Santa Fe gets "zombie-proofed"
As a tie-in to the popular 'The Walking Dead' graphic novel from Image Comics (of which Hyundai is a partner) and TV Series, more than 82,500 fans submitted their take on what would be the ultimate Zombie Survival Machine to The Walking Dead Chop Shop configurator app.
The winning entry came from Anson Kuo, who based his creation on the brand-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport he purchased. Brought to life by Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), Kuo's creation was revealed on the New York Comic Con floor at the Future US booth in the Javits Center.
"My main design goal was to make the vehicle as stealthy and spacious as possible," said Kuo. "I knew knives and blades would be the best bet for weaponry - they could slice and dice the zombies without releasing any ammunition.
"Basing the design on the Santa Fe allows space for extra passengers as well as weapons, supplies and all the other necessary items needed during a real zombie apocalypse."
Kuo's urban camouflaged Zombie Survival Machine features knife blades, an automatic crossbow, razor-wired windows, three machine guns, a Samurai sword, aluminium armour and a muffler silencer.
"Anson Kuo's custom Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans," said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "It's very cool to see Anson's great design become a real-life, detailed, zombie-proof vehicle."
Hyundai's continued partnership with Robert Kirkman's Skybound imprint at Image Comics and Kirkman's ground breaking comic and best-selling graphic novels, The Walking Dead, also included a special gallery execution featuring "The Walking Dead a Decade of Dead" curated by former editorial director Sina Grace.
The event showcased The Walking Dead artwork, famed illustrations, the Veloster Zombie Survival Machine from San Diego Comic-Con and an autograph signing by artist Charlie Adlard.
Limited edition prints exclusive to the gallery were distributed to gallery guests each day. The gallery also hosted a private screening of the world premiere of the "Hyundai presents The Walking Dead a Decade of Dead" documentary.
"We were excited to see Anson's Zombie Survival Machine debut at New York Comic-Con," said Robert Kirkman. "This was a great addition to the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of The Walking Dead."