Kia brings its Hamstars to SEMA.
This year’s SEMA Show, normally the realm of the performance crowd, is turning into a preview of things to come. Among the makers using the annual event to unveil an array of concept cars, trucks and crossovers is Kia, whose prototypes, including the White Tiger and Hamstar show cars, offer more than a hint of what the Korean carmaker will soon be bringing to market.
And it’s not only urban cruisers Kia is customizing. The maker’s Kia Forte Hybrid Concept shows that going green doesn’t have to be boring.
Separately, Kia announced that following the unexpectedly solid first-year performance of its road racing team – which included six Top Ten finishes – the maker will expand its motor sports efforts in 2011, with the Kia Fort Coup campaigning in the upcoming Grand Am-Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.
Few new cars have generated more buzz, in recent years, than the Kia Soul, especially among the hip-hop generation. So, it’s no surprise Kia is bringing two concept versions of the urban cruiser to SEMA.
The White Tiger Concept portends two special-edition Kia Soul models coming in 2011.
The Soul White Tiger Concept gives more than a hint of what’s to come when Kia unleashes two special-edition Soul models next year. The feline paint scheme takes its cues from the animal that symbolizes this year’s Asian Lunar Year. And the white tiger-themed graphics sharply contrast the Soul concept’s black leather interior.
The White Tiger Concept starts out with the stock Soul+ model, then gets some distinctive treatment, including cat’s claw bumper applique, alloy fuel filler door, and 18-inch white-painted alloy wheels. Inside, along with the heated, black leather seats, the White Tiger gets a leather-wrapped wheel and shifter knob, illuminated scuff plates and more.
A production version of the White Tiger is due in showrooms before year’s end.
Don't be surprised to see a Kia Forte Koup Type R reach production in the near future.
It’s hard to keep track of how many times the Kia hamster – make that hamstar – videos have been downloaded off YouTube, so no surprise a second Soul spin-off has been dubbed the Hamstar Concept. This version features a red-and-black paint scheme with star logo and hamster graphics on the hood. For added attitude, the exterior is finished with black gloss and polished aluminum wheels, contrasting the black interior. There’s even a Hamstar badge and floor mats.
Celebrating its recent success on the track, Kia is showing a Forte Koup Type R Concept that suggests what the maker hints are “future production vehicle applications.”
Enhanced exterior body panels exaggerate the stock Koup body lines, from front fenders to rear quarter panels. The Koup Type R Concept rides on 18-inch forged alloy wheels and racing “inspired” tires and suspension components. A modified short-throw shifter and dampened composite fiber clutch are intended to enhance the driving experience.
Admittedly late to market with hybrid technology, Kia is looking for ways to add a little spice to its Forte Hybrid Concept. The prototype, created by Kinetic Motorsports, feeds propane to its 1.6-liter inline-four gas engine, mating it to a higher-performance lithium-ion-based electric driveline. With cast alloy wheels and a lowered stance, this is not your humdrum hybrid. Oh, and add in a 1200-watt Infinity audio system to keep your toes tapping.