Holy Crap a Korean Lincoln?

[franco]

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Well, Hyundai seems to have built a Lincoln Conti/TC-type vehicle that is only marketed in Asia and a few other areas of the globe.
It's called the EQUUS in Korea and rebadged as the CENTENNIEL in other parts of the world. And yes, the Centenniel nameplate is spread out along the width of the trunk just as Continental was years ago. The only thing missing is the tire bulge on the trunk.

While it's not an exact ripoff of a Lincoln, one can't help but notice the similarities and wonder the impact on Lincoln/Caddy sales if this were to be exported to US/Canada.
It's not the best looking vehicle since it appears to incorporate styling cues from a few other marquees other than Lincoln.(I see some Lexus/headlights, Chrysler/tail lights, Caddy/C-pillar)
It does have some cool features, like the leg-lift mechanism that raises the calf area like a living room recliner and the built-in back massage/vibration.

To check it out,click on the bottom-left of the linked page onto the EQUUS vehicle. http://www.hyundai-motor.com/cybermall/showroom/index.html

Here's a pic of the Centenniel: http://snurl.com/2pyv
Equus Pic: http://snurl.com/2pyw

[ October 19, 2003: Message edited by: franco ]

[Dereck]

Hi Franco

It may look like a Lincoln but it wont have an American V8 under the hood.

Dereck

[pro-five-oh]

Well, it has FWD V8 like the 1995-up Contis...this car was supposed to come to America with a sticker price of less than 30k. Maybe 33k with a V8 I guess. smile.gif

At least the Koreans like to pay homage to American classics...seems like the rest of the world wants to build SUVs and cars that get taller and more minivan-like (boxy) with every product cycle.

[mystery]

quote:Originally posted by pro-five-oh:
At least the Koreans like to pay homage to American classics...seems like the rest of the world wants to build SUVs and cars that get taller and more minivan-like (boxy) with every product cycle.

And every new car on the road looks like a Honda Accord......

[franco]

Well after going to GM's Auto Show In Motion yesterday, I have a renewed appreciation for our Lincolns.
I drove about 20 different vehicles of diff. makes and models and no other car equaled the TC's ride or comfort. The Lexus LS430 drove great, but interior space was much smaller than expected. The first gen LS400 had more front pass. room.
Nothing else came close.
If you're not familiar with the show, here's their website: http://snurl.com/2qkr
So far there are only 3 more cities scheduled, Dallas, Miami & Phoenix. It's free but you should register in advance.
It's clear that GM has focused on the sport ute mkt. The driving courses were longer and the range of vehicles avail. was wider.
That new Cadillacs(CTS & sportUte) are an embarassment to all previous caddys, even the Cimmaron.
The two crowd pleasers were the Corvette course and the Hummer course.
And no, Monica L. was not there.

[ October 20, 2003: Message edited by: franco ]

[cason1]

The Dynasty almost looks like a mercury from the front and the EQUUS does look like a TC/Conti. The interior looks pretty good. I wish I could either install the Korean translater or read Korean. I'm sure the site would be much easier to navigate.

[franco]

Since my initial post I have come across the english version for the Centenniel, it looks like the same layout as the Korean Equus site except in english and is more limited in info:
http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/cybermall/showroom/index.html

If you have a broadband connection you should dl the commercial/vid. Even w/broadband it takes about 40 sec to dl(I used flashget split 4).

I noticed the Galloper looks like a late 80's Montero or Trooper. Hyundai's sister company Kia came out with the Sorento which is nearly identical to Lexus' prior RX model.
The soon to be released Kia Amanti is a Jag "inspired" model.

I'm glad the Equus hasn't come to NA, because I do feel that it would steal some sales from Lincoln as well as Cadillac.
Especially now that Ford & GM are both beginning to make oem replacement parts in China. This doesn't help the "buy American" theme that attracts US buyers.
If Pro's #'s are even close to accurate, the Equus would be priced $15K-$20K less than
a current Town Car, add to that hyundai's 10 yr warranty and...well, you get the picture.

[ October 21, 2003: Message edited by: franco ]

[edo]

The list prices at the current exchange rate for the Equus in Korea run from $30,908 for the GS300 (Value) to $55,400 for the VS450 which has a 4.5L V8. They also have a limo version on their price page for $66,995. I know their cheaper cars sell in the U.S. for significantly less than they go for in their own country.
--
Ed

[pro-five-oh]

After watching that video (that part with the hood ornament) it looks like the Koreans like American cars more than Americans do!!!

If this car comes out, it will give the Japanese and US manufacturers a few headaches. More the Japanese than the US, but still...this is an impressive feat for a nation that was making Excels and Ford Festivas 15 years ago and nothing 35 years ago. smile.gif

But I drove an XG350, a Taurus sized car, and it still felt cheap. The motor was a little weak (the 5-spd auto helped a lot) and the interior is a mix of cool stuff (like chrome door sills) and junk. The leather wasn't soft, the fake wood was pretty tacky and the whole car smelled like cheap plastic. I expect the Equus to not be any better in this department, but I still might take it over a V6 Acura.

[Fast Eddie]

My wife has an '01 Elantra. It's really a great car; ergonomic, efficient, very roomy for its size, and even a little styling. It came from the factory with 60 series 15" wheels too. Driving experience is bland, but not unpleasant. Hyundai is always improving by leaps and bounds; they're an up and coming contender and they're here to stay.

When I drive it, I still can't wait to get back behind the wheel of my Mark VII though. There's simply no comparison.

[Nick]

The Mark VII is everything the Hyundai isn't. It has twice the cylinders, double the sticker price, luxury, speed, and handling. If your Elantra isn't the GT, sedan or hatch, the suspension swaps over. Supposedly the GT is a much better corner carver. The springs, anti-roll bars, and I think shocks are different.

The Koreans offer a lot, but they still have a ways to go. The price and warranty sells these cars more than anything else.

[pro-five-oh]

I had a beat up '95 Elantra loaner car while my Cougar got repainted. Seriously, it was a junker that the body shop fixed up to let its customers use. It had alignment issues, and the washer fluid bottle seemed to be a black hole. It must have been cracked and was leaking inside the body, because after 30 seconds filling it with a garden hose and I couldn't find a leak.

Besides that, this thing was a soldier. The 5-speed shifted nicely, power was okay, ride was good, and absolutely no rattles or squeaks. I was pretty impressed. These cars are durable! I had it for a month, thanks to that stupid body shop. But I respect the Koreans now. smile.gif

[Conti94]

I think the Koreans are trying to discover why Lincolns are the best American luxury cars in the world.

[Vito Borgesano]

Don't forget about the luxury cars these companies already have on the road. The Hyundai Sonata has a pretty classy look to it. The XG350 IS a very classy vehicle. The Kia Optima is pretty nice. And the Amanti is VERY nice. These companies already have cars that people are buying instead of Lincolns and Cadillacs.