http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_hyundai_consi...drive/index.htm

Hyundai Considers Rear-Drive Luxury Car for U.S.
By Christie Schweinsberg
WardsAuto.com, Apr 27 2005

SAN FRANCISCO - To test the reaction of U.S. luxury buyers to a South Korean entry, Hyundai Motor America is considering bringing a version of the Equus large luxury sedan, already available in its domestic market, to the U.S.

John Krafcik, vice president-product development and strategic planning, tells Ward's the vehicle would slot in above the new Azera, which is the replacement for the XG 350 and Hyundai's current flagship car in the U.S.

While the Equus could turn out to be the long-rumored luxury car in Hyundai's U.S. lineup, Krafcik emphasizes a decision on a separate Hyundai luxury channel for the U.S. will not be made until the 2007-2008 timeframe.

“We are looking at something that would slot above Azera, which we are considering a premium sedan,” he says here at a media preview of the new Sonata. “But we think there's room above that for another sedan, even more premium.

“Although we don't have a timetable established, we are looking at the possibility of rear-wheel drive because that makes the most sense for what would really be a luxury sedan,” he adds.

The Equus is offered in its home market with a choice of a V-6 or V-8 engine. Krafcik says the U.S. vehicle would not necessarily be called Equus, but would be badged a Hyundai and be based on the Equus platform, or a variant of that.

Parent Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. reportedly is keen on establishing a luxury marque in the U.S., but executives here are reluctant due to the time and effort involved in creating a separate channel and dealer network.

Krafcik says the strategy for a Hyundai luxury brand could differ regionally. For instance, Hyundai in Europe could get a luxury marque, but not the U.S.

In the first two months of 2005, sales of the Equus in South Korea fell 36.1% vs. year-ago, according to Ward's data, as competing models take hold in the marketplace. To counter the sales slide, Hyundai is set to release a new-generation Equus next year.

Meanwhile, Krafcik says Hyundai is planning to unveil a vehicle at this fall's Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assn. (SEMA) show that will appeal to the so-called 'tuner' youth demographic.

Wow, you dont happen to have any pics of this to go along with the article do ya?

A possible rear drive luxury sedan..maybe there's hope for a rear drive Tiburon in the far future. As far as a "tuner youth" car that they're gonna show at SEMA, I can't wait to see how that turns out.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (UltraTibby)</div><div class='quotemain'>Wow, you dont happen to have any pics of this to go along with the article do ya?</div>

Isn't that a photo of it in the article when you click on the link?

I'm anxious to see how a Hyundai V-8 performs haha

It said that the equus was the basis for the new one. That pic is of the equus.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Random @ Apr 29 2005, 10:18 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Meanwhile, Krafcik says Hyundai is planning to unveil a vehicle at this fall's Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assn. (SEMA) show that will appeal to the so-called 'tuner' youth demographic.
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Interesting...

Ill be there this year...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Random @ Apr 29 2005, 11:18 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Meanwhile, Krafcik says Hyundai is planning to unveil a vehicle at this fall's Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Assn. (SEMA) show that will appeal to the so-called 'tuner' youth demographic.
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What do you guys think it's gonna be???

God, now I can't wait. Maybe they are gonna unviel the 07 Tiburon?

A 07 Tiburon with the new 3.3 V6 (that Random mentioned in his other thread) would be awesome!!

maybe i'll stick w/ the jetta til the 07 model year....

ugh. 2 more years of VW oldness.

that would be bad @ss. i was going to make my tib rear wheel drive as a long term project. unfortunately it wasnt going to have a hyundai motor.