2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
The 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate is a reasonably executed flagship luxury sedan -- but should anyone care? Flagship luxury and sound financial sense just dont go together, and thats what makes the 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate so tough to review.

Pricewise, the $66,650 Equus Ultimate -- the more expensive of two trims -- competes with midsize luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E550 and Infiniti M56, but no one is going to cross-shop those vehicles. That leaves the Equus fighting cars like the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S550 -- vehicles that, even in their old age, can stifle the 2012 Equus arguments for rational luxury on a price-independent level. 

 Interior refinement on the Equus is exactly what youd expect for a proper luxury flagship, though there are a few small omissions. We arent talking about big stuff here – little amenities like power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat, side bolster adjustments for the front chairs or a one-touch close feature for the sunroof, for example. Still, our Ultimate-spec testers cabin arrived positively lousy with bells and whistles – niceties like a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats all around, a refrigerator in the rear console, power sunshades and a rear entertainment system.

What separates the Ultimate from the base Equus is its rear seating configuration, ditching the three-passenger bench seat in favor of two chairs with a fixed center console. The rear passenger-side chair – the one weve named the "executive throne" – even has massage and recline functions. If you ever have the chance to sit in a four-passenger Equus, we highly recommend spending no less than five minutes exploring the features of the royalty seat. Be warned, though – even with the Equus longer wheelbase over the Genesis, those rear seats dont offer as much legroom as you might think.

Hyundai will continue to offer its unique ownership experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus customers, including tailored dealership showrooms, “Your Time, Your Place” at-home vehicle demonstrations, valet service appointments and an interactive owner’s manual for Apple iPad and Android tablet devices.

The sales and service experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus is unlike any other in the industry, with a focus on the customer’s time and convenience. Prospective buyers can participate in the “Your Time, Your Place” valet test drive program, where a specially trained Product Champion will deliver an Equus to their home or office for a personalized shopping experience.

2012 Hyundai Equus features the industry’s first interactive owner’s manual, providing a convenient and simpler way for owners to become familiar with the full capabilities of the vehicle.
When service is required, Equus owners can schedule their maintenance and service through a simple online scheduling system or from the interactive owner’s manual. An Equus owner can also choose to have their vehicle picked up at their home or business, with a complimentary loaner dropped off. Once service is completed, the owner again chooses the time and location for the vehicle to be delivered.
source:autos.aol.com,motortrend.com,autospectator.com

Jaguar Builds the Ultimate XJ

When you think about it, it almost seems odd that premier British luxury car builder Jaguar has not offered over the top luxury options to its well-heeled buyers. All that ends with the 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate, which is essentially the ultimate expression of the XJ, Jaguars flagship sedan. Jaguar has essentially taken the top spec XJL Supersport and decided to give the rear seat passengers some extra attention.

It is generally agreed all of us here at The Garage want the seat behind the steering wheel, but the XJ Ultimates rear quarters sound particularly enticing. With the Ultimate, Jaguar has ripped out the rear bench seat and replaced it with two tailored bucket seats separated by a leather lined center console. The seats are power adjustable, with ventilation, massage, and lumbar support. Need to get some work done? No problem, as the Ultimate has a solid aluminum table with piano black detailing that rises from the center console. This is augmented by a pair of Apple iPad 3s with wireless keyboards housed in leather trimmed docks.

Dont feel like working? No problem, as the 20 speaker surround sound stereo designed by ultra-high end British audio specialists Merdian should satisfy the most discerning audiophile. It goes without saying that both rear passengers are treated to their own screens for movie viewing, with wireless headsets. The XJ Ultimate is also equipped with a champagne chiller, specifically designed to hold a bottle of champagne and kept at an ideal temperature of 47-50 degrees Fahrenheit. On opening the chiller, the bottle of champagne rises to present itself to the passengers. And of course, two bespoke champagne flutes illuminated with ambient lighting complete the package.

The XJ Ultimate is powered by a supercharged V-8 rated at 510hp, paired to an eight-speed automatic. Jaguar claims an impressive 0-60mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. No word if the XJL Supersports optional sport package is standard on the Ultimate, which raises top speed to 174mph. Jaguar claims they recalibrated the rear suspension for better comfort without suffering any handling trade-offs.

The 2013 Jaguar XJ Ultimate will be available later this year. Only 30 examples are slated for the US. Each car will be finished in Black Amethyst with unique 20 alloys and oval polished stainless steel exhaust tips. Price of admission is $155,000USD, a full thirty grand more than a fully optioned XJL Supersport. What price exclusivity? To the Jaguar buyer of means, the XJ Ultimate is just that-entrance to an impossibly small club demanding the ultimate in luxury and performance.

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