SEMA 2016: Hyundai Builds a Racecar From…an Elantra?

The Elantra is a great car because it’s simple and honest. It’s neither a track focused sport compact nor is it a highway mpg machine. It’s just a car that does exactly what you want it to do 90 percent of the time: get you from point A to point B.

SEMA however, has a habit of turning honest cars insane. This year, Hyundai is doing just that to an Elantra. In partnership with ARK Performance, Hyundai created the ARK Road Racer Elantra Concept. Taking inspiration from other road racers and time-attack vehicles, ARK exaggerated the Elantra’s sporty lines and created the Elantra’s alternate persona — its Mr. Hyde, if you will.

The exterior of the car received ARK’s Solus wide body kit, ARK lightweight forged wheels, a Fiere Customs vinyl wrap, and an APR Performance front splitter to complete the new look. However, unlike other projects heading to SEMA this year, the exterior wasn’t the only thing ARK modified.

Underneath the hood, ARK built an engine that revolves around an ARK turbo kit, downpipe, GRiP exhaust system, and Turbosmart blow-off valve and waste gate. Hyundai and ARK are keeping mum about the total horsepower figure, for now.

Additionally, ARK installed the company’s DT-P coil-over system, front strut tower bar, front and rear performance anti-roll bars, front big brake kit, and Nitto NT05 performance tires. Inside, only a custom sport steering wheel and diamond-stitched leather were added to complete its look.

“We strive to leverage the superb product development of Hyundai engineers, building upon their expertise while offering something really special to enthusiasts. The ARK Road Racer Elantra Concept offers the specific model enhancements that our customers have come to expect,” says Kevin Bentley, the concept developer.

SEMA runs from November 1 – 4. We’ll be onsite to share all the amazing, and terrifying concepts from the show’s floor. Stay tuned.

The post SEMA 2016: Hyundai Builds a Racecar From…an Elantra? appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2ej4T5d