Wednesday, 11 Mar 2026

title:Wired’s Custom Hyundai Veloster: Ultimate Tech Features Breakdown

content:The Mobile Tech Hub You Didn’t Know You Needed

Imagine a car that’s not just for driving, but a rolling entertainment and connectivity center. That’s exactly what Wired’s Nico showcased in his demo of the custom Hyundai Veloster. This build isn’t just a car—it’s a techie’s dream, packed with features that blur the line between home and road. After analyzing the video, I believe this custom Veloster was ahead of its time, foreshadowing today’s in-car tech trends.

The Trunk: A Home Theater on Wheels

The first thing Nico highlights is the trunk, which houses a 40-inch Samsung 3D Smart TV connected to a 3D Blu-ray player. The car’s full internet capability lets you stream Netflix, update social media, or browse the web—all from the backseat. Eight 3D glasses mean you can bring seven friends along for a movie night. Above the TV sits a Panasonic HDC-TM900 3D camcorder, perfect for capturing road trips in immersive detail. This setup shows how in-car entertainment was evolving to mimic home experiences, a trend that’s now standard in many modern vehicles.

Cockpit: Sleek Tech Meets Driving

Step into the cockpit, and you’ll see a custom-painted Mac mini (matching the car’s white vibe) with a power button next to the gearshift. An RFID reader lets you scan your enabled phone or bracelet to share updates on Facebook or Twitter—an early take on connected social sharing. The LG Thrill (the first glasses-free 3D phone) adds another layer of tech flair. Standard features like Pandora, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity ensure you’re never without your favorite music. These details prove the build prioritized both style and functionality.

Rear Seat: No Passenger Left Behind

The Veloster’s unique third door makes rear access easy, and each rear seatback has a mounted Galaxy Tab. The car doubles as a cellular Wi-Fi hotspot, so everyone—front or back—stays connected. This attention to rear passengers is a small but important touch, as many custom builds focus only on the driver’s experience.

content:Beyond the Demo: In-Car Tech Trends

The custom Veloster isn’t just a one-off—it’s a window into where in-car tech was heading. Back when this video was made, Wi-Fi hotspots and streaming integration were rare. Today, most new cars offer these features as standard, but this build was a pioneer. The glasses-free 3D phone (LG Thrill) was a precursor to today’s immersive mobile displays, and the RFID social sharing hinted at the seamless connectivity we now expect from our devices.

What the Video Misses

One thing Nico didn’t mention is how these custom installs might affect the car’s performance or warranty. For anyone looking to replicate this build, it’s crucial to work with professional installers to avoid damaging the car’s electrical system. Also, while 3D TV was trendy then, today’s focus is on 4K displays and voice-controlled entertainment—showing how quickly tech evolves.

content:Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediate Action Checklist

  1. Define your priorities: Decide if you want entertainment (like a TV) or connectivity (Wi-Fi, social sharing) first.
  2. Research compatibility: Ensure any tech you add works with your car’s existing system (e.g., Bluetooth pairing).
  3. Hire pros: Custom installs need expert hands to avoid electrical issues or voiding your warranty.
  4. Test before committing: Try out features like Wi-Fi hotspots or mounted tablets to see if they fit your lifestyle.
  5. Check for updates: Many in-car tech features require software updates to stay functional.

Recommended Resources

  • Wired’s Car Tech Section: Trusted for in-depth reviews and trend analysis.
  • Hyundai Official Accessories: For Veloster-specific parts that won’t void your warranty.
  • Pandora: A reliable app for ad-free in-car music streaming (compatible with most vehicles).

content:Final Thoughts

The custom Hyundai Veloster from Wired is more than a car—it’s a testament to how tech can transform everyday experiences. Its blend of entertainment and connectivity was ahead of its time, and many of its features are now standard in modern cars.

What’s the one tech feature you’d add to your car first? Share your thoughts in the comments—whether it’s a streaming TV or a Wi-Fi hotspot, I’d love to hear your priorities!