Here we are, halfway through 2012. As anyone will tell you, the end of the world is coming. And, while we aren't sure just when it will get here or exactly what will be the cause, scientific breakthroughs, recent news stories and popular media point to the likelihood that it's going to be in the form of a zombie apocalypse. Take, for example, the popularity and success of The Walking Dead, on television, in videogames and in the comic series.
The comic book series of The Walking Dead started in 2003 and is coming up on its 100th issue. To celebrate the prestigious event in a style that seems appropriate for a comic book about zombies, Hyundai, Skybound, The Walking Dead and Future US have gotten together to do something special for the upcoming Comic-Con International in San Diego this year. At the Future US booth on the Comic-Con floor, Hyundai will unveil a customized Elantra Coupe Zombie Survival Machine, designed by Robert Kirkman, the writer/creator of The Walking Dead.
Hyundai's Zombie Survival Machine will showcase modifications including:
front-end custom zombie plow cow catcher with spikes
slatted armored window coverings
roof hatch to allow passengers to shoot at walkers
electric rear trunk to house weapons
allĀ]terrain/rally type tires
weapons storage compartments
CB radio
PA system
...and much more
And, while you can't get your hands on this sweet survival vehicle, they're are going to be giving away a Hyundai Elantra GT with a vinyl wrap of the cover of the 100th issue of The Walking Dead by artist Charlie Adlard. This car is being given away in a sweepstakes that launched June 12 and will run until July 31. Enter the sweepstakes at the official Hyundai Undead website (link below), or on site at the San Diego Comic-Con at either the Skybound booth or the Future booth.
If you're just a really big fan of The Walking Dead, then winning the Elantra GT should be pretty sweet - and if you're more worried about an actual zombie apocalypse, well, take notes on the modifications, so you have a plan for "upgrades" for your prize. That is if you win. All of these events will be celebrated at the private The Walking Dead100th issueVIP Black Carpet Event at Comic-Con. This private VIP party will be a fully immersive recreation of a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies.
By infiltrating Comic-Con alongside Future US and the exploding popularity of The Walking Dead franchise, Hyundai hopes to expand the Gen Y conversation to include the new Elantra variants, Coupe and GT. The Hyundai Undead project started on June 12 with the launch of the official Hyundai Undead website (link below) and a four-part behind-the-scenes video series. The videos will detail the creation of the Zombie Survival Machine and showcase the car build from start to finish, ending with the unveiling of the vehicle at Comic-Con on preview night, July 11 at the Future US booth.
"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. 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."
- Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America
Comic-Con attendees will be able to take pictures with the Zombie Survival Machine at the Future US booth, and get inside the vehicle to check out all of the features, including a limited-run illustrated owner's manual that walks drivers through the machine's unique features and prepares them for the gruesome realities of the zombie apocalypse. The booth will also feature a Zombie Target practice area and a zombie costume contest.
