What the what!
Looking for specs on the 2015 Tucson on Hyundai Media, and what is staring me in the face on the homepage but an extremely tuned Genesis! Have you ever seen a SEMA concept so well-executed and well-timed?
The new Genesis is absolutely killing it on the sales charts: the combination of 7 series proportions and 3 series pricing is really a huge, huge hit with shoppers.
But how to convince the skeptical? How about a performance upgrade to shade even the M5 and E63?
Enter, Ark Performance and the AR550 Genesis.
Damn.
Sexy.
Hyundai?
ARK Performance AR550 Genesis
ARK PERFORMANCE INJECTS EXTRA PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY INTO ALL-NEW HYUNDAI GENESIS
AR550 Genesis Sedan Blends Business Jet Luxury with Performance and Handling
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 29, 2014 – ARK Performance Inc. has released details for its Genesis AR550 sedan for the 2014 SEMA auto show, taking the 2015 Genesis V8’s already stellar performance to a whole new level. For the tuner’s sixth Hyundai vehicle built for SEMA, ARK injected the Genesis with performance characteristics on par with German super-sedan rivals like Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW M. The vehicle will be revealed at Hyundai’s SEMA press conference on November 4 at 9 a.m. PT.
To build an executive sedan capable of going head-to-head with the world’s best competition, ARK focused on fusing supercharged power with head-turning design, setting a new standard for Hyundai performance. The exterior has been modified to accommodate larger wheels resulting in a wider stance, coupled with a lowered suspension setup that results in an overall more aggressive appearance. The interior has also been revised to provide the opulence of a private business jet.
“The AR550 concept focuses on refined performance that integrates directly with Hyundai’s ‘Design to Empower’ vision for the Genesis Sedan,” said Lerry Liu, Marketing Director, ARK Performance, Inc. “This year we are focused on two core elements all under the new line of ARK Racing (AR) concepts for Hyundai’s. First, we focused on the power, handling, and most importantly the sound of the Hyundai power plant. Second, we integrated our high-performance racing technology to introduce a very unique and bold Hyundai vehicle.”
Utilizing Hyundai’s award-winning “Tau” 5.0-liter V8 engine as the powertrain’s foundation, the AR550 adds 130 horsepower via the addition of a Rotrex supercharger and ARK free-flow exhaust to help the engine breath. An all new ARK-developed suspension setup reduces body roll and provides a sportier ride, and a Brembo Big Brake Kit with Nitto Tires make sure the car sticks to the road.
“AR Line” exterior modifications include front and rear wide bumpers and fenders, a carbon fiber splitter and rear diffuser and AR headlights. The business jet-like interior is accomplished through Katzkin custom diamond-stitched seats and door panels.
Follow #HyundaiSEMA to keep up to speed on all of this year’s SEMA activity.
DRIVETRAIN MODIFICATIONS
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Hyundai Tau 5.0L V8 Engine
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Rotrex Supercharger
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ARK Performance Intake System
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ARK ‘AR line’ Carbon Engine Cover
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ARK Downpipes
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ARK High-Flow Catted Test Pipe
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ARK GRiP Exhaust System
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Upgraded Engine Management
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ARK Race Spec Driveshaft
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Engine Upgrade and Installation
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS
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ARK Front Strut Reinforcement Bar
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ARK Front / Rear Stiffened Sway Bars
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Airrex Premium Air Suspension System
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ARK Knuckles and Control Arms
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Brembo Big Brake Kit (Front / Rear)
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ARK Lightweight Forged Wheels
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Nitto Tire NT05 Summer Tires
EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
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AR Aero package by Infinite Auto Design
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AR550 Wide Front Bumper w/ Carbon Fiber
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AR550 Wide Rear Bumper w/ Carbon Fiber
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AR550 Wide Front / Rear Fenders
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AR550 Side Skirts w/ Carbon Fiber
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AR550 Rear Trunk Decklid
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AR550 Design / Mold
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AR550 Crystal Project Headlights Upgrade
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AR550 Exterior Welcome Lighting
INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
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Katzkin Custom Diamond Stitched Seats
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Katzkin Custom Diamond Stitched Panels
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.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.