Hyundai and The Walking Dead creator unveil Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine
Hyundai has revealed a heavily modified Elantra Coupe inspired by The Walking Dead, featuring spiked armour, weaponry and survival gear for fans of the comic and TV series.
Hyundai has teamed up with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman to unveil a one-off Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine, targeting fans of the post-apocalyptic comic and TV series. The car was revealed in July 2012 as a promotional centrepiece, showcasing a series of outlandish modifications designed to help its occupants survive a fictional zombie outbreak.
The Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is fitted with spiked all-terrain rally tyres and heavy-duty window armour to protect against attacks. A reinforced front-end plough with prominent spikes is designed to clear obstacles, or zombies, from the car’s path. The roof hatch allows passengers to escape or defend the vehicle from above, a nod to classic survival scenarios depicted in the series.
Custom modifications for survival
- Spiked all-terrain rally tyres for off-road traction and defence
- Armoured window coverings to protect occupants
- Front-end zombie plough with spikes
- Roof hatch for escape or defence
- Floodlights front and rear for night operations
- Trunk loaded with electric and pneumatic weaponry
- CB radio system for communication
Hyundai’s collaboration with Kirkman was timed to coincide with the popularity of The Walking Dead, which had become a cultural phenomenon by 2012. The car was displayed to fans as both a marketing exercise and a celebration of the series’ survivalist themes. Hyundai’s US marketing team described the project as a unique way for fans to experience the Elantra Coupe and GT in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Elantra Coupe as the base vehicle
The Zombie Survival Machine is based on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, a two-door version of the compact saloon that debuted earlier that year. The standard Elantra Coupe competes with models such as the Honda Civic Coupe and Kia Forte Koup in overseas markets, offering a balance of style and efficiency. This special project, though, is not destined for production and remains a one-off show car.
Hyundai’s decision to use the Elantra Coupe reflects the model’s position in the brand’s line-up at the time, aiming to attract younger buyers with its coupe styling. The Walking Dead tie-in provided the carmaker with a way to reach a broader audience, using pop culture to generate interest in its mainstream models.
Franchise collaborations and fan appeal
The project forms part of a wider trend of manufacturers collaborating with entertainment franchises to create attention-grabbing concept vehicles. While the Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine is not road-legal, it demonstrates Hyundai’s willingness to experiment with brand partnerships and unconventional marketing, particularly in the US market.
For those interested in the standard car, more on the Elantra Coupe’s market debut can be found at2012 Hyundai Elantra Coupe Expectations Are High.
