Hyundai brings 1,000-hp Genesis Coupe to SEMA, and plenty more [w/video]

Wed, 05 Nov 2014

Hyundai has a thirst for horsepower. How else could we explain the scene you see above, in which there exists a 708-horsepower front-wheel-drive Sonata tuned by Bisimoto (black and white, above left) powered by Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II engine? Or the little red number you see hiding in the background, which, at an even 1,000 horsepower, is "the most-powerful 2.0-liter Genesis Coupe ever built," says Hyundai?

In addition to those two powerhouses, the white Sonata (above right) was styled by John Pangilinan to "[connect] Los Angeles street art culture with automotive enthusiasts," whatever that means, and it joins an ARK Performance-tuned Genesis Sedan meant to go head-to-head with Mercedes AMG and BMW M and another Genesis Sedan tuned by Toca Marketing Group with a twin-turbo'd 5.0-liter Tau V8.

All in, that's five heavily modified vehicles being shown at the 2014 SEMA Show by Hyundai (not to mention any more customs not actually sponsored by the automaker itself), and each of them is pretty successful as far as we're concerned. Check them all out for yourself in the image gallery above, and read all the details in the press release below, where you'll also find a video of the builders discussing each of their creations.

HYUNDAI FEATURES FIVE CONCEPTS BASED ON 2015 GENESIS, 2015 SONATA AND 2014 GENESIS COUPE AT THE 2014 SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4, 2014 – Hyundai has once again teamed up with some of the biggest names in the automotive tuning community for SEMA 2014. This year, Hyundai focuses on the performance and tuning capabilities of its newest models, the 2015 Genesis and 2015 Sonata. Also featured in this year's roster is the most-powerful four-cylinder 2014 Genesis Coupe ever built, and a rally-inspired Hyundai Veloster Turbo wrapped in a custom, Hyundai Quaker State livery. Hyundai will be showcasing these creations at its SEMA display in Central Hall (booth #24387) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 4-7, 2014.

The lineup of Hyundai vehicles includes:

ARK Performance AR550 Genesis Sedan
Bisimoto Engineering Sonata
Blood Type Racing Genesis Coupe
JP Edition Sonata
Toca Signature Edition Genesis Sedan

"Every year we invite some of the biggest names in the aftermarket tuning community to build some of the most exciting vehicles at SEMA," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "We wanted this year's builders to develop performance and luxury in tandem, and from what you see from our lineup of vehicles, they have exceeded our goals on every measure."

ARK Performance AR550 Genesis

Hyundai teamed up with ARK Performance to create an ultra-luxurious, performance equipped 2015 Genesis Sedan that is capable of going head-to-head with competition like Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M. To build an executive sedan capable of going head-to-head with the world's best competition, ARK fused supercharged power with head-turning styling. To give the vehicle the performance credentials it needs to compete with the best in the business, ARK focused on the power, handling, and most importantly the sound of the Hyundai power plant. They also integrated their high-performance racing technology to introduce a very unique and bold Hyundai vehicle.

Bisimoto Engineering Sonata

For a third year in a row, Hyundai teamed up with powertrain gurus, Bisimoto Engineering, to create the most-powerful, front-wheel drive Sonata in history. To the tune of 708 horsepower, Bisimoto Engineering re-built Hyundai's 2.4-liter "Theta-II" four cylinder engine from the ground up. As always, Bisi Ezerioha, owner and chief engineer of Bisimoto Engineering developed reliability in tandem with the car's face-rearranging power. Complementing the extensive overhaul under the hood, Bisimoto wrapped its 2015 Sonata in custom laminated body wrap and graphics.

Blood Type Racing Genesis Coupe

The Chicago-based tuner, Blood Type Racing, set out to create the most-powerful 2.0-liter Genesis Coupe ever built. Through a combination of a high-boost Precision Turbo turbocharger, strengthened and fully balanced internal components, a custom intake, intercooler, full exhaust kit and nitrous injection, BTR achieved their goal, extracting almost 1000-crank horsepower from the engine. Complementing the outrageous power, BTR gave the vehicle an aggressive, underground racing appearance through the addition of a widebody kit from Japanese designer Kei Miura, with 40mm-wider front and 60mm-wider rear fenders, front bumper lip spoiler, rear diffuser and a GT wing for added down force.

JP Edition Sonata

With an emphasis on maintaining his signature build style, the JP Edition Sonata connects Los Angeles street art culture with automotive enthusiasts. Working closely with renowned street artist, Mr. 44 and Flexfit | BSCMP, the build features a balance of performance products, in-car entertainment with the latest innovations and clean styling, representing the enthusiasts whose cars showcase an extension of their personalities and lifestyles. Giving the Sonata a performance boost, John Pangilinan added an AEM cold air intake, a MagnaFlow exhaust kit and a hot charge pipe from Bisimoto engineering.

Toca Signature Edition Genesis

Toca Marketing Group, the Chicago-based builder who strives to push the limits of aftermarket fabrication, created its latest Toca Signature Edition vehicle to push the Genesis' performance and luxury benchmarks to new heights. Dubbed "Steel Phoenix," the car uses Hyundai's "Tau" 5.0-liter V8 as the powertrain's foundation. Toca engineered a one-off, Garrett twin turbo setup for the vehicle, complete with a full ARK Performance catback exhaust system, boosting the power output to 600 horsepower. The vehicle's interior has been given the executive treatment with the custom black leather seats with contrasting white stitching, carbon-fiber trim panels and a Rockford Fosgate sound system.

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 Jeremy Korzeniewski