Monday, May 26, 2008
Following my previous article on Hyundai i70/VI, spy photographers have caught the new sedan testing in South Korea and Germany again.
New rumors suggest that the new sedan will be called i90 and not as previously reported, i70, although the official name hasn't been finalised. Known internally as "BHL", the newcomer will measure in excess of 4.9 metres or 4900mm and will rival the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS and the Cadillac DTS.
Hyundai promises that the new vehicle will be fully equipped with technology usually found in premium brands listed above. This includes an iDrive-style cabin control interface, as well as a collision mitigation brake system (CMS), which detects an imminent accident and warns the driver to take corrective action. Power will come from a petrol fuelled 4.6 litre V8 developing around 375bhp and possibly a V6 developing 233bhp or 300bhp. Both engines are borrowed from the recently launched Genesis sedan.
Since testing is under full swing, 2009/2010 sound about right to see the new car. The sedan's prime markets are China, Middle-East, USA and parts of Asia so don't expect it to come to Europe since Hyundai has a reputation for "value for money". When it comes to pricing, the sedan is expected to undercut its rivals significantly.
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