Exclusive First Drive: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Adventuremobile SEMA Concept [Video]

2016 hyundai tucson adventuremobile sema concept turbo desert tent overland
2016 Hyundai Tucson Adventuremobile

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Adventuremobile SEMA concept demonstrates overland possibilities for the newest compact crossover from Hyundai.
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Driving a one-of-a-kind concept car through the desert is truly a unique opportunity. Thank you to Hyundai for inviting TFLcar to their proving grounds facility near California City, CA in the Mojave Desert. It’s not until driving on a narrow and bumpy dirt trail, that the gravity of the situation sets in. The dry bushes and tree branches seemed to pop out of nowhere, and it took some work not to scratch the immaculate BASF Army Green paint job.

2016 hyundai tucson custom suspension sema adventure
Custom suspension

The Adventuremobile rides 1.5-inches higher thanks to a fully custom suspension lift. The 17-inch Rays Gray Lights wheels are wrapped in beefy 265/65 Toyo Open Country A/T II tires. It is a big tire for this application and it can rub under certain conditions. However, it fills out the wheel arches nicely and makes for a rugged appearance. The suspension and the tires work well together to soak up small to medium bumps. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to run flat out through the desert – trophy truck style.

2016 hyundai tucson turbo engine aem intake charge kit custom tuner sema
(stock 1.6L Turbo makes: 175 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm)

This Tucson is still powered by the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and the power is delivered to the AWD system via the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The power and ambiance are boosted via AEM intake and Magnaflow exhaust systems. This concept was not dyno tested, so the actual power increase is not known. It’s also heavier than a stock crossover. However, the AEM intake components allow the driver to better hear the turbocharger and the blow-off valve. The Magnaflow exhaust system makes for a deeper sound. Neither system is overwhelming or obnoxious. They make all the right noises and move the Adventuremobile with authority. Both the AEM and Magnaflow components will be available for sale, so you can put them on your 2016 Tucson.

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The centerpiece of the Adventuremobile is the TreeLine roof tent. This is the enabler for the next weekend or a more extensive camping trip. There is also a lockable TruckVault storage drawer in the cargo area. The extra LED lights by Rigid Industries are more than bright enough and are meant for off-road use only.

There is also a long list of interior updates and off-the-grid overland and camping equipment.

Katzkin Custom Leather Upholstery
Seat Belt Planet Custom Army Green Seat Belts
Truck Vault Storage with Trekpak System
Goal Zero
Yeti 400 Solar Generator
Light-A-Life 350 Lights
Lighthouse Mini
Venture 30 Recharger
VLEDS Lighting
CTEK Battery Charger
Car Audio System Built by BP Auto Sound
Clarion
SRG1623S Components
EQS755 Equalizer
MCD360 Crossover
WF250D Shallow Subwoofers
XC1410 Full Range Amp
XC2110 Sub Am
Scosche
EFX Series Multi-Core Interconnects
EFX Speaker Wire
EFX Amp Power Kit
EFX Power and Ground Distribution Block
Hyperflex Accumat Sound Deadening Material
MagicMount System
Scosche Optimized for Outdoors
BOOMBOTTLE+
reVOLT Dual USB Car Charger
StrikeLINE Rugged LED Lightning and Micro USB Cable

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The Adventuremobile is the latest creation by John Pangilinan for the 2015 SEMA show. The big aftermarket parts and tools show goes into full swing next week. Stay tuned to TFLcar and TFLtruck for the latest coverage from the show floor in Las Vegas, NV.

Check out this exclusive first drive video of the Tucson Adventuremobile running in the Mojave Desert.