheelbase and rear-drive configuration contribute to the Equus Ultimate’s superbly planted, secure feel. All Equus Ultimate models feature Hyundai’s excellent new Tau V8 engine, rated at 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission, sourced from specialist ZF, stands in for an upcoming 8-speed gearbox of Hyundai’s own design.

Stepping inside, the 2011 Equus Ultimate lives up to its name by providing an incredibly roomy, cosseting cabin space. With seamlessly stitched leather and perfect, glossy wood covering nearly every surface, the Equus Ultimate actually exceeds the standards for luxury set by Lexus and Mercedes. Nearly every feature imaginable comes standard on the Equus Ultimate, including power reclining rear seats with a refrigerator in between, laser cruise control, front and rear parking cameras and a stunning 17-speaker Lexicon stereo.