The full-size, extremely luxurious, Equus was a big surprise when it was unveiled at the New York Auto Show, but Hyundai had one other surprise. Buyers of the Hyundai Equus would receive an Apple iPad in lieu of a traditional owner’s manual.

Not only will the inclusion of such a device be appealing for gadget-crazed luxury car buyers, but the Equus iPad includes apps that will serve as a digital liaison between the vehicle’s owner and their dealership, helping to schedule maintenance through its Service Valet program, offer reminders of routine maintenance, and schedule vehicle pick-up and delivery.

Specifically, the 2011 Hyundai Equus will come with a 16-gig, wifi-enabled (non-3G) iPad. It will also include a leather case that with an embossed Hyundai logo and even a built-in kickstand. Hyundai software will come pre-installed in addition to the usual range of iPad software. Like any other iPad, updates for the device will also be available through iTunes.

The owner’s manual for the Equus will include the full range of vehicle information normally found within any brick-like printed manuals. However, the device will also include videos to better explain specific functions.

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Continuing to expand its reach into premium segments, Hyundai introduced its new luxury sedan—the 2011 Hyundai Equus—at the recent New York International Auto Show. The Equus is expected to be a no-excuses competitor for luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS, and it certainly has what it takes to fill that role.

The exterior of the Equus makes a bold impression right from the start, with a refined front fascia and a particularly nice headlamp treatment that boasts LED turn signals and position lamps. Aggressive but well-integrated front air intakes provide a nod to the Equus’ athleticism, which is also evident in the car’s flowing profile. Even the rear of the vehicle benefits from detailed styling work.

Getting into the Hyundai’s sumptuous cabin is a real treat, too, as the interior is filled with superior quality materials and exhibits high levels of fit and finish throughout. Of special note are well-designed seats that are heated and allow for a wide range of comfort adjustments, as well as a premium 17-speaker, 608-watt sound system that offers HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio and USB ports. Equus also provides plenty of peace of mind, courtesy of a full suite of the latest safety technologies.

From a structural standpoint, the Equus is built on the same premium rear-drive platform that underpins the award-winning Hyundai Genesis, although lengthened by about 7 inches to support the new sedan. That framework also holds Hyundai’s advanced 4.6-liter V8, capable of making 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. But Hyundai has designed the engine to perform well even running on regular gas, with which it will still put up 378 horses and 324 lb-ft of twist.

With this engine mated to a ZF six-speed automatic, the Equus can gallop from 0-60 in under 6.4 seconds, while still claiming estimated EPA fuel-economy ratings of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway/19 mpg combined.

Smoothing out the road is a precisely engineered, electronically controlled air suspension that boasts continuous damping control and a five-link setup both front and rear, along with two selectable driving modes. The “sport” mode offers notably enhanced body control for managing the curves, while the “normal” setting softens things up to put the emphasis on comfort.

Also notable: The Hyundai’s impressive price advantage over the competition. The Lexus LS 460 stickers at more than $65,000, while the M-B S550 starts at $91,000 and change. The Equus, on the other hand, will open with a base MSRP in the mid-$50’s when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year.

If you ask Washington DC Lexus dealers, they’ll naturally tell you that the Equus has its work cut out when it arrives in showrooms. But Lexus isn’t the only brand the new Hyundai flagship will be competing with. Just arriving at Boston Infiniti and other Infiniti dealerships is the all-new M sedan. With two powerful powertrains to choose from, not to mention an upcoming hybrid option on its way, the M is an equally formidable competitor. We’ll have to wait and see whether the Equus’ price point will be enough to truly excite consumers.

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Hyundai has been preparing for the launch of the all-new 2011 Equus for a while. Not only has this large luxury sedan been seen in select Hyundai showrooms across the country, but Hyundai has also taken the Equus on the auto show circuit. But finally in New York this week, the Equus made its official debut in the U.S., and it seems that Lexus may have something to worry about.

Naturally, many potential luxury car buyers don’t think of Hyundai when shopping for a posh large sedan – but they soon will. The 2011 Hyundai Equus is powered by a 385 horsepower/333 lb.-ft of torque 4.6-liter V8 engine, the same unit available on the gorgeous Genesis sedan. Mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission, the Equus can of from 0-60 mph in under 6.4 seconds.

When the Hyundai Equus arrives in showrooms this summer, it will be priced in the mid $50,000 range. The main vehicles the Equus is targeting are the Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series, so Naperville Hyundai attests that its price is very competitive.

Technology, of course, is crucial for any vehicle that hopes to make it in the premium segment. That’s also why the owner’s manual for the Equus will not be the standard booklet filled with jargon, but rather a super sleek iPad, which will probably be just one of many competitive advantages this vehicle will have over the Lexus LS and other segment leaders.

Although the Equus seems looks good on paper, the reality is that it still has plenty of competition, much of which is not competing in the luxury segment. Toyota Providence admits that the Equus seems like a strong contender compared to the Toyota Avalon, but ultimately, the biggest challenge will be whether consumers will see Hyundai as a “luxury” brand.

Hyundai is more often associated with economy cars, rather than luxury cars. But Burlington NC Hyundai sees the Equus and other new products as a new direction for the brand. Wherever this direction is heading, it’s certainly only the beginning.

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The recent addition of the Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe to the Hyundai lineup has made a bold statement about the Korean automaker’s plan to move up market despite its long history of producing economical and relatively inexpensive cars. For those that still doubt Hyundai’s ability to move up market, wait for the official launch of the Hyundai Equus in 2010.

Already on sale in Korea, the Hyundai Equus is a full size sedan that hopes to compete with the likes of the BWM 7 series and Lexus LS. While the Genesis may not have been enough to excite luxury car buyers, Hartford Hyundai dealers say the Equus is intended to truly transform Hyundai’s image with its size, power, and luxury.

Although Hyundai has confirmed the Equus’ arrival late next year, not much else is known according to a New Jersey used Hyundai dealer. Aside from sharing a platform based on the Genesis, and being powered by the Genesis’ 4.6-liter V8 engine, many details have yet to be ironed out.

Hyundai recently imported 100 Equus models t the U.S. to display in Hyundai dealer showrooms. It seems that reactions from Hyundai shoppers have overall, observes one Connecticut Hyundai dealer, have been quite positive. With more consumers looking at the brand because of the recent Genesis, it’s to be expected that the Equus may create more Hyundai believers out of Hyundai skeptics.

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Your can see the Hyundai Equus right now at select delerships.

On the heel’s the Hyundai Genesis’ success, Hyundai will begin to create awareness for its even more upscale sedan, the Hyundai Equus. The Hyundai Equus, which is already sold in South Korea, will go against top luxury brands and models, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series. Before the Genesis, that would have seemed ridiculous, but now Hyundai may be giving the top luxury brands from Germany and Japan a run for their money.

Beginning this summer, the ultra posh Hyundai Equus will make its way to the U.S. to test the waters and gauge public reaction. Hyundai plans on delivering 100 Equus sedans stateside to showcase in Hyundai dealer showrooms beginning this summer.

Hyundai’s push into the luxury market has been a surprise to plenty of consumers observes Philadelphia used Hyundai dealers. The brand has long been known for producing inexpensive and relatively low-quality cars. But according to Richmond Hyundai, the Hyundai Genesis helped to change that perception, and the car went on to win the coveted 2009 North American Car of the Year award.

Hyundai plans to strike while the iron is hot and continue to surprise customers with the debut of the Equus. This sedan is substantially larger than the Genesis, putting its dimensions on par with those of the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Powering the Equus is a 286 horsepower V6 or a 4.6-liter 361 horsepower V8. Illinois Hyundai says that in Korean the Equus is also available in a long-wheelbase model that features a 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Although it will be a new name to U.S. customers, one Albany Hyundai car dealership reminds us that the Hyundai Equus was first produced in 1998. When 100 of these sedans arrive in North America, it’s expected that plenty of car buyers will eagerly await the ability to actually purchase one of these stunning cars.

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Spy photos and artist renderings of the upcoming Hyundai Equus sedan are slowing making their way on to the Web. The latest photos of this luxury sedan highlight the luxurious interior, and get the growing number of Hyundai fans excited about what their new Hyundai has to offer.

The rendering of the Hyundai Equus shows a posh interior that is designed similarly to a Lexus or Infiniti interior, very clean and elegant. The Equus’ interior design also indicates that it may be slightly more upscale than that of the Hyundai Genesis, which Illinois Hyundai dealers say has already begun to change consumer perceptions about the types of car Hyundai can produce.

In the Hyundai Equus rendering, the clean dash is punctuated by a multi-media interface with chrome-accented vents along side. Beneath the navigation screen appears to be an analog clock, obviously a reference to the Infiniti interior design staple. There’s also a dial along the center console that provide i-Drive-like controls for various on board infotainment systems which Massachusetts Hyundai expects to be an important selling feature.

The upcoming Hyundai Equus sedan is set to begin its life in South Korean in March of this year. The larger Equus sedan will be slated slightly above the current top of the line model, the Genesis. In addition to being larger, the new Equus also promises to provide a more luxurious interior, which Philadelphia Hyundai dealers believe will further distort old perceptions of Hyundai’s economy car persona. Following its launch in South Korean, Hyundai also plans to launch a long wheelbase limousine model, equipped with a 5.0 liter V8 engine. Even more notable is that this powerful engine is going to be mated to an 8 speed automatic transmission, a first for Hyundai and yet another feature that Hyundai Car Loans says makes Hyundai vehicles among the highest value vehicles on the road.

The Hyundai Equus at first showed no signs of making its way here to the North American market to the dismay of Portland ME Hyundai and their customers. However, times have changed and the Equus at this point appears to be on its way. However, American buyers unfortunately may have to wait awhile before it will be available.

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