At the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show each year in Las Vegas, SEMA member organizations—manufacturers, distributors, retailers, street-rod builders, auto restoration specialists, restylers, car clubs, race teams and auto industry publishing companies—show off all the latest tools of their trades to make vehicles look cooler, run faster, operate more safely and deliver more fun.
At SEMA 2011, Hyundai virtually stole the show, teaming up with some of the biggest names in the auto after-market industry to deliver five stunning vehicles.
"Each year, we bring our newest, most exciting cars to SEMA through a partnership with aftermarket specialists to create even more powerful options for Hyundai owners," said Mike O'Brien, Vice President, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America.
This year’s Hyundai highlights included these highly modified models:
ARK Performance Veloster – Hyundai joined creative forces with ARK Performance to transform its three-door Veloster coupe into a sleek, high-performance rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster featured a twin-scroll, 210-hp turbocharged engine. The car made a bold statement with its bright green/flat gray paint job and its open-wheel concept with aggressive fenders and ARK-developed parts.
PM Lifestyle Veloster – In partnership with Universal Technical Institute and PM Lifestyle, an after-market industry leader in innovative digital media, Hyundai created a powerful and highly interactive Veloster prototype. With its blue carbon-fiber hood, 163-hp engine, custom leather interior and Konig Deception wheels, the PM Lifestyle Veloster was one of the high points of the 2011 SEMA show.
Genesis Hurricane SC – This prototype of the Genesis Coupe was the result of a two-year collaboration between Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc., (HATCI), Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing (RMR), Harman International and Torvec, Inc., and what a result it was. Enhanced in every aspect of performance—power, traction, braking, exterior and interior design, including an incredible audio system – the Genesis Hurricane SC featured a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 engine with a liquid-to-air intercooler that produced in excess of 450 hp.
Rhys Millen Racing RM500 Genesis Coupe – This award-winning design featured Hyundai’s most powerful engine, the 5.0-liter 450-hp Tau V8. With its RMR stainless exhaust, titanium tips, GReddy rear section muffler and special oil cooler and rear differential cooler, the RM500 Genesis Coupe was designed to turn heads while turning in truly stunning performance.
Rhys Millen Racing 2WD Global Rally Cross Veloster – The SEMA show also provided a showcase for the deceivingly innocent-looking RMR two-wheel drive Veloster Rally Car. This production-based car was a true racer at heart with custom-made lightweight body panels, upgraded aerodynamics and specially tuned suspension for rally-quality performance. The RMR 2WD Global Rally Cross Veloster featured Hyundai’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 300 eager horses and 300 lb/ft of torque.
Hyundai proved once again why it’s one of the hottest brands on the market today. For more information, visit www.hyundaiusa.com.
