The Walking Dead to Meet Hyundai Elantra Coupe and GT at 2012 Comic-Con

While Chrysler was teaming up with the creators of The Dark Knight Rises, Hyundai formed a partnership of its own with another comic book-related project, The Walking Dead.

The players may be different but the goal in both cases is the same and that is to market products to a younger crowd.

Hyundai's collaboration celebrates the 100th issue of The Walking Dead comic series with the two partners having worked on the creation of two unique Elantra models that will make a special appearance at the Comic-Con International, which takes place in San Diego from July 12 to 15.

The first is model is a customized Elantra Coupe designed by The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman and fabricated by Design Craft.

Named the Hyundai Zombie Survival Machine, the study is said to sport the following features:

"A front-end custom zombie plow cow catcher with spikes, slatted armored window coverings, a roof hatch to allow passengers to shoot at walkers, an electric rear trunk to house weapons, all‐terrain/rally type tires, weapons storage compartments, a CB radio/PA system and more."

The second Hyundai one is a much more mundane Elantra GT hatchback wrapped in the cover of The Walking Dead 100th issue by artist Charlie Adlard, which will be given away to one lucky winner through the "Hyundai Undead" sweepstakes.

"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."

Hyundai Elantra Coupe Priced from $17,445*, $1,695 More Than the Lesser Equipped Base Civic Coupe

With its sight firmly set on the Honda Civic Coupe, Hyundai has announced pricing for the all-new Elantra Coupe following its world premiere at the Chicago Auto Show this past February.
The 2013 Elantra Coupe starts at $17,445 for the base GS rising to $19,745 for the sportier-tuned Elantra Coupe SE, with both MSRPs excluding a $775 (*) freight charge.

By comparison, the base 2012 Civic Coupe with 140hp starts at $15,755, but as Hyundai points out several times in its press release (…), the Honda models lacks several standard features that are found on the GS such as alloy wheels and air-conditioning.

"The Elantra Coupe also has a remarkable content advantage over Civic Coupe," says Hyundai. "For example, Elantra comes standard with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel disc brakes, features not found on any Civic Coupe."

Aside from the air condition and 16-inch wheels, other standard features on the base GS include heated front seats, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system, steering wheel audio controls, illuminated vanity mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth, external temperature gauge, fog lights, power locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback

The SE grade adds 17-inch alloys with P215/45R17 tires, a sportier tuned suspension, power sunroof, leather seats, steering wheel and shift knob, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler.

Regardless of the trim level, all Elantra Coupe models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 148-horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, linked to 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The automatic model returns an EPA estimated 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while the manual delivers 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway