Hyundai Genesis gets stanced by Ark Performance for SEMA

Wed, 01 Oct 2014

Hyundai has yet another high-performance concept for the upcoming 2014 SEMA Show in November to join its 708-horsepower Sonata. For this one, Ark Performance is taking the Genesis Sedan and pumping up the output by supercharging its 5.0-liter V8, along with a mile-long list of other modifications to mix speed with added luxury.

Ark calls the tuner concept the AR550 in reference to taking the Genesis' standard 420 horsepower V8 and boosting it an extra 130 hp with a Rotrex supercharger to bring total output to 550 hp. The mill also benefits from a freer breathing intake and exhaust, new engine management and more.

All of that extra power would be nearly useless without upgrades elsewhere to handle it, and Ark has some big additions to include. The one-off rides on an air suspension system and stiffer front and rear sway bars. To bring things to a halt faster, larger brakes from Brembo replace the standard units.

To show off the additional performance aesthetically, Ark Performance also completely overhauls the exterior of the Genesis with its own bodykit and forged, bronze-colored wheels. The modifications include parts to widen the front and rear bumpers, including the fenders, a carbon fiber front splitter, new side skirts and a rear diffuser. Inside, the tuner wants to keep occupants comfy even while cruising at high speed with custom diamond-stitched seats and door panels from Katzkin.

According to the tuner, the whole package of the AR550 is supposed to imagine Hyundai's answer to the Bahnstorming executive sedans from AMG and the BMW M division. Scroll down to read the full release about it.

ARK PERFORMANCE INJECTS EXTRA PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY INTO ALL-NEW HYUNDAI GENESIS

AR550 Genesis Sedan Blends Business Jet Luxury with Performance and Handling

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 29, 2014 – ARK Performance Inc. has released details for its Genesis AR550 sedan for the 2014 SEMA auto show, taking the 2015 Genesis V8's already stellar performance to a whole new level. For the tuner's sixth Hyundai vehicle built for SEMA, ARK injected the Genesis with performance characteristics on par with German super-sedan rivals like Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M. The vehicle will be revealed at Hyundai's SEMA press conference on November 4 at 9 a.m. PT.

To build an executive sedan capable of going head-to-head with the world's best competition, ARK focused on fusing supercharged power with head-turning design, setting a new standard for Hyundai performance. The exterior has been modified to accommodate larger wheels resulting in a wider stance, coupled with a lowered suspension setup that results in an overall more aggressive appearance. The interior has also been revised to provide the opulence of a private business jet.

"The AR550 concept focuses on refined performance that integrates directly with Hyundai's 'Design to Empower' vision for the Genesis Sedan," said Lerry Liu, Marketing Director, ARK Performance, Inc. "This year we are focused on two core elements all under the new line of ARK Racing (AR) concepts for Hyundai's. First, we focused on the power, handling, and most importantly the sound of the Hyundai power plant. Second, we integrated our high-performance racing technology to introduce a very unique and bold Hyundai vehicle."

Utilizing Hyundai's award-winning "Tau" 5.0-liter V8 engine as the powertrain's foundation, the AR550 adds 130 horsepower via the addition of a Rotrex supercharger and ARK free-flow exhaust to help the engine breath. An all new ARK-developed suspension setup reduces body roll and provides a sportier ride, and a Brembo Big Brake Kit with Nitto Tires make sure the car sticks to the road.

"AR Line" exterior modifications include front and rear wide bumpers and fenders, a carbon fiber splitter and rear diffuser and AR headlights. The business jet-like interior is accomplished through Katzkin custom diamond-stitched seats and door panels.

Follow #HyundaiSEMA to keep up to speed on all of this year's SEMA activity.

DRIVETRAIN MODIFICATIONS

Hyundai Tau 5.0L V8 Engine
Rotrex Supercharger
ARK Performance Intake System
ARK 'AR line' Carbon Engine Cover
ARK Downpipes
ARK High-Flow Catted Test Pipe

ARK GRiP Exhaust System
Upgraded Engine Management
ARK Race Spec Driveshaft
Engine Upgrade and Installation

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS

ARK Front Strut Reinforcement Bar
ARK Front / Rear Stiffened Sway Bars
Airrex Premium Air Suspension System
ARK Knuckles and Control Arms
Brembo Big Brake Kit (Front / Rear)
ARK Lightweight Forged Wheels
Nitto Tire NT05 Summer Tires

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS

AR Aero package by Infinite Auto Design
AR550 Wide Front Bumper w/ Carbon Fiber
AR550 Wide Rear Bumper w/ Carbon Fiber
AR550 Wide Front / Rear Fenders
AR550 Side Skirts w/ Carbon Fiber
AR550 Rear Trunk Decklid
AR550 Design / Mold
AR550 Crystal Project Headlights Upgrade
AR550 Exterior Welcome Lighting

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS

Katzkin Custom Diamond Stitched Seats
Katzkin Custom Diamond Stitched Panels

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

By Chris Bruce