hellasboy

I think that only good can come out of this.

They produce a luxury division that will trickle down into their everyday cars and improve quality (wasn't this the reason Toyota developed Lexus?)

If their cars are good enough, it may put the luxury automakers to improve their own vehicles (The LS400 did it to MB and BMW, I don't see why Hyundai couldn't do it now).

I vaguely remember (I was like ~10 years old at the time) that people said 'who would buy a 40k lexus?' needless to say... a lot of people did.

videcormeum

Yes. I believe the only thing hindering Hyundai at this point is drivetrain refinement. They've got a long way to go in developing engines and transmissions that are anywhere near as powerful and efficient as their Japanese and (if they enter the lux market) German competitors.

videcormeum

I also think it's funny that nobody, so far, in the poll would consider volvo, saab or acura before taking a look at a Hyundai luxury product.

Lil4X

A Lincoln at first glance, there's a lot of current Town Car influence outside, looks pretty nice inside....Ill give it a "maybe". Target market somewhere between Palm Beach and Sun City? I think even Lincoln has moved on from this.

mmarshall

Well, that may be because many Hyundais of late have become just as reliable as Saabs and Volvos and almost as reliable as Acuras. The recent Acura transmission recalls and failures have not helped either.
And few companies can match the Hyundai / Kia warranty....though Isuzu and Mitsubishi have taken some major steps in that direction lately....Isuzu because of poor sales and Mitsubishi because of poor image.

SecPole14

You know what they need to start selling here? Those Korean luxury SsangYong SUVs. Those things rock. Turbo diesels + stick shift + decked/wood interiors = teh shiz0rz.

http://www.smotor.com/en/showroom/musso/interior.jsp

mmarshall

I partially agree with you on Hyundai / Kia engines....they do tend to be a little lower in HP / torque than some competitors, but both brands have made such astounding progress in so many other areas (and even some in engines) that, in my opinion, unless you are a power freak, this is one issue that can be overlooked....at least for now.

Captain Bone

Took the words right out of my mouth.

-Anthony

videcormeum

A tad bit off topic - but check out this Ssangyong "New Chairman" (LOL - what a name ... and what an S-class ripoff!)

I bet the North Koreans get the South Korean paper ... and read advertisements for things like this "New Chairman" and just totally ***** their pants!

-J-P-L-

Did they rip that grill right off a benz and slap it on that car above?

juan01

That is a Benz! LOL

SC400-V8

iTrader: (1)

V8 in a Hyundai? That is killer...

One of the reasons I started getting interested in Lexus's years ago was because of the V8s in them. I couldnt believe the Japanaese had a V8 at all.

Lexusfreak

Hyundai better have ONE HELL of a product line up if it wants (or even thinks) it can compete with the "big boys" of the Luxury brand market!

LexFather

If there is a V-8 Hyandai before Acura, I will be rolling.....

97SC300

looks like those exterior designs are like 10 years outdated. interiors are kinda nice though imo.