Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Subcompact Showcase: Michael's 2007 Hyundai Accent SR


We all know about the Hyundai Accent. It's the best-selling subcompact in the U.S., has a great warranty, a low cost of ownership, etc. What you may not know is there are a bunch of Accent enthusiasts that are customizing the small Korean hatchback. And although it doesn't have the most aftermarket support, it hasn't stopped some people from taking the Accent to another level. Then again, when you live in Canada and have the support of Hyundai Performance Canada, you've got a few more options.

Take Michael Gil, for example. The Toronto resident, and president of the Toronto Hyundai Club, has a great-looking 2007 Hyundai Accent SR. "SR," you say? Indeed. The Accent SR was a model sold in Canada that includes an aero package, sport-tuned suspension with Eibach springs, and a variety of other goodies. There were only 500 '07 SRs made, and they were built to showcase the fact that the Accent can be a tuner vehicle.

EXTERIOR
To the already great-looking exterior, Michael added a host of Korean domestic market (KDM) "accents" including LED mirrors and chrome door handle covers. Other exterior goodies include Ixion Eyelines, a debadged rear end, a billet oil and gas cap, and silver-painted brake calipers. Micheal also added a set of 18" Kyowa Racing 228 wheels with Falken ZE-912 tires.

Underneath the car resides a set of LEDs with no less than three million color possibilities. Lighting upgrades include 6000K HID headlights, and 3000K HID foglights. Michael has also used SMD LEDs throughout.

INTERIOR
The interior of the Accent SR is already a step above a standard Accent (I want those seats, which are heated, too!). To this interior there now resides an HPP sport shifter, tinted windows, chrome door sill covers, and interior LED lighting.

Michael has upgraded the car's sound system, too with a host of Clarion products including speakers, subwoofers and enclosures, DVD, head unit, and amplifier.

PERFORMANCE
This Accent isn't just about visual enhancements. Performance upgrades include a Stage II performance clutch, NRG engine damper, a Megan Racing 4-1 header and racing downpipe, a Magnaflow high-flow catalytic converter, a Vibrant axleback exhaust system and mid-pipe (for a full system), and a performance chip.

Suspension wise, Michael has added Ultra Racing's front lower bar, an Ultra Racing rear sway bar, and a DC Sports strut tower bar. The vehicle rides on Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs and the more taught SR shocks.

As you can clearly see, this is a great-looking Accent. If you'd like to see more of Micheal's ride, check out his CarDomain.com page in the links section.


LINKS
Hyundai Performance Canada
Toronto Hyundai Club
Michael Gil's CarDomain page
Hyundai-Forums.com

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome car! I really like it. Tasteful... doesn't stray overly far from the factory car, which is a plus for a rare one like this.

spencer said...

Very very nice for a Hyundai! One of the best I've ever seen. Cool info about the special edition, too.

Steven Rahn said...

I have an '09 hatchback in Ebony, which came with some nice performance upgrades, but this lil buggy is really sweet. Now, I'm thinking about future projects for my own Accent.