2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine to Debut in July

Is there a better way to breathe some life back into the compact coupe segment then by celebrating the launch of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe with a special Walking Dead edition? It doesn’t take much in the way of gray matter—ingested or otherwise—to realize the answer is “no,” especially when there's a chance to mark the 100th issue of the much-lauded comic series at the same time. And that explains why the Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine, designed by Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, will make its premier at the annual Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 12. It’s all part of an ongoing collaboration between Hyundai, Kirkman’s Skybound publishing imprint and the media experts at Future US, all of whom also have teamed up on a new online gathering place for zombie aficianados: HyundaiUndead.com. Site visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Elantra Coupe ZSM build, be able to find out more about what the future will bring for the comic's characters and enter a sweepstakes contest to win a Hyundai Elantra GT wrapped in unique “Walking Dead” graphics—all with no risk of being eaten alive (or infected).

“The Hyundai Undead program allows us to interact with hundreds of thousands of film, comic, TV and video game fans during this summer’s ultimate pop culture event,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “We can’t wait to unveil our custom Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine, the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans and anyone who wants to survive a zombie apocalypse.”

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe ZSM: Standard Equipment

The Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine builds on the strong foundation of the retail model, which comes apocalypse-ready with a peppy 148-hp I4 engine that offers plenty of oomph for outrunning the undead, a sport-tuned suspension for avoiding them on the streets (or not), and the ability to get 40 mpg in highway driving—a vital benefit with fuel likely to be in short supply after the collapse of civilization as we know it. And while its tidy exterior proportions make the Elantra Coupe an ideal choice for navigating roads filled with burned-out vehicles and other detritus, it also boasts a versatile and surprisingly roomy cabin that can handle a fair amount of survival gear. In fact, for comparison’s sake, it’s worth noting that the Hyundai Elantra Coupe offers more power, better fuel efficiency and more cabin space than rivals like the two-door Honda Civic, as well as significantly more standard equipment.

Thus, while the Elantra Coupe opens at $17,445—almost $1,700 above the MSRP of the Civic—the Hyundai comes standard with air conditioning, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, fog lights, cruise control, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, power locks, remote entry and Bluetooth hands-free technology; the Civic doesn’t.

Then, for dealing with those pesky brain-eaters, the Elantra Coupe ZSM adds content such as:

• A robust plow-style “cow catcher” with integrated zombie-impalement spikes
• Armored, slatted window covers
• A zombie-resistant roof hatch that provides occupants with a 360-degree field of fire for eliminating the undead while on the go
• Numerous custom storage bins that fit a wide variety of zombie-killing weaponry
• A CB radio with integrated PA system
• All-terrain tires

At this stage, Hyundai execs have no plans to put the Elantra Coupe ZSM into production—but it’s nice to know they could … just in case.