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Detroit, 9:31 AM
Wed Nov 11
30 posts in the last 24 hours
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09/29/09
The brand doesn't carry any cache and while it looks pretty nice it also looks a lot like a far less expensive Lexus LS. Unless you go for the LS hybrid, which is still less expensive, though not by a big margin.
09/29/09
There is an X factor that German and upper-echelon Japanese cars seem to have: something about the way the machinery works and fits together, and the care and logic used in selecting materials that reacts with your senses in a way that's distintive to the manufacturer and somehow tied to its heritage.
The Equus is utterly devoid of this, and comes off as a pretender, despite the obligatory leather, gadgets, and wood. It doesn't help that the dash is largely constructed of glittery plastic that feels flimsy and looks cheap, and the controls lack the tactile resonance of my much older and less expensive Audi.
Though the seats were quite comfortable and have nice tables in the rear, I can't see this car competing in the leagues it aspires to. Imagine "Maybach by Chrysler." That's comes pretty close to what you have here.
09/29/09
I judge new cars based on the buttons in my old Audi.
09/29/09
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09/29/09
[en.wikipedia.org]
(I hate using wikipedia but this time it's sourced properly)
...Male South Koreans (there's RARELY any female CEO's in Korea) average at 5'8.'7'''. To put this into perspective, Americans males average 5'9.7'''. Anyways, the extra space would probably be used to accommodate some hot, young and ambitious college graduate girl. Regardless of country, a _ is a _.
09/29/09
09/29/09
The LWB Town Cars are surprisingly low-key. I've seen only a couple, and had to look carefully at them to determine rear door length...unlike Mercedes LWB sedans, which, to me, are much more obvious. I readily admit, it's unusual to see an S-class SWB car.
09/29/09
I can't imagine it working here, at least not within the next 10-15 years. Hyundai did a great job with the Genesis, but you can't leapfrog to 2x-3x the price in a single model.
This vehicle likely exists solely to give Korean big-wigs the ability to drive a car of their own nationality. Otherwise, why would someone buy it when it's the same price as the German choices? National pride has to be the cornerstone of the marketing here.
09/29/09
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09/29/09
Hyundai first tested the waters with the Genesis, which is doing really well. The existence of the Genesis will make the Equus seem much less outrageous to consumers, I think. It has every reason to succeed.
Watch and take notes, Volkswagen. You need more than a great product. You need a great strategy.
09/29/09
As appealing as the Genesis is (particulary in sedan form) I'm not sure that it will lead to the Equus doing any better in the US. I suspect that Hyundai does not anticipate it selling a lot of units here but see it as an investment in the future of their brand.
09/29/09
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09/29/09
Reminds me of the E38 BMW L7. Quite a rare bird. I've only ever seen one.
09/29/09
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09/29/09
Anything "LOL POS Hyundai!" on Jalop strikes me that way. But then again, we don't have to pass any real comment filters anymore, so YMMV.
09/29/09
09/29/09
As far as cribbing designs from other automakers, they all do it. Look around at all of the cars sporting looks like BMW's "Bangle-butt", and the back shoulders that Volvo brought with the S60 and S80. A popular design gets stolen quite often in the auto world, it's not just for Korean cars.
Hyundai has finally come into their own, and it won't be long before they are truly mainstream, and considered by the average car shopper along with Toyotas and Hondas. People like you, with the attitude that Hyundai still builds garbage, are living in the past. You won't be laughing when they're one of the world's largest automakers.
09/29/09
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09/29/09
It's good to learn something about your subject before you spout off about it...
09/29/09
09/29/09
I'm sure there are uninformed people in Europe who wonder why anyone would buy a Cadillac CTS "POS" over a BMW, Audi, or Benz. We here know better.
09/29/09
Key word: consider.
09/29/09
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09/03/09
The Equus, on the other hand, looks classy. It might be worth looking into... and similarly the Genesis, with a bit of a facelift.
09/03/09
It has taken Hyundai about half that time.
Forget Moore's Law. If China and India reckon anywhere near this kind of learning curve, the world as we know it is about to get very interesting indeed.
09/03/09
09/03/09
Ha! Hyundai is at the back of the line for having a toothy grin. And having a supercharged engine is nothing compared to this. Yowza, indeed!
09/03/09
At least I can drive to local Korean BBQ quicker.
09/03/09
(Edit: I'm talking about Equus, not Genesis)