Hyundai Tucson 'The Walking Dead' special edition is real and wants braaaiiinnnnss

Fri, 22 Nov 2013

Hyundai's association with The Walking Dead is, for a lot of fans, limited to the spearmint-green Tucson that Rick, Darryl, Maggie and Herschel drive around on AMC's hit show. But the tie-up with the series extends beyond that, going right into the graphic novels that inspired the TV show.

In celebration of 10 years of Robert Kirkman's series of comics, Hyundai has built special edition Tucson that, unlike its previous zombie survival cars, is going to see production. "The Walking Dead" Special Edition Tucson uses the same 2.4-liter engine found in the standard CUV, with 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. In fact, this car is largely similar to your everyday Tucson, at least in terms of equipment.

It does add a few things which might be handy in the event of a zombie apocalypse, though. A Zombie Survival Kit, which Hyundai describes as a "Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack, a necessary item for any zombie 'prepper,'" is included, as are body decals for all four of the comic book's factions and a special splash screen on the navigation system. The exterior is finished in Ash Black and sports red accents, along with special edition badges. A cross-railed roof rack and mudguards round out the interior enhancements.

No word on pricing, availability timeframe or word of how many examples Hyundai will build. Unfortunately, Hyundai didn't have the special edition on display at its stand at the LA Show – the less-than-flattering nighttime shots (inset, right) are from their off-site event – and studio shots aren't available yet, but we'll be sure to share them when they become available. In the mean time, you can check out the official press release by scrolling below.

HYUNDAI REVEALS "THE WALKING DEAD" SPECIAL EDITION TUCSON

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 20, 2013 – To survive the ever-impending zombie apocalypse, you'll need wits, strategies and a strong intuition. You'll also need a useful form of transportation: enter Hyundai's Special Edition Tucson inspired by The Walking Dead. Revealed today at a special media preview at the Hotel Figueroa in conjunction with the Los Angeles Auto Show, this all-new production model Tucson will be available in limited quantity at dealerships starting early next year – just in time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Walking Dead graphic novel series.

This Tucson features an Ash Black exterior with a subtle red accent graphics package and Special Edition exterior and interior badges. Roof rack cross rails provide additional room for hauling necessary survival gear while mudguards and custom floor and cargo mats help keep the vehicle clean. The vehicle will be offered only in AWD to assist drivers when off-roading away from the undead. Within the Tucson's black leather interior, passengers will find a custom Zombie Survival Kit – a Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack, a necessary item for any zombie "prepper" – and a Walking Dead Tucson Quick Reference Guide, to help utilize all the features in the Special Edition vehicle. In addition, for true enthusiasts of The Walking Dead, this Tucson will offer vehicle decals for the four factions featured in the series: Hilltop, Kingdom, Saviors, and Survivors, so owners can proudly display where their allegiances lie.

"The Walking Dead Special Edition Tucson represents a chance for loyal fans to show their enthusiasm for the graphic novel series," said Christine Jew, Tucson product planner. "The Tucson is versatile, responsive and fuel-efficient, allowing just enough room for those wisely-chosen passengers and supplies needed in the event of a zombie apocalypse or any survival scenario."

The Walking Dead Special Edition Tucson is powered by the advanced 2.4-liter Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and offers a host of valuable features, including LED taillights, dual automatic temperature control and a premium audio system with HD Radio™ technology. Hyundai's Blue Link ® safety, service and infotainment telematics system is also standard on The Walking Dead Special Edition Tucson and includes three years of Assurance Connected Care as well as SOS Emergency Assistance capabilities – this feature will be particularly helpful for those trying to survive a zombie takeover. Additionally, Tucson's third-generation navigation system includes a larger seven-inch touchscreen display with a special The Walking Dead splash screen.

"Working with Hyundai to create this limited edition Tucson is a great way to continue The Walking Dead's 10th Anniversary celebration," said Robert Kirkman, author and creator of The Walking Dead. "I'm excited to see the streets taken over by these cars."

Hyundai's continued partnership with Robert Kirkman's Skybound imprint at Image Comics and Kirkman's groundbreaking comic and best-selling graphic novels, The Walking Dead, has evolved over the past few years and now includes three Hyundai Zombie Survival Machines and The Walking Dead Chop Shop configurator app, which allows fans to design their own custom zombie survival machines.

SKYBOUND
Skybound is a multiplatform entertainment company that publishes comic books through Image Comics. Its line includes all of Robert Kirkman's comic books, as well as original concepts by emerging talents. Kirkman's work includes the award-winning The Walking Dead, the inspiration for the TV show of the same name, as well as Invincible, Outcast and Super Dinosaur. Other titles include Clone, Ghosted, Manifest Destiny and Dead Body Road. Skybound also creates a wide range of merchandise, including apparel, action figures and video games, as well as produces entertainment events such as The Walking Dead Escape, an immersive zombie run experience that has been a hit in San Diego, New York, and Philadelphia. For more information, please visit Skybound online at www.skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

By Brandon Turkus