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"Customization makes up the fabric
of the SEMA Show and Kia's design-led brand transformation has
paved the way for us to showcase clever, design-inspired
vehicles that are production capable," said Michael Sprague,
vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Two more
limited edition Soul vehicle concepts will artfully express the
personalization options and fun available to consumers and
tuners in the near future while our first year at the race track
served as the inspiration for the exciting Koup Type R Concept."
Soul White Tiger Concept
Building on the success and
consumer interest in the four special edition Souls introduced
over the past year, the Soul White Tiger Concept is a precursor
to one of two all-new Soul special edition models planned for
2011. A combination of value, safety and technology with
plentiful standard equipment, the 2011 Soul White Tiger takes
design cues from this year's Asian Lunar year animal – the Tiger
– and dramatically combines an all-white exterior with
one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics and a contrasting jet black
leather interior.
Soul White Tiger Concept builds
off of the Soul+ (plus) model with fog lamps, body colored
bumpers, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw
appliqué, alloy fuel door and features white-finish 18-inch
alloy wheels to complete its expressive look. On the inside, the
Soul White Tiger will captivate its passengers with its
push-button start, black leather seating surfaces and heated
front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob and
sport-styled floor mats with contrasting stitching and
illuminated scuff plates add to the Soul White Tiger's
aggressive personality. The Soul White Tiger will be arriving in
Kia retail showrooms in the coming weeks.
Soul Hamstar™ Concept
After three million views online
and the launch of their own "Hamstar™" apparel line, the hip and
music-loving hamsters from Kia's award-winning Soul ad campaign
are making their presence known at SEMA with a Molten Red Soul
concept vehicle featuring custom Hamstar artwork and interior
appointments. The Hamstar Soul Concept stands out from the crowd
with its custom red and black color scheme, highlighted by a
"star" graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the
hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the urban passenger
vehicle's sides that are reminiscent of vintage warm-up pants.
The exterior is dressed with black gloss and polished aluminum
sport wheels for extra attitude and the all black interior
includes red/black sport cloth seat materials with black
chenille stars affixed to the back side of the front headrests.
Special Hamstar sport floor mats and a rubberized Hamstar badge
create an additional surprise design element.
A true game-changer for the Kia
brand, the Soul was the first vehicle launched under KMA's
ongoing design-led transformation and kicked off the most
aggressive new vehicle launch cycle in the automotive industry,
which continues through 2011. The 2010 Soul has earned a trophy
case full of prestigious awards and accolades since its launch,
including earning a 2009 and 2010 "Top Safety Pick" from the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), being a recipient
of the "Best Family Cars for 2010" designation by Edmunds.com
and Parents Magazine, recognized as "Best Hatchback of 2010" by
Cars.com, achieving 2009 "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000"
status from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, being named to the 2010
Ward's AutoWorld "Interior of the Year" list, and being named
one of the "Most Exciting Cars of 2010" by TIME.com.
Forte Koup Type R Concept
Inspired by the excitement and
competition Kia experienced in its inaugural season of racing in
the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and with an
eye on future production vehicle applications, the Kia Forte
Koup Type R Concept confidently showcases the performance
possibilities Kia's first two-door coupe provides. Developed by
Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns Kia's Forte Koup
race cars, the Type R features dramatically enhanced exterior
panels that exaggerate the existing body lines, including the
front fenders, rocker panels and rear quarter panels. The Forte
Koup Type R rolls on BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels
and racing-inspired tires and suspension components. Inside, the
Forte Koup Type R's modified interior offers ergonomic
improvements for the driver, while custom seat/door treatments
and safety restraints reflect its sporty nature. A short throw
shift kit with Kinetic gear shift knob and carbon inlay
complements the dampened composite fiber disc clutch to enhance
the driving experience.
Kia Forte Hybrid Concept
Proving that a compact hybrid
sedan can be anything but boring, the Kia Forte Hybrid Concept
demonstrates styling options for those looking for an
alternative to a mundane hybrid ride. Created by Kinetic
Motorsports, the Hybrid Concept combines a 1.6-liter
four-cylinder engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas (propane)
and lithium polymer battery with accentuated design
characteristics, including body panel enhancements and a lowered
stance, to create a one-of-a-kind personality for the
environmentally-friendly sedan. The Kia Forte Hybrid Concept is
accentuated by cast aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling
resistance tires for improved fuel economy and reduced road
noise. On the inside, interior panel treatments feature custom
enhancements, while a 1200 watt Infinity®(2) audio system will
entertain passengers.
"The Duel" Custom Kia Sportages by
Antenna Magazine
Proving the 2011 Kia Sportage
compact CUV can be both all business and all pleasure, KMA has
again teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine, Antenna,
showcasing two custom Sportage concepts, created by Antenna, in
"The Duel." One of the customized Sportages is aimed at the
recreational enthusiast and the other toward the on-the-go
professional with cool gadgets, technologies, features and
materials to fully appeal to all sides of the everyday male.
The matte red "Play" Sportage
concept presents the fun, active side of the everyday male with
a vehicle perfectly designed to pursue his personal interests.
With new 20-inch MRR HR4 wheels, a custom Yakima® roof rack
outfitted with a red and black Cannondale® QuikFX Bike with
unique bike pedals and seat, drivers are able to stay active
even at a moment's notice. An iPod Touch®(3) was molded into the
center console for easy access to today's latest news and music,
while the cargo area was transformed into a tailgater's dream
with a custom-painted locker, motorized stainless steel barbeque
grill and 22-inch LCD television.
For the tech-savvy professional
on-the-go, the metallic blue "Work" Sportage concept is the
perfect vehicle for business. With a full closet and dressing
station fitted nicely within Sportage's spacious cargo area, the
professional male has the option of up to two suits, five shirts
and five belts for any work situation(4).
Design-Led Transformation and
Product Line
Kia Motors is in the midst of a
dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering
dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at
exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued
gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its
momentum and will continue to build the brand through design
innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology
such as the soon-to-come UVO powered by Microsoft®(5) in-car
hands-free entertainment system. The launches of the 2011
Sorento CUV, the first vehicle to be assembled* at Kia's first
U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, the
dynamic 2011 Sportage compact CUV, sophisticated 2011 Optima
midsize sedan and versatile Forte 5-door hatchback further
enhance the lineup.
Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line
includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize
sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte
5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio
sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona
minivan.
(Nov. 2, 2010) |
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