Bryan Kehl and His AEM Equipped Hyundai Veloster Turbo Complete the Targa Trophy Experience
- Nov 12, 2013
Having recently completed the modifications on his new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Kehl and his navigator, Jesse Granat made the Targa Trophy run to promote his company and his newly formed relationship with AEM, and in the process they had a ridiculously good time. We talked with Kehl to get the low-down. This may well be the first cross-promotion between an insurance company and aftermarket manufacturer; can you give us some insights into how it came about and what the thinking was behind it? "I had started modding my Hyundai Veloster Turbo almost immediately after purchasing it, and with each performance, sound and aesthetic improvement, it soon became an obsession! As part of these upgrades I had always wanted an intake, but read in online Forums that the intakes for the Veloster were insanely loud. After much research, I was sold on the AEM, for its combination of performance, strong loyal following among car enthusiasts, proper fitment, and the fact it wasn't annoyingly loud like some aftermarket intakes (cough, cough, Injen). So, just before placing an order for the AEM Cold Air Intake, my good friend and employee Jesse thought it would be wise to ask AEM for a sponsorship for the upcoming Targa Trophy event. Since I was interested in advertising for my young Insurance Agency, we thought it could be an interesting cross-promotion to pair up with AEM…and the rest is history!"
Give us your angle on the Targa Trophy Event and is this the first time for you and Jesse Granat at the event? "Well, Targa Trophy is a high-speed scavenger hunt of sorts. It's basically a contest that factors a combination of speed, accuracy in performing assigned tasks along the route, and of course fun. I had never participated in Targa Trophy, but Jesse had made the last run in San Diego a few months prior, and he said it was the most fun he had in years. I was interested in Targa Trophy as it is geared toward high-end exotic cars, with an interesting mix of JDM, classic, and one-off vehicles as well. Who doesn't want to drive among that crowd? I purchased my Veloster Turbo early in 2013 as an advertising car for my Insurance Agency. With its quirky, yet sporty looks, it gets attention. It is the perfect car to vinyl wrap and to advertise with."
Your evening at the Targa Trophy after-party, with VIP entry to Hakasan Nightclub, sounds like crazy good times, care to share any of that experience? "The VIP to Hakkasan was pretty amazing. There was a line a mile long to get in, and a steep cover charge as usual. As part of the Targa Trophy event though, we got right in free of charge, and we were ushered into a large private lounge where we had drinks, shared stories of the fun and crazy day, and announced awards for the winning times. I heard from more than a dozen people that there were car crashes, many CHP tickets issued, and a major dust storm that hindered the route. The back roads and highways we took from Baker to Vegas were the most talked about, from hairline turns, Cliffside drop-offs, and wide open roads (where a Nissan GTR hit a top speed of 185 mph). Time flew by that night, but great music, too many drinks and great company made for a perfect end to a perfect day. Needless to say, the next day poolside at the famous Wet Republic pool (with VIP entrance as well) where Deadmaus performed live, offered the best respite from the prior manic race." So how do you like your Hyundai Veloster Turbo with the AEM cold air intake? "The Veloster Turbo is a fun zippy car to begin with, but with the AEM Cold Air Intake, it sounds how it should - a bit meaner, but not overly loud like some intakes on the market. I could feel a nice gain on the 'butt-dyno' as well. I am so happy with the fit and finish of the piece as well; it really complements the engine compartment nicely, and it's super easy to clean. I was most impressed with the ease of installation, and the fact that I did not need to tweak anything or add spacers, etc, to make it fit. AEM produces great sound, performance, and aesthetics!" Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com. |
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