Posted in: Collectibles | Tagged: hyundai, iron man, marvel

Hyundai Unveils Iron Man Themed Kona SUV at San Diego Comic-Con

Published Thu, 19 Jul 2018 22:31:10 -0500

Last updated Thu, 19 Jul 2018 22:31:20 -0500

Comic-Con may seem like it's less about comics every year, but did anyone predict it would turn into a car show? Carmaker Hyundai revealed a new vehicle at the Marvel booth today: the Kona Iron Man Edition, a special version of the SUV "inspired by" the superhero Iron Man. The vehicle, according to a press release, "features both exterior and interior design elements that closely resemble and give a nod to the dynamic Iron Man suit." For example, blue running lights. You know, like Iron Man.

"Hyundai's ongoing collaboration with Marvel is a great way for us to become a part of what people are interested in and engage with a highly passionate fan base," said Hyundai Vice President of Marketing Minsoo Kim. "Our relationship is more than just product placement as we aim to create custom experiences that resonate with the Marvel audience. The Kona Iron Man Edition is a perfect example of blending our two worlds together into one special vehicle that we hope will excite fans of both brands all around the globe."

Hyundai must figure that if Marvel fans are willing to pay five bucks for a single comic book issue that contains 1/5th of a complete story, surely they'll be willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a car shaped sort of like Iron Man.

"Hyundai is excited to work with Marvel on the Kona Iron Man Edition; it really is the perfect mash up," said Hyundai Chief Marketing Officer Dean Evans. "The first time we saw the Kona, we knew its unique, rugged design drew a compelling resemblance to the strong and iconic Iron Man suit. There is also a nice synergy between the fun and adventurous nature of the Kona and the playful yet bold character of Iron Man/Tony Stark. The outcome is a remarkable special edition that we're sure will appeal to Marvel fans and SUV enthusiasts alike."

Synergy with Iron Man is definitely one of the features we look for in an automobile. If the government passes the Superhuman Registration Act, will the car try to force you to turn yourself in and get Captain America killed?

"Seeing this car come to life is like wish fulfillment for so many of us," said Marvel SVP of Global Partnerships Mindy Hamilton. "When you grow up reading comics, you dream of seeing that technology and those inventions become reality. We hope that everyone has just as much fun jumping into this one-of-a-kind vehicle as they would putting on the actual Iron Man suit of armor!"

They're practically the same thing!

This isn't the first time Marvel has partnered with Hyundai. The Hyuandai Veloster was featured in Ant-Man and the Wasp, in theaters now. The Kona Iron Man Edition will have a limited global production run, with the first units available in early 2019. You can find out more at the car's website. Here's some more info:

On the outside, the Kona Iron Man Edition has a unique front-lighting signature, including a custom daytime running light form that closely resembles the facemask and eye shape of the Iron Man suit. This shape is immediately recognizable and is one of the key design inspirations for Kona.

Besides the front fascia design and unique lighting signature, other Stark-like flourishes include an Iron Man mask motif on the roof, a unique V-shaped hood garnish, front-fender Iron Man mask badging, Stark Industries lower fascia and rear door decals, Iron Man-engraved headlamp internal surfaces, custom 18-inch alloy wheels with Iron Man mask center caps, an Iron Man engraving for the D-pillars, and a dark chrome front grille. The exterior color is an exclusive Iron Man red with matte gray.

Inside, Tony Stark's signature adorns the instrument panel alongside a unique Iron Man shift lever knob, a special Head's Up Display and center stack featuring Iron Man visual graphics, and a custom seat design.