Look away, grandpa: Hyundai unveils 550-horsepower modified Genesis for SEMA

By Andrew Hard September 30, 2014

Hyundai Genesis AR550 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ten years ago, if someone told you that Hyundai would be one of the biggest must-see attractions at the 2014 SEMA Show, you might have to do a double take.

In the past couple of years, though, the Korean brand has created some jaw-droppers. For proof, look no further than the 1000-horsepower Genesis Coupe that premiered at the 2013 event, which used a completely rebuilt and boosted V6 to produce almost three times the power of the stock car.

It doesn’t look like you’ll be seeing another Hennessey-esque Hyundai this year, but what the brand has readied is pretty impressive nonetheless.

Tuned by ARK Performance Inc., Hyundai’s sixth SEMA vehicle is a supercharged Genesis sedan dubbed the AR550. Using the 2015 Genesis’ 420-hp 5.0-liter V8 as a starting point, ARK has added a Rotrex supercharger kit, a race-spec driveshaft, a performance intake, and an upgraded engine management system to produce 550 hp.

The car’s suspension and aesthetics have been heavily modified as well (the wide-bodied Genesis wears an AirRex air suspension system and lightweight forged wheels), but Hyundai paid special attention to the soundtrack of this car.

Hyundai Genesis AR550 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

To help the blown V8 breathe, ARK bolted up a high-flow downpipe, a catted test pipe, and a thunderous GRiP exhaust system. Clearly, the Korean automaker wants to make an audible statement this year.

Related: Hyundai could be planning V8-powered Genesis Coupe

In addition to the Genesis AR550, fans should look out for the radical, 708-hp Hyundai Sonata crafted by Bisimoto Engineering. You’ll be able to notice it by its huge, GT-style rear wing.

I mean, how many of those could there possibly be?

The Sonata may not have as much grunt as the 1000-hp Genesis from last year, but given that its 708 ponies have been extracted from a 2.4-liter Theta-II four-cylinder, its spec sheet is quite striking to say the least.

The 2014 SEMA Show runs November 4^th to November 7^th in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Topics

Hyundai

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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