Pontiac Grand Prix Forums : Grandprix - The Lounge

louisiana

timmysgtp — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:48:23 GMT

anyone on here live around the neworleans area of louisiana??

Hyundai Equus: Something you may actually consider buying

DrunkietheBear — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:45:31 GMT

I mean I know I would....that and that Hyundai Genesis coupe with the Lancer Evo engine in it...or the new coupe that is rumored to have a 5.0 V8 in it.

Quote:

2011 Hyundai Equus First Ride
We Get a Ride in Hyundai's New S-Class Fighter
By Scott Oldham, Editor in Chief | Published Jul 15, 2009
We hang a right and head west onto the 10 freeway in Santa Monica toward the beach. The on-ramp is downhill, two lanes wide and drag-strip straight.

Suddenly I'm pinned to the large leather seat as the 2011 Hyundai Equus downshifts from 6th gear to 2nd and its 368-horsepower 4.6-liter Lambda V8 yanks the big sedan toward the Pacific. I look at the tach. Its needle is sweeping quickly through its arc as a muted V8 rumble chases us from behind. At 6,500 rpm, the transmission delivers a quick but smooth upshift just as we reach the traffic lanes of Interstate 10.

"Is that floored?" I ask, one eye still on the dials.

"That's floored," says John Krafcik.

He should know — he's driving. The left seat of the Equus is still off-limits to American journalists. But Krafcik is more than just our chauffeur; he's the president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, and the man basking in the glow of the company's recent success. He's also the guy who's going to sell the Equus in the United States, taking Hyundai north of the $50,000 barrier for the first time.

On Sale in a Year
With John's right foot still buried in the thick carpet of the Equus, the sedan delivers another smooth shift at redline. I check the speedometer; it's reading about 140 and climbing. Can't be, I think to myself. The car feels quick, but not that quick. I clutch the door panel while my brain tries to catch up. Then I realize the speedometer is in kilometers per hour, so I start doing math.

Krafcik keeps his foot down and his mouth moving. "The car is still about a year away," he says, talking about the possible timetable for the introduction of the Korean-built luxury sedan in the U.S. "And we'll most likely sell it here as the Equus." Equus is Latin for "horse," and the car's entry into the U.S. market has been the worst kept secret since Henry Ford leaked word about the flathead V8 back in 1931. We're told the official official announcement of the car's sales future in the U.S. will come in mid-August.

At 160 km/h, Krafcik finally backs off. That's about 100 mph, and from the passenger seat I'm impressed with the ride and stability of the Equus. It's a bit firmer than I thought it would be. It's not quite as tied down as a Hyundai Genesis, but it's not the floaty Korean-market limo I was expecting. You definitely feel the road, although there's a little less rebound control than there should be.

Traffic is light as we reach the short tunnel that marks the transition from the I-10 west to the northbound Pacific Coast Highway. We enter the darkness and then quickly burst into the noontime California sunshine again. I ask about the suspension tuning. "It's not quite really ready yet," says Krafcik. "Right now our engineering team is on a cross-country drive with an Equus, an S-Class, a 7 Series and a Lexus LS. We're there with the interior, but they are fine-tuning the ride and handling. Make no mistake, our targets are those three cars and our ride and handling will be more in the direction of the LS 460 L."

Ballsy. The strategy, not the driving. Hyundai has decided to take on three of the best sedans in the world.

Priced Right
Still northbound on PCH, we're cruising within the 50-mph speed limit and past the Malibu beachfront homes of Hollywood's super-rich. This is S-Class and 7 Series country, and Krafcik knows it. All around us are the people he must convince to buy a Hyundai instead of a Benz, Bimmer or Lexus.

It'll be tough, and Krafcik hedges his bet. "Our goal with the Equus isn't volume," he says while passing a black Mercedes-Benz S550 on the right. "It's image. We want to show the world we can make the finest sedans in the world."

He's right about one thing, because the interior of this Equus is up to the challenge. The fit and finish is exceptional. The leather is soft. The seat is cush and comfortable, if a little flat, and the headliner is an acre of Alcantara suede, just like you get in an S65 AMG. There's even French stitching on the leather-wrapped dash. The metallic trim on the center stack and console is plastic and not real aluminum, though. It looks good, but should be the real thing.

No, it's not quite as nice inside the Equus as in the interiors of the luxury sedans it has targeted in the marketplace, but it's close, and the Equus should undercut those sedans by $20,000 or more. Krafcik won't get specific on price, but says enough for us to guess that the 2011 Hyundai Equus will start at $48,000 and top out at about $58,000.

"Our challenge is to make sure it doesn't become the next VW Phaeton," Krafcik notes. Keeping the price under $60,000 seems to be a key to achieving that goal. "There will be two packages," he continues. "A base car and one with all the backseat stuff."

That "stuff" includes a reclining rear seat, fold-out tables, and radio and climate controls built into the rear armrest. The Lexus LS 460L offers a similar package, although it's really only for those who would rather be driven than drive themselves.

Wider Than S-Class
Stopped at a red light, I take the opportunity to look around a bit more. The odometer reads 1,792 km (a little over 1,100 miles). The A-pillars are carved carefully to permit a panoramic view ahead. There are heated and cooled front seats with three-level temperature adjustment. There's a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, wood on portions of the steering wheel rim and an elegant clock on the center stack. I can't hear the engine, which is idling at 600 rpm. The window switches, shifter, iDrive-like interface controller and navigation system are all plucked right from the Hyundai Genesis. The gauges are similar to the ones in the Genesis, as is the four-spoke steering wheel. And there's a "Sport" button just to the right of the shifter.

I also notice that the car feels spacious. Nice and wide, which it is. In fact at 74.8 inches wide, the Equus is the same width as a BMW 7 Series and a full inch wider than the Lexus LS and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The light turns green. Krafcik accelerates away, only part throttle this time. And the Equus moves off like an upscale luxury sedan powered by a V8 should — with authority. Upshifts from the six-speed automatic are nearly imperceptible and the V8's flat torque curve gets the Equus back up to 50 mph well ahead of Malibu's afternoon traffic of surfers.

We're not surprised. The Equus features the same powertrain we've praised in the Genesis, and it feels just as good in this larger package. What is surprising is that the larger Equus weighs only 200 pounds more than a Genesis, which makes it easy to calculate some educated guesses about its acceleration times.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis V8 we last tested hit 60 mph from a standstill in 5.9 seconds (5.7 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and finished the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 101 mph. After some 'rithmetic on our part, we expect the Equus to hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds (5.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and cover the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 99 mph. Not slow, yet certainly slower than an S550, a 750i or an LS 460.

Also from the Genesis are the rack-and-pinion steering with old-school hydraulic assist (still our preference over electric-assist systems) and four-wheel disc brakes. The Equus also has air suspension, although only Genesis sedans sold in Korea are equipped with this feature.

Looks Like a Lexus
Just past the Malibu Country Mart (made famous by TMZ), a guy in a Porsche 911 Turbo pulls alongside us. He's checking out the car. Our car — the Hyundai. And he's not the only one. Since we hit Malibu, there's been no missing the ability of the Equus to make people look. Even the tourists in their rented Grabber-Blue Mustangs know this Hyundai is something special.

It may be a dead ringer for a Lexus LS from the rear, but the Equus certainly has enough street presence for valets to keep it up front. "The two character lines in the side are from the California studio," says Krafcik. "In fact, there's more U.S. influence in the design of the Equus than the Genesis." There's certainly enough chrome on its flanks to back up that statement.

And it looks larger than it is. At 203.1 inches long, the Equus is just a fraction of an inch longer than a Lexus LS 460 L and nearly 2 inches shorter than a Mercedes S-Class. Meanwhile, its 119.9-inch wheelbase falls between the dimensions of the long-wheelbase LS and the short version. Even the short-wheelbase 7 Series has an inch-longer wheelbase than the Equus.

Full Speed Ahead
Once we reach Pepperdine University, we flip around and head south toward Santa Monica again. It's now that I realize how quiet the Hyundai's interior is. At 100 km/h (about 60 mph) over the smooth asphalt that is PCH, all I hear is some tire slap from the 18-inch Hankooks.

Time to ask about that Sport button. "It's for the suspension," says Krafcik. "Push it, see what happens."

I do, and suddenly the Equus is the floaty Korean-market limo I was expecting. "Wow, big difference," I say, pushing the button again and getting the air suspension back into Sport mode. "Don't go there."

Krafcik first came to Hyundai Motor America in 2004 as the company's vice president of product development and strategic planning, and his home garage is stuffed full with a Porsche 911 C2S (997) and a Caterham 7, so I know he knows what I mean.

And at that moment Krafcik nails the throttle and redlines a couple of gears. "Feels good, huh?" he asks.

Yeah, he knows.

2011 Hyundai Equus First Ride on Inside Line

Going to the track for the 1st time any advice?

xsvtank — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:37:04 GMT

Hey guys im runing my GTP at the track today its a 98 with a intake, high flow cat, u bend del and res del. any advice on how to get the best times? launching advice anything

oh and how much gas should i have im on about 1/2 right now

im trying to get the best time so i can see how my mods improve my car in the future (adding 1.9 rockers, headers, plugs, t stat, 3.25 pulley and custom tune)

Important! HELP, Has anyone seen Kyle?!?!?

Lsick7 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:30:02 GMT

Important! SoldMyGTP

coreygnar — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:27:58 GMT

All for the ban of SoldMyGTP
he used to have a gtp in 02 and he said it was slow so he sold it
now he has a civic...
i see no logic there.....

Homemade K&N Air Filter How-To!

SuperSport — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:00:30 GMT

Found this video on youtube.

Apparently The kid in this video demonstrates how to make a K&N air filter for your car. I know its a Ford Tempo in the video but I think this applies to all cars. :th_laugh-lol2:

YouTube - My home made K&N air filter

Troubleshooting HELP 2001 3800v6 problems

KwazrollinZ28GTP — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:23:25 GMT

Okay the car ran just fine, I washed the engine bay and car before i took pictures to sell it, And then moved the car, I let it sit for about 2 days, now it won't start, At first i thought it was the body module, but the radio and windows didn't work when the car ran, So i fixed that now they work, But the car still won't start, I pulled a plug wire off a coil, And its not getting spark??? What could be the issue? It turns over, and there's NO security light but it won't start now just from power washing the engine bay? but it ran after that, and now it won't???? :th_shakinghead2:

help me pick a new PS3 game to play

Bio248 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:11:30 GMT

here is what is up on the top(ish) of the list right now:

a) god of war 3
b) red dead redemption PURCHASED
c) ninja gaiden sigma
d) assassins creed 2
e) brutal legend
f) devil may cry 4

here are games i already own, so dont suggest:

fallout 3, final fantasy 13, borderlands, dragon age: origins, ratchet and clank (the first one), prince of persia, dante's inferno, darksiders, killzone 2, possibly a couple more.

here is what im looking for in a game:

- has to last a good amount of time. if i can beat it in 3 days, i dont want it.
- has to have a good storyline. no storyline worth paying attention to, no care.
- im not super into shooters, if its like COD i do not want it. killzone 2 was sweet, but i beat it very quickly.
- sports games are for homos. suck it, madden lovers.
- i like hack and slash games, but they have to last a while. most are fairly short.
- realistic racing games blow, however all the new need for speed games suck. let's skip racing games for this.

im open to suggestions and opinions. heard of a stellar RPG that i havent looked into? tell me. played something baller that the IGN guys didnt rate so well? tell me. let's get a good list going of games for me to look through. i will only pick one or two games to buy, then ill be set for a good amount of time again.

DO WORK.

_______________
tekken 6 - PURCHASED

4G63T in a GP? lol crazy?

DaytonaGTP — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:38:21 GMT

last night i was drinkin with some friends when engine swaps became the subject. one of my dsm friends said itd be neat to put a 4g63t in a grand prix. i laughed at the thought of a 4 banger in my car but then i found myself interested. considering the amazing potential of this engine and all the extra room id have and assuming i found a way to mount and adapt it the the tranny, would this be crazy or even stupid idea or would it be pretty cool to see? would it even work? again we were drinking but yeah...lol

Other Wbody websites with classifieds Sticky????

02GrandPrixIraqVet — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:54:33 GMT

We should round up all the other websites that a person could go to for Wbody parts that have classifieds. Im sure it would make things easier to find I looking for a specific part. The ones I know of so far are

grandprixforums.net
clubgp.com
mnclubgp.com
goclubgp.com
oqcgp.net <--- Ontario Quebec Club Grand Prix nice classifieds section
3800pro.com
regalgs.net

It would be nice if other guys would add sites so that its easy to find specialty and aftermarket parts esp. since classifieds often have good deals. :th_thumbsup-wink:

Truck pulls

01GTP — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:17:02 GMT

Who else here likes going to the truck and tractor pulls?
Here are a few videos of my buddy's truck. Post up some pics and videos of trucks you know.
YouTube - plainfield 8-14-10 cort diesel class 1st place
YouTube - NASHUA LABOR DAY Cort modified street diesel

Question What Would You Do?

KawaFord — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:59:45 GMT

For a klondike bar?

Troubleshooting HELP 2002 GTP Light in stock stereo

2002 GTP 40th — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:45:39 GMT

I have a 2002 GTP. The light in the stereo that lights up the time and radio station has gone out. I would like to change it myself, but I am worried that I will break the clips on the trim. Any tips?

Funny commercial

Gafford44 — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:28:36 GMT

YouTube - Axe Detailer Cleans Your Balls (30)

made me lol

What will replace the Regal GS?

Toofastgs — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:58:12 GMT

How about a 95' Lexus ES300 bought for $1,500 with 125k on the clock.
Pretty much fully loaded: ABS, speed sensitive steering, leather. All the goodies lexus comes with. And the best part PROJECTORS :th_nanana:

So far everything i had in the regal has been moved over to the lexus. Stereo ( used the same speaker sizes) HID's, V1, Satnav, remote start / keyless.

It is a just a bit smaller then the regal but i love driving this thing. I am still amazed at 15 years old the quality and finish is still better then anything GM i have driven, including a 08 Caddy.

Ill still be around as i still have the Regal as the only problem with it is it needs a new trans. I might keep and rebuild one of these days or i might sell it to a scrap yard. But i will always try to be at a local meet when ever there is one.