It’s 2017 and hatch is back. It’s a glorious day that I thought would never come-the day that performance hatchbacks finally made a quality comeback in America. Prior to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) October 2017 exhibition, KEENDESIGN chose a select few cars to become official KEENDESIGN sponsored vehicles. One of these sponsored vehicles belonged to Texas performance tuning shop TopGunPeformance founder and manager, Jorge Ramos. With a brand new 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport equipped with a seven speed DCT fresh out of the factory, it was only natural that the modifications would have to be quickly decided and perfectly executed before the October deadline for SEMA 2017.
The first and most necessary modification was the wheels. The stock wheels, although well made, would be ill-prepared for the physical stress resulting from track and competition use, and would also fail to create the aggressive visage that other hot hatches on the market already had. For this very reason, KEENDESIGN’s very own KD-05 wheels in machined black were wrapped in Federal Tires 595 RS-RR tires, replacing the stock wheels and rubber and producing a more performance-oriented stance and appearance. KEENDESIGN’s 2018 wheel lineup includes the KD-05s, among a variety of other sizes, designs, and finishes made especially for Kia and Hyundai, so the fit will always be as perfect as stock while the exterior styling sets them apart as a sleek and aggressive performance enhancement. The KD-05 wheels specifically will be available in gloss black, machined black, titanium, and machined titanium finishes as of 2018.
With the wheels and tires secured, the other performance modifications would fall into place. After countless hours spent under the knife, the stock Elantra GT Sport hatchback would be no more. Although it bears some resemblance to its stock self, the list of modifications below will prove that the remaining GT is anything but stock.
Modifications:
KEENDESIGN KD-05 wheels (18”x7.5 + 52.5) in Machined Black
Federal Tires 595 RS-RR tires
3.5” carbon fiber intake with velocity K&N filter (custom)
TKO Clamping system with anodized red clamps (custom)
Electric free flowing dump pipe on controllable exhaust (custom)
Mishimoto Gold Race Edition J Line intercooler with intercooler piping (custom) wrapped in DEI Titanium wrap
Red Sparco Racing Harnesses
Sparco towing straps
Nitrous Race Connection nitrous kit with purge valve
Custom TOPGUNPerformance wrap design
Custom tune by TOPGUNPerformance
The car was the first Elantra GT Sport to be modified and entered into the SEMA Battle of the Builders and the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invite. The SEMA Battle of the Builders is a multi-tiered competition where the men and women are recognized for their SEMA vehicle builds and their hard work and dedication to the automotive industry. The competition allows spectators and fellow builders alike to learn a little more about each unique build and each unique build process. The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invite is another invitational competition where specific builders are selected for the privilege of proving their car’s performance modifications and build enhancements on track. Jorge and his Elantra GT were selected to participate in both competitions- a huge success indeed. The GT was exhibited at the KEENDESIGN featured spot SL14 at SEMA. Impressively, the GT Sport won the golden ticket for the Ultimate Street Car Invite, and as a result, TopGunPeformance’s Jorge was able to push it to the limit on the track.
Paired with some super sticky Federal Tires, KEENDESIGN’s KD-05 wheels amply supported the Elantra GT as Jorge tore up the track, keeping the car’s stance balanced around corners and the exterior styling aggressive on the straights. Needless to say, TOPGUNPeformance’s KEENDESIGN sponsored Elantra GT build has proved that hatch is back and better than ever!
TOPGUNPerformance is a performance tuning shop located in Laredo, Texas that specializes in providing locals with incredible opportunities to modify, customize, and upgrade their vehicle. As you can see, they definitely did all on three with this build! TOPGUNPerformance’s social media and website links below:
