2017 Hyundai Equus, Kia K900 Spied Testing

The 2017 Hyundai Equus and Kia K900 luxury sedans have been spied testing.

While the Kia K900 is getting a simple refresh, likely with just new front and rear bumpers, the new Equus is expected to be heavily inspired by the 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan.

In fact, it appears by these spy photos that the new Equus carries a bit of a German design to its aesthetics, which is no surprise considering Hyundai is targeting BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The luxury sedan will ride on a heavily updated version of the BH platform with high strength steel and aluminum helping to significantly drop the curb weight of the Equus.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Kia K900 Review

As for powerplants, an updated 5.0-liter V8 will provide additional performance and better fuel economy although it is rumored that a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 is also in the works. If the new engine does find its way to the Equus, expect it to launch around 2019 when it receives a mid-cycle refresh. The model will likely initially launch with an eight-speed automatic transmission, although a 10-speed unit is expected to be incorporated in the future.

Production on the new Hyundai Equus should begin December 2015 or early next year. The Korean automaker has promised to debut a new car debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which will likely be the brand new Equus.

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