title:Hyundai SEMA 2012: RE:MIX Edition & Concept Cars Revealed
content: Hyundai's SEMA 2012 Lineup: What You Need to Know
If you’re a Hyundai fan or SEMA enthusiast, the 2012 press conference was a feast for the eyes. John Krafcik, Hyundai’s then-CEO, took the stage to unveil a mix of production and concept cars that pushed the brand’s design and performance limits. From an affordable limited-edition Veloster to a 602hp Elantra GT, here’s the breakdown of the most exciting reveals.
Veloster RE:MIX Edition: The Affordable Limited-Run Star
The highlight for everyday drivers was the Veloster RE:MIX edition, a production model inspired by Hyundai’s RE:MIX Lab (a traveling showcase of design, tech, and music). Priced at just $19,900 (surprisingly low for a special edition), it features 18-inch dark alloy wheels, LED head/tail lamps (borrowed from the Turbo), a unique body kit, and an exclusive sprint gray finish (plus five other colors). Inside, you get a 450-watt premium audio system, LED interior lighting, and proximity key with push-button start. Only 2000 units were made—so it sold out fast.
Factory & Tuner Concepts: Performance Redefined
Hyundai didn’t stop at production cars. They partnered with top tuners and their own R&D team to create head-turning concepts:
- Velocity Concept: A 400hp Veloster from Hyundai’s HATCI design center, tuned by Cosworth, with Brembo brakes and Bilstein dampers—built for track performance.
- Cosworth Genesis Coupe: A 389hp naturally aspirated V6 (3.8L) with intake/exhaust upgrades, focused on daily driver civility rather than raw power.
- Bisimoto Elantra GT: The biggest surprise—602hp from a 1.8L inline-4, thanks to turbocharging and water-ethanol injection. It’s a front-drive racer ready for Willow Springs.
- ARK Genesis Coupe R-Spec: 395hp from a stroked 3.8L V6, with carbon fiber body parts and a coilover system for track control.
- Walking Dead Zombie Survival Elantra: A custom Elantra Coupe designed by Robert Kirkman (creator of The Walking Dead), built for post-apocalyptic scenarios—complete with photo ops at SEMA.
Exclusive Insights: Hyundai’s SEMA Strategy
What stands out about Hyundai’s 2012 SEMA lineup is its balance of accessibility and innovation. The RE:MIX edition made special-edition style affordable, while the concepts showed the brand’s willingness to experiment with extreme performance (like Bisimoto’s Elantra). This approach catered to both casual buyers and hardcore tuners—something not many brands do well.
content: Toolbox & Action Guide
If you want to dive deeper into Hyundai’s SEMA cars, here’s your actionable plan:
- Check HyundaiNews.com: Get official press kits, photos, and videos of all SEMA models.
- Hunt for used RE:MIX: If you missed the limited run, look for well-maintained used units (they’re rare now).
- Explore Tuner Parts: Visit FuelCulture.com or ARK Performance for aftermarket upgrades similar to the concepts.
- Follow Hyundai on Twitter: Stay updated on future SEMA reveals and brand news.
- Watch The Walking Dead: For fun, spot Hyundai nods (Kirkman’s collaboration was a cool tie-in).
Recommended resources:
- HyundaiNews.com: Authoritative source for all official Hyundai announcements.
- Bisimoto Engineering: For extreme performance upgrades (like the Elantra GT’s 602hp build).
- ARK Performance: Go-to for Genesis Coupe and Veloster tuning parts.
content: Conclusion
Hyundai’s 2012 SEMA lineup proved the brand isn’t afraid to mix fun, affordability, and performance. The RE:MIX edition offered accessible style, while the concepts pushed boundaries (who knew an Elantra could hit 602hp?).
Which Hyundai SEMA concept would you drive first? The 400hp Velocity or the zombie-proof Elantra? Share your pick in the comments!