The Red Ferret Journal

The new 2010 model Hyundai Equus limo apparently cost around $300 million to develop and is aimed head on at the Merc, BMW, Lexus end of the car market. You can’t fault the Koreans for bringing it to the table either, since the thing bristles with enough tech to rival the space shuttle.

The £80,000 5 litre flagship model features a bulletproof option (for Soccer Moms on a mission, no doubt) as well as a 17 speaker sound system, heated steering wheel, a Lane Departure Warning System (attention, you are about to leave the planet madam) and a Pre-Safety System which automatically does some hard braking and seat belt tightening for you if a crash is looming.

Video cameras front and rear and a CGI based Parking Guidance System are obviously a part of the feature set – ‘natch – but it’s the addition of a knee air bag for the driver that really does it for us. And of course, the piece de resistance, a fully automated power footrest and massage system in the rear seats. More tea, Vicar? Here’s a video of the rather operatic launch.

 Using smart optics, the Lane Departure Warning System issues an audible warning if the car deviates from the driving lane without signalling. SCC uses radar waves to automatically regulate the brakes and throttle and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. If a collision danger is detected, the Pre-Safety System automatically applies the brakes, triggers a flashing warning light on the TFT-LCD which is followed by an audible alert and a vibration in the seatbelt harness. If a collision is unavoidable, full braking force is automatically applied and front seat belts are reeled in within a split second in order to maximise protection.