Hyundai Equus Limousine: Long Wheelbase Version Revealed, gets New 400HP 5.0-liter V8

This is the new Hyundai Equus Limousine, an extra long wheelbase version of the South Korean firm's flagship model that offers a bevy of upgrades over the normal sedan including a more powerful V8 engine, differentiated exterior styling and enhanced safety, comfort and convenience features. The Equus Limousine's most prominent feature is of course its 300mm (11.8-in.) longer wheelbase that brings the vehicle's overall length to a massive 5,460mm (215-in.) shadowing its rivals like the Mercedes S500L (5,210mm) and BMW 750iL (5,212mm).

But unlike its competitors that rely on larger rear doors to incorporate the added length, the Equus Limousine's stretched wheelbase is immediately visible due to the addition of a new section in the B-column area which brings to mind independently made custom limos.

Other exterior modifications include the unique horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center that looks as mundane as any other Hyundai grille we've seen so far.

The Equus Limousine will be offered in its home market with a choice of two gasoline engines, an entry-level 3.8-liter V6 that makes 290HP and 36.5kgm of torque and a new version of the firm's 4.6-liter V8 Tau unit with an enlarged displacement of 5.0-liter that develops 400HP and 51.0kgm of torque.

In both cases power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, apart from the significantly improved backseat legroom that reaches 1,310mm (51.6-in.), the Equus Limousine has been upgraded with many features that include a power-driven footrest and what Hyundai describes as "Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System functions."

The company also offers a bulletproof version of the Equus Limousine that was developed in-house.

Prices for the long wheelbase edition Equus range in South Korea from 135 million won to 146 million won which comes to around US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates.

Hyundai did not say whether or not the stretch version of the Equus will be available in the States when the model goes on sale in late 2010.