Hyundai will again partner with Bisimoto Engineering to build a SEMA project for next month’s show. This time a 700-plus-horsepower 2016 Tucson called the “Brute Ute” will debut at Las Vegas. Other than an artist’s rendering and a quick news release, not much has been revealed about the crossover project; however, EngineLabs was treated to a glimpse of the long-block assembly and a quick tech briefing from Bisi Ezerioha, owner and chief engineer at Bisimoto.

The long-block is nearly finished. Work is continuing on the intake manifold and mounting the turbocharger.

At first glance, the 2.4-liter Theta II appears to be a near clone to the turbocharged engine built for last year’s Sonata project at SEMA. The parts lists share many components and the horsepower ratings/estimates are similar. But Ezerioha says he discovered potential areas for upgrades after tearing down last year’s project.

“I learned a lot about that powerplant,” confirms Ezerioha, “that we were able to improve upon for this year.”

Examples include a new material for the connecting rod. In addition, Bisimoto increased the use of coatings and surface treatments for select components, such as WPC for the factory crankshaft.

“Also, we didn’t have controls in place for the variable valve timing,” adds Ezerioha. “After SEMA I was able to play around with that and pick up better midrange. Now the new motor will be able to take full advantage of VVT.”

Bisimoto will also utilize a moly-based coating for the skirts on the Arias 9:1 pistons after identifying some metal transfer between the piston and cylinder wall on last year’s engine. The shop also “made an adjustment to the piston-to-wall clearnance.”

“We did put a lot of heat into the previous engine with power we wanted to create,” adds Ezerioha.

The previous engine was hammered with nearly 35 pounds of boost from the Turbonetics TNX 82/64 turbo. This year, Bisimoto is going with a smaller Turbonetics BTX 6464 billet version.

“With E85 fuel I plan on hovering in the 30 psi range,” says Ezerioha. “I am going smaller on the turbo for better response and improved drivability. For me to achieve 700 horsepower, I have to push it to 30 pounds, maybe 32, just because the turbo is smaller. At the same time, it’ll be amazing to drive.”

Bisimoto Engineering’s First CUV is the Most-Powerful Tucson Ever

While Bisimoto is impressed with the quality and strength of the Hyundai block, he will swap in Golden Eagle sleeves.

“I’ve never seen cracking in a Hyundai block but I’ve seen it others,” says Ezerioha. “So, as a precaution we’ll sleeve it. We also brace the sleeves to help with stability.”

Bisimoto upgraded the metal in its connecting rod for this year’s engine. All four get hitched to Arias 9:1 pistons.

The cylinder head received custom port work and was fitted with Bisimoto springs and titanium retainers. It’s held in place with ARP fasteners and sealed with a Bisimoto MLS gasket.

“I was very aggressive with the cam profile last year, and with that we had some bottom-end loss,” explains Ezerioha. “Now I’m cutting back on the cam timing to give up some top-end power.”

The manifold design and construction was still underway when EngineLabs spoke with Ezerioha. He will use 2,200cc injectors, high-flow fuel pump, Kinsler fuel rail and Vibrant Vanjen clamps and stainless-steel hardware.

Bisimoto toned down the cam timing to widen the torque curve. The shop also takes advantage of VVT in this year’s engine.

“If I had a magic wand, I’d love to have my intake manifold twice the displacement of the engine,” says Ezerioha, noting that underhood packaging will prevent that dimension.

To support the engine’s character, Bisimoto gave the Tucson’s exterior a clean “street fighter” appearance, riding on custom air-ride suspension, white 5-star race-spec wheels and sticky, R-compound rubber. A custom roll cage confirms the vehicle’s performance credentials, and the signature Bisimoto stance is rounded-out with the elimination of the front grille to support the Spearco intercooler.