$60,000 Hyundai anyone?

[Thai]

Every time a vehicle is redesigned, we always here how it's "35% more torsionally rigid" than the vehicle it replaces. Even if the prior model was perfectly fine! I just attribute that to marketing hype more than anything else.

That said, I'd love to know what they really did to improve the frame. I'll have to search for the specific details. In the meantime, I won't lose too much sleep over the "weaker" frame in my 4th gen.:

Doesn't it seem that way?! It makes you think that the previous model was made of noodles or something!

Here is the link: Toyota Vehicles : 2010 Toyota 4Runner Add to Rich Heritage With More Power, Better MPG / Toyota

"To build on its tradition of rugged body-on-frame construction, the newest 4Runner shares the same platform as the FJ Cruiser. Extensive frame and body reinforcements have been added, using high-tensile materials to add strength without adding weight.

The new 4Runner is also equipped with a stronger rear differential over the previous model, thanks to a gear ring that has increased in size from 7.87 to 8.18 inches."

 

[Jed]

Doesn't it seem that way?! It makes you think that the previous model was made of noodles or something!

Here is the link: Toyota Vehicles : 2010 Toyota 4Runner Add to Rich Heritage With More Power, Better MPG / Toyota

"To build on its tradition of rugged body-on-frame construction, the newest 4Runner shares the same platform as the FJ Cruiser. Extensive frame and body reinforcements have been added, using high-tensile materials to add strength without adding weight.

The new 4Runner is also equipped with a stronger rear differential over the previous model, thanks to a gear ring that has increased in size from 7.87 to 8.18 inches."

Now that you posted the link to that article, I do remember reading it. But I interpreted it differently. I thought what they were saying was that the 5th gen was now built on the FJ chassis (which is similar, but not 100% identical to the 4Runner's chassis), but a more strengthened version. Since the FJ frame issues are fairly well documented, I thought they were saying, "hey, the 4Runner is now built on the FJ platform, but we strengthened it so there shouldn't be any issues on the 5th gen 4Runner".

Still, I'd love to know the specific facts about the frame and how it differs from either the 4th gen or the FJ. And here's a question for you-- Does the 2010 FJ have any differences on its frame/chassis as earlier years? Have they done anything at all to help correct the problems some owners were having?

BTW, the bigger rear diff is a plus!

 

[Thai]

Now that you posted the link to that article, I do remember reading it. But I interpreted it differently. I thought what they were saying was that the 5th gen was now built on the FJ chassis (which is similar, but not 100% identical to the 4Runner's chassis), but a more strengthened version. Since the FJ frame issues are fairly well documented, I thought they were saying, "hey, the 4Runner is now built on the FJ platform, but we strengthened it so there shouldn't be any issues on the 5th gen 4Runner".

Still, I'd love to know the specific facts about the frame and how it differs from either the 4th gen or the FJ. And here's a question for you-- Does the 2010 FJ have any differences on its frame/chassis as earlier years? Have they done anything at all to help correct the problems some owners were having?

BTW, the bigger rear diff is a plus!

I think that the FJ had some redesigned fenders (3 or 4 versions of it). I believe that the latest version apparently helped prevent the issue. But, it is still too early to tell since the last version was in 2009 i think. A lot of the FJ owners theorized that the FJ frame flexed too much. Whether this applies to the 4runner or not, i don't know. I did hear ONE 4runner (4th gen) owner that had the fender bulge...but i don't believe that he/she is on this forum.

 

[Thai]

Jed, here is what happened to BlairB: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/58669-motor-mount-frame-failure.html

 

[rook]

so much for discussion about the Equus XD

 

[Thai]

so much for discussion about the Equus XD

Don't you love going off on tangents?? :bravo: Equus is nice. There, we're back on topic.

 

[Thai]

Edmunds full test: 2011 Hyundai Equus Full Test and Video

 

[Koz]

Talk about copying other vehicles! It's pathetic!

Sorry, for $10K more you can get the REAL thing!

Koz

 

[Thai]

Talk about copying other vehicles! It's pathetic!

Sorry, for $10K more you can get the REAL thing!

Koz

That is a good point...if you're already spending $60,000, why not spend an extra $10k for the LS460 since this Equus is really not breaking any new grounds?

 

[Thai]

Edmunds track testing...LS vs. Equus: IL Track Tested: 2011 Hyundai Equus vs. 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Not looking good for Hyundai...hopefully, next year's 5.0L V8 powertrain will help.

 

[T4Fun]

wow this thread has really taken off, but hyundai's 60K sedan hasnt...will never ever for life of me spend that kind of money on a hyundai...

 

[Toyodas]

I think Hyundai's major mistake was not developing a sister branch just for their higher luxury offerings, like Toyota-Lexus, Nissan-Infinity, and Honda-Acura.

They make a name for themselves first in that luxury branch like Toyota did with Lexus before delivering a 60,000 dollar vehicle.

Back in 1990 my Dad brought home a fully loaded silver Lexus LS400 for $30,000 which was marketed the relentless pursuit of perfection and as a mercedez contender for a reasonable price. And today I don't believe you can get any new Lexus off the lot for the same amount let alone a current LS model sedan.

The times are changing and if and when China gets into the auto industry....oh boy.