2011 Hyundai Equus Earns IIHS "Top Safety Pick"

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA--April 18, 2011: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2011 Hyundai Equus a "TOP SAFETY PICK"-- achieving the highest rating of "Good" in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. Additionally, in order to be considered for an IIHS "TOP SAFETY PICK," a vehicle must also feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Equus also passed the Institute's roof strength test for rollover protection, withstanding a force equal to 4.87 times the car's weight. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of four or higher earn a "Good" rating in the Institute's test. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight.

"The award from IIHS means the Equus affords buyers state-of-the-art safety for protection in most crash situations," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This recognition confirms that the Equus truly is a desirable luxury vehicle with quality engineering and world-class safety features."

As the company's flagship rear-wheel-drive sedan, Equus features Hyundai's newest safety innovation, the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. VMS governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system in the Equus works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus' dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver's knee airbags.

Other safety features include nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Hyundai's award-winning Tau 4.6-liter provides the power that keeps Equus safe at speed. Later this year, Equus gets a boost to 429 horsepower with the introduction of the all-new 5.0-liter Tau.