Hyundai’s enjoying its connection with the hit TV series “The Walking Dead,” and at this year’s New York Comic-Con it unveiled a special custom vehicle designed with the apocalypse in mind. The Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine was designed by fan Anson Kuo on The Walking Dead “Chop Shop” configurator app at the show’s website.
Over 82,500 fans submitted designs for their preferred zombie survival vehicle of choice, but Kuo’s 2013 Santa Fe was chosen to be brought to life. Hyundai and Galpin Auto Sports built the vehicle based on Kuo’s illustration, and showed up at the New York Comic-Con with the real deal. It will be on display at the Future US booth at the Javits Center throughout the con.
The Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine isn’t your typical modified vehicle. Studded with knife blades, razor-wire lined windows, aluminum armor and equipped with a samurai sword, three machine guns and an automatic crossbow, this SUV takes “drive aggressively” to a whole new level.
“Anson Kuo’s custom Santa Fe Zombie Survival Machine is the ultimate car for The Walking Dead fans” said Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America. “It’s very cool to see Anson’s great design become a real-life, detailed, zombie-proof vehicle.”
“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.”
The Hyundai Veloster Zombie Survival Machine, which debuted at the San Diego Comic-Con last year, is also in New York for a celebration of The Walking Dead comic series’ tenth anniversary from October 10-12. The exhibition is at the gallery Pillars, and includes The Walking Dead artwork, limited print sales and the premiere of a documentary about the series.
