Coming right after Halloween, is the SEMA show, Hyundai
will be vying for our attention with their new Veloster Grappler Concept that
perfectly fits the description of a ‘Battle Car’ – even if the Koreans never
used the term themselves.
While no changes were made under the hood – and that
includes the front-wheel drive powertrain, the Veloster Grappler Concept has
been conceived to convince your eyes that it can tackle any off-road challenge.
Besides a significantly increased ground clearance,
the Grappler has been fitted with Method Racing wheels shod in oversized
all-terrain rubber, custom front and rear brush guards to protect both ends, a
Seibon carbon-fiber vented hood and a Borla cat-back exhaust – well, that’s so
its sounds match the looks.
On the more practical side, there’s a roof-mounted
Thule utility basket that holds a high-output lighting system, a spare tire and
removable solar panel powering an all-electric portable power station mounted
inside the cabin.
Hyundai didn’t grace us with any interior images,
but they say that it continues the “functional ruggedness theme” with an
integrated roll bar protecting the two front occupants placed in Recaro sport
seats finished in a vintage hounds tooth check pattern. The roll bar also
facilitates mounting for an extra full-size spare wheel and tire behind them.
Traction mats, an oversized utility shovel, first aid kit and a host of other
Hyundai genuine accessories round out the build.
We’ll see the Veloster Grappler in the flesh at the
2019 SEMA show that runs from Tuesday, November 5, through Friday, November 8.
