The same ignition card that lights up the screen simultaneously initiates the 270-hp V8 engine when appropriately slotted. Shifts from the 5-speed automatic transmission would expectedly be smooth - they are for the company's XG 350 after all. The HCD-7 drives the front wheels but most think if something similar were ever produced it would feature rear-wheel drive, to effectively compete with its Japanese and European competition.
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| Hyundai will be watching the success of VW's new Phaeton luxury sedan. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
With that last thought in mind Hyundai will most likely be paying close attention to German marque Volkswagen over then next year or so. The brand, also best known for well made economy cars, is going upscale big time in 2004. Its new Phaeton luxury car not only will compete directly with the previously mentioned Japanese models, Jaguar's new XJ, BMW's 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz's S-Class but effectively takes on its own Audi A8. This marks the first time what was once exclusively an entry brand has targeted top-tier customers, similar to what the South Korean automaker may have desires to do.