Hyundai & RIDES Turn Genesis Sedan Into Mobile Office for SEMA

RIDES Genesis

High-tech show car

By Christopher Jackson
October 22, 2008 9:29 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Hyundai, SEMA, Technology, Tuners

What’s the best way to increase the street cred of a capable and groundbreaking but relatively bland new product? Build it into a show car, of course. That’s the approach Hyundai is taking to make sure that its new Genesis luxury sedan is taken seriously by the people who buy such cars. To help position the Genesis as a viable rival to the established competition from Lexus, Acura and Audi, the manufacturer has teamed up with RIDES Magazine to create a high-tech Genesis show car for SEMA.

The RIDES Genesis doesn’t sport much in the way of performance upgrades, but it’s packed to the gills with the latest in mobile technology. RIDES has outfitted the big Hyundai as a mobile executive suite, with high-speed WiFi and theater-quality sound. Each rear-seat passenger has a computer with an 8.4-inch VGA headrest monitor, and there’s a third Mac Mini mounted on the rear deck with a wireless keyboard and mouse in the center console. An iPhone 3G and iPod Touch are also along for the ride. The RIDES Genesis also has another computer in the trunk, and a 20-inch Apple Cinema display on a sliding tray.

Exterior modifications to the RIDES Genesis are minor, limited to 22-inch MHS three-piece wheels, a body kit with lowered exhaust, and a custom dual-tip exhaust.

Will the RIDES Genesis turn the eyes of BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class buyers to Hyundai? Probably not. But this show car does help to establish the Genesis as a serious luxury vehicle, as well as exploring a different, non-performance oriented side of aftermarket automobile modification

Source: Hyundai

Press Release (Click to expand)

RIDES Magazine Transforms Hyundai Genesis Sedan Into Technology Center on Wheels for SEMA Show 2008

Hyundai Motor America and RIDES magazine are teaming up to develop a customized Hyundai Genesis for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The RIDES Genesis will be the ultimate in technology, style and refinement, containing the latest in technology both inside and out. As added incentive to visit the Hyundai display, 5,000 RIDES Digital Genesis iTunes cards will be distributed from the car's Wi-Fi network during the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 4 - Nov. 7, 2008.

"This Genesis perfectly suits the mobile executive, with multiple Mac computers and its own mobile Wi-Fi network," said Ben Harris, associate publisher, RIDES. "All of the modifications compliment the Genesis' natural attributes and emphasize the sleek look and luxury interior. We are looking forward to the SEMA show and displaying this amazing vehicle."

Inside, the RIDES Genesis will feature the latest in digital accessories including two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection and movie theater-quality surround sound. The trunk will house its own Mac mini computer, a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display and a motorized tray containing the mouse and keyboard for the rear computer. Within the center console will be the iPhone 3G, Mac Book Air laptop and wireless keyboard and mouse for the Mac Mini mounted on the rear deck. Each passenger in the back seat has their own computer with internet connectivity. The 8.4-inch VGA headrest monitors are wrapped in the original leather to maintain the OE look and feel, while the seats contain suede accents.

"Genesis' spacious and ultra-quiet cabin offers an ideal environment to experiment with new in-vehicle information and entertainment systems," said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. "Adding state-of-the-art connectivity and computing power to existing technology like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio, this RIDES Genesis offers a glimpse into the future of hi-tech luxury."

At the Hyundai booth, SEMA attendees will view clean exterior modifications to compliment the high-tech interior. Modifications include 22-inch custom-made staggered fitment MHT three-piece wheels, Pirelli tires, custom-molded front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension and smoked headlights. Custom dual-tip stacked exhausts and custom-molded rear bumper accentuate the metallic silver and blue paint job.

Comments

Kepe
October 22, 2008 10:30 PM
where's the 20-inch display? i can't locate it and don't even know how they fitted something like that to a car. doesn't sound very practical to me.

MrTed
October 22, 2008 11:42 PM
I've got a MacBook in my car, can I get it to SEMA, pleeeease? just ridiculous..

carcrazy1234
October 23, 2008 12:40 AM
daaaammmnnnn ni**a!! look at em rimmmzzzz...

-Matt-
October 23, 2008 2:13 AM
look how bad the leather is made

kevoluetion
October 23, 2008 2:32 AM
The whatever of cars

peterjames7
October 23, 2008 8:47 AM
this looks crap, its really boring the pimp my ride alloys are at ends with the interior styling direction. looks like someone did it them sleves in the garage

diaper84
October 23, 2008 12:18 PM
i guess 20in display is located in the middle of a backsit.

if you still don't understand what i mean you obviously never been on an airplane.

BritBoy
October 23, 2008 1:25 PM
It looks like a cheap S-Class.

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