Turbocharged Kia Track’ster concept car with all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes its official public debut in Chicago!
Kia Track’ster, a high-performance Soul-based hatchback, is not only one of the hottest concepts at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, but also one of the most attractive Kia concept vehicles ever. And it’s not just pleasing to our eyes, but pretty fast as well.
According to Kia, the Track’ster concept features a turbo-charged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with impressive 250 horsepower and short-throw six-speed manual transmission. The stylish three-door concept vehicle, which points towards a dramatic addition to the Soul range, also packs an an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system!
Although Kia has been seriously considering to expand the Soul line-up by introducing a drop-top Soul’ster (remains under evaluation for production), there are currently no plans for Track’ster production.
Find more details about the Track’ster concept car after the jump…
Kia Trackster AWD photo gallery:
Kia Track’ster official press release:
What happens when a dream becomes reality? In the case of the Kia Track’ster concept vehicle, car enthusiasts begin to salivate. Amid the driving rhythm of heavy-metal music, smoke and blinding lights, Kia Motors America took the wraps off a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept that hints at what could possibly be the future of Kia’s wildly successful Soul.
“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer for KMA. “But the car had to be approachable as well. We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people’s conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be.”
Track’ster concept design
The bold attitude Kearns refers to starts with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Orange paint scheme. While the white portrays complex layers and shades that contribute to dramatic depth, the orange is perfectly suited for racing.
Kia’s signature grille features an air intake slit and is trimmed in lightweight carbon fibre. Smoothly integrated head lights sweep back suggestively over the sculpted front-wheel arches. The deeply recessed lenses echo the trapezoid themes found throughout the Track’ster and are accented with compelling LEDs.
Most striking up front is the Track’ster’s lower intake grille. Flanked by immense LED driving lights with billet aluminium surrounds, the Track’ster is capable of devouring prodigious amounts of air to keep the engine running cool even under the most gruelling conditions. The lower valance, trimmed in carbon fibre and accented with Inferno Orange, rides just inches off the ground and lends to the car’s menacing stance.
The Track’ster is not just another pretty face; it has a body to match. Sculpted surfaces seem to flow into each other naturally. The flanks are smooth but accented with well-defined wheel enclosures. Tucked beneath the Track’ster’s hips are custom HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels that were a joint effort of Kia’s California design team and HRE.
The wheels are wrapped in 245/40-19-inch front and massive 285/35-19-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tyres.
The wheelbase on the concept is stretched to 101.2-inches, almost an inch longer than the production Soul. As expected on a car with the Track’ster’s performance intentions, large 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes are embraced by six-piston callipers up front and 13.6-inch discs are paired with four-piston calipers at the rear.
Soul fans will instantly recognise the Track’ster’s angled roof, accented with Inferno Orange. Closer inspection reveals this concept, while Soul inspired, is missing the production car’s rear doors. The front doors have been lengthened and adorned with smooth billet push-style handles which echo the racing-inspired billet fuel filler door.
Carbon fibre lower side valances are also accented in Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts. The rear hatch incorporates a horizontal Inferno Orange “backpack” panel that accentuates the Track’ster’s 75.5-inch width, which is more than 5-inches wider than a production Soul.
Kia Track’ster performance
With performance as the top priority, the Track’ster rolls into Chicago with a concept drivetrain sure to kick start any driving enthusiast’s heart. KMA’s design team dreamed big, but also kept their vision firmly rooted in reality.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line-four engine puts 250 horsepower to the road, a 66 per cent increase over that of the production Soul. Power is routed to all four wheels via an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system.
The short-throw six-speed manual transmission is capped with a stubby spherical shift lever. The Track’ster rides on a lowered sport suspension tuned for track performance.
Interior design
Opening the driver’s door reveals a light and airy interior highlighted with deeply bolstered Inferno Orange suede-covered racing seats. Granite Grey leather envelopes the interior landscape and imparts a feeling of strength and stability.
Granite Grey suede wraps the sport steering wheel and door panels. Located deep within red-glowing nacelles, the primary instruments are large and easily readable.
Auxiliary vehicle information such as oil temperature and battery voltage is found atop the dash panel while navigation, entertainment and ventilation controls are accessed through a large touch-screen panel located just above the engine Start/Stop push-button.
Behind the front seats is where Track’ster takes a significant step away from its Soul stablemate. The rear seats have been removed and replaced with a fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tyre well.
Large panelled bins stow racing gear such as helmets, suits, gloves and tools while emergency supplies are housed within a separate and highly visible Inferno Orange container. A custom rear strut brace incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes. [Source: Kia Motors America]
February 8th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
AWD has won me over the Naimo. That proves this is no Veloster platform. However, I’m a little concerned about the Sportage. It just doesn’t seem as if the Sportage can set itself apart from the Soul and the next generation to come Soul. It’s sorta sad since the Sportage is the oldest model.
February 8th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Ok. Forget the car note free thingy. I’m trading in my Forte for this. Infact, I want it in blue. Screw the Naimo. I want it in 5 doors. I want the 2.0L and AWD system. I want it to have panaramic sunroof and best of all, I want it to be less than $26,000. Can Kia do it? Oh I want leather seats. I also want the Naviagation, heated and rear seats for all the passengers. I want a rear spoiler. Also I want this bad boy to attack the SUBARU WRX in the Rally. Bring it on SUBBY FAN BOYS. You want AWD BRING IT ON!!! Now what!!! I’m jtz have a nice day.
February 8th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Yes, now just make the next gen forte like this and we can talk 250 HP turbo all wheel drive…..oh yeah!
February 8th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
WHEW!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad this turned out for the BETTER!!!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT. Why could it not be rear wheel drive? Optional 6 is all I am asking for and I am IN BABY I need to know the colors for this I have something special I wanna do with this in mind.
February 8th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
I have a strange feeling that the Track’ster is seating on a future Kia Roadster platform.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:55 am
SPETACULAR CAR! Please Kia put Track’ster on the WRC!!
February 9th, 2012 at 5:42 am
I said it before and I ma say it again, the Track’ster is one hell of a design one hell of a design indeed. Kia better put it in production they better indeed. I don’t know what’s the most impressive, the exterior, interior, 6 speed trans, the sporty appearence, AWD or the 250 HP?
February 9th, 2012 at 5:53 am
I saw the Elantra coupe. Its a woman’s ride. Not impressed. I’m glad the two door Track’ster is masculine for men to drive.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
That’s a 10! Feels a little like Kia sprinkled some Volkswagen GTI and Mini Cooper influence on an already Rockin design. AWESOME!!
February 9th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Whoa, look out Subaru, Nissan, Toyota, and oh yeah you too VW!! KIA is on the move and they are not take any prisoners’. World class vehiles are just pouring out of KIA. Well done and to hell with the neah sayers.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
I would like the Tiger Grill to be bigger and more PRONOUNCED than it is. I also would like the lower grill opening TWEAKED just a little bit to get the Ford Trapazoid look OUTTTA THERE I don’t want this baby even compared to anything Ford makes in no way shape or fashion.
KIA is KILLING the industry. Dam do I get this or wait on the GT????????????????
February 9th, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Wow! This has got to go into production.
Please spend the money and get some cars with top class drivers in the WRC for a couple of years. That’ll bring the Brand even more forward.
February 9th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Who would have known that when the Kia Retona Crusier was on sale in the late 90′s, the next small SUV would be this? Who would have known that when looking at the 2006 Kia Soul concept, it would evolve into this? Who would have known that when looking at Kia’s line up in 2006, the line up would be something to be serious against rivals? Who would have known that when Scion came out with the XB and Kia had the Sephia and Sportage to sell, Kia would dethrone the XB making it the best in its class? Who would have known that when the Sportage was on sell, Kia was working on the Sorento and it would become the best selling CUV in it’s class out selling the Murano, Highlander, Pilot, Traverse, Edge and the Accadia? Who would have known that when looking at the 2001 Kia Rio with 103 hp, a B segment Kia 11 years later would have 250hp with turbo? Who would have known that 11 years after the 2001 Rio, it would be the first in its class to have heated seats, and have heated steering wheel and would be the best looking hatch in it’s class? Who would have known that the 2001 Kia Optima’s 2.4L engine carrying 138hp would one day have a 2.4L engine with 200hp with an optinal turbo and hybrid 11 years later? Who would have known that Kia would make a GT 17 years later after the 1994 Kia Sephia. Also would have known that that Sephia would one day arrive in 3 different forms, K3, Forte and cee’d expected? Who would have known. From Kia’s concepts begining with the KCV-1,2 AND 3. Mesa, Soul and Mojave. The Kee, Kue, KND-4 Ray, KND-5, GT, NAIMO who would have known that when that Kia’s concepts would start from the KCV-1 to the Track’ster 11 years later…… who would have known? Who would have known that Kia’s new signature grille would have started from the 2007 Kia Kee giving Lexus the new signature grille it has today and giving Chrysler its new logo? Who would have known all that from the 1994 Kia Sephia first went on sale?
February 9th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
I wouldn’t have known that, jtz. That’s why I love Kia!
February 9th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Who would have known that when the 2004 Kia Mojave was unveiled, the GT would have arrived, 6 years later? Who would have known that when the 2004 Kia Amanti debuted, a K9 would be on spy shots several times in S. Korea having RWD and a powerful V8 engine?
Who would have known that when the 2005 Kia Mesa debuted, not only would the Borrego take cues from the front of the Mesa but the Track’ster as well?
Who would have have known that when the Kee arrived, a sportier GT would arrived, 4 years later having a 3.5L Turbo with 395hp? Who would have known that all this after one car the 1994 Kia Sephia to the line up it is today: CADENZA, OTPIMA, SORENTO, SPORTAGE, SEDONA, CARENS, PICANTO, RIO, FORTE, CEE’D, SOUL, MOHAVE, electric boxy RAY, K9 doing testing to up coming 3 door coupes and 2 doors such as the Pro’cee’d, Rio 3 door and Forte Koup to sedans to hatches and to crossovers all of these from one car 17 years ago the Kia Sephia.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:26 am
This looks like ” a PITBULL ON WHEELS WITH FOG LIGHTS ” Talk ’bout ‘an attitude’. If I had this car, I wouldn’t have to talk smack; the
Track’ster does it for you. I love this. The only thing i would change is color. Love the wheel/tire combo.Love the 250+hp & awd.
Love the looks. This car is ‘some of me’. Love the interior (what part I could see). I would pull up next to a Nissan Juke and say;
“Hey Juke- put up your dukes” This makes the Juke look like a “Sidewalk Sissy”.
KIA, you Hit this one right out of the automotive ball park.
Build it as close to this as you can. Please keep it affordable with 10 yr/100,000 warranty.
AS i’ve previously stated; I’m 66 years young & I love this. Build it. I will buy it. Great Job all you on Design/style team.
Please keep us all posted as to ‘future production plans’ Thank you KIA. –’BAAAAAAD TO THE BONE”
February 10th, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Wow that is the one I want to be driving when I move on from the Carnival now in my life…. bring it on…
February 10th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Jtz, you do realize that the 1994 Sephia was not the first Kia-produced automobile? The first Kia automobile was the 1974 Kia Brisa. That was 20 years before the Sephia!! True, the Sephia was the first car sold in the USA, but in the rest of your rant you mention global cars. If you are going to mention global cars, please begin with the first global car, not the first US market car. Thanks!
February 10th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
1974 Kia Brisa. I gotta remember that Brisa Brisa. Ok Greg. Who would have known that when the 1974 Kia Brisa arrived 36 years later Kia would have the number 10 best selling Crossover in the States? Who would have known that the 1974 Kia Brisa would evolve from the Brisa, to Sephia to Spectra, to Cee’d to Forte? Who would known that when the 3 wheeled 1974 Brisa arrived, 29 years later, the Sorento would arrive and it would be considered one of the best selling suvs in it’s class? Who would have known that Kia would arrive from 3 wheeled vehicles to AWD crossovers causing them to win awards and being having the best warrenty? Who would have known, that when the 1974 Kia Brisa arrived, 36 years later it would be top 5 in the Forte Kinetic race beating BMW, MERCEDS, CHEVY and Mazda? Who would have known that when looking at the 1974 Kia Brisa, the Sportage, Venga, Soul, Optima, Rio hatch would recieve award wining designs causing other manufactuers to step up to their designs? It all started fromt he 1974 Kia Brisa…..who would have known?
February 10th, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Hey Greg, what’s your opininon about the Track’ster anyway? No reply about the concept from you. Do you like it or don’t? I wanna know.
February 11th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
A new thought came to mind. If Kia does decide to make a 3 door Soul to go on sale with the 4 door, will this affect 3 door Rio sales in Europe? But then again maybe it won’t. This would probably have AWD if it were in production, as a result, it would be more expensive then even the next Forte. So it puts this out of the Rio’s price range. The Rio is just a stylsih economy car that has grounbreaking features. So this will take more Sportage sales than Rio.
Next, if or when we see next Soul Spy shots, I’m going to tell you what to first try to identify, and don’t forget. Look at the C pillar. Forget the front and the rear. Put your eyes all on the C pillar. Why? C piallars show more personality in cars compared to trying to look at the face. It gives you a good idea of what the interior of either a van, truck, CUV or car’s greenhouse could look like. For example, remember the 2011 Optima was seen on spy shots? Did you notice its C pillar was not covered up, yet the K7 at the time and K9′s C pillar are? You wanna know why? I’ll tell you why? The C pillar on the Optima is unique. It doesn’t need to be covered, looking at the car back when it was being tested already through people for a loop in what the hell is this car going to be like. But uncovering the K7 and K9′s C pillar would be enough for us to figure out their greenhouses. Nothing totally unique about those C pillars and if it is unqiue, it would tell us too much of what we can picture the car looking like. This is the same for the next Forte as well. It’s C pillar is covered up. It only unveils what Kia will allow us to see. Enough for us not to get a good idea but can picture would it could look like. If you ask me, I think the photoshops of the K9 and next Forte are off way off. But like the creator of the photoshops, I too get an idea of what it will look like but I just can’t see the K9 looking ugly like that.
February 11th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
A new though: Kia Pop and Track’ster. Why did I bring up those two Kias? I’ll tell you why. Lets begin at the Kia Pop first. When we first saw the Kia Pop, would have known that it would help be a design direction for a possible next generation Kia Soul? The answer I assume would be “No.” Therefore, don’t be surprised of the Track’ster is more than just a design idea just for the Soul . Personally, the Track’ster name alone tells me enough. What’s not there when you read the word “Track’ster?” No Soul Track’ster. Yet we have Soul 4U, Soul’ster, Soul Burner, Soul Diva ect but Track’ster is simple Track’ster. That leaves us two possiblities: 1st. What if this is the B segment utility vehicle Kia was thinking of putting the AWD into? If it is then that means this isn’t the Soul but another vehicle. Think about, if this is the Soul, why would Kia not have given this the greenlight yet and still deciding and yet the Soul’ster was confirmed? 2nd, Remember back on thekoreancarblog, the blog released Kia’s future line up for 2015? Now there are two B segment CUVS, one is the next Soul and the other is a B segment CUV. That CUV had 4WD in it yet the Soul did not. Another reason why I don’t believe this is the Soul. and Last reason for why this could be another utility vehicle. What’s not with the Track’ster is is always with the Soul? Give up? Hamsters. There was not one trace of hamsters during the unveiling of the Track’ster. Another reason why this may be another B sports crossover.
February 11th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
So my conclusion is the Track’ster may not be the Soul but another B segment CUV. A design direction for the Soul but…. it could be something else. I remember Peter Schyerer or Tom Kerns way back before or after the Kia KND-4 was unveiled, one of these designers wanted a coupe like CROSSOVER in Kia’s line up? What if the Track’ster is is? It’s on this Kia-worldblog but you got to really dig deep because you gotta go way back. I”m thinking 2007. Himi posted it. It was an interview of Schyerer. A picture of him siting down and smiling. He had his head leaning against his left hand. He talked about the Kia Snowflake code name (the Kia Kee) and the Audi Raindrop (Audi TT). He looked almost like the Verizon Wireless guy? Anyway, a coupe like crossover was said. I think this is what he was refering too. I also remember saying on that post, “So does this mean that the Sportage could come in coupe version?” But I don’t think this is the Soul. Also look at the Soul, Track’ster togather and the Sportage and Sorento togather? Yes the Sportage looks like the Sorento…. and yet it doesn’t. Just like the Track’ster looks like the Soul….. and yet it doesn’t. The C pillars appear the same on the Soul and Track’ster….. and yet it doesn’t but then again it does and then again it doesn’t. Just something to think about. Sure the Soul is going to be redesigned. but it Track’ster does not have the Soul name in it. That’s why I compared the looks of the Soul and Track’ster and Sportage and Sorento when it came to looks.
February 11th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Autoblog’s title: “Kia Track’ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul “family”"
You see? Picture the Track’ster like the Kia K2 is to the Rio.
February 11th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
“Picture the Track’ster like the Kia K2 is to the Rio.” I take that sentence back. Don’t picture that. One is awd and the other if fwd. Hmmmm. Picture it this way. Lets say Kia is thinking of making the basic design for the Soul available as an up scale version. “What you mean by upscale?” Meaning upscale: If the Track’ster makes it into production, do not expect it to be a B segment CUV. Expect it to be small yet more with quailty for D and E segment cars. In other words, expect it to not be as affordable as the next generation Soul will be. My guess starting under 19K all the way loaded for 27K. I think Kia wants the Soul’s design to be marketed not just for an entry level car but for people who makes more a year and wants features like a D segment or E segment car. Hell it might be Kia’s version of the roadster after all it doesn’t have a back seat.
February 11th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Another thought. Kia Ray EV CUV looks simular to the Track’ster in the face…… and yet it doesn’t. There is something fishy here with these Kia boxes: KV7, Naimo, Soul, Ray and now Track’ster. Oh yeah and because of what Greg saw at Ann Arbor, add the next Rondo and Sedona to be box like. It makes me wonder if the next generation. I wonder if the Rondo could get AWD? Maybe it will maybe it won’t. But even if Kia has no plans for the Track’ster to go into production, don’t assume that there is not another CUV or RV to have available AWD. I have no doubt in my mind that AWD in the Track’ster is for another hatch or utility vehicle. But we don’t know what. However, I will ax out the Rondo having awd since it always was on the Optima’s platform. But you know what? The Soul was always on the Rio platform; however, the Track’ster has AWD. Could it be possible the next Rondo could have AWD while the Optima continues with fwd? Hmmm interesting very interesting indeed. Lets keep going shall we? I looked at that Kia line up for 2015 on the koreancarblog again. The B segment utility vehicle with available AWD. Remember I said that could be the Naimo? AX out what I said eariler.
February 11th, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Another new thought. What if the next generation Soul is on the Track’ster platform and will have AWD? But wouldn’t that make it more expensive and less fuel efficient? But you know what? That List of Kias for 2015 has to have some accuracy in it. I mean it did have a next generation Borrego/Mohave as well as a big CUV. I wonder if the Borrego is going to continue with the bof thing? But why? Look at the Explorer, Grand Cherokee, next Pathfinder all are CUVs. Hyundai and Kia needs to get in that market even if it is shrinking if they want to be top 5 globally. If Kia wants to get into the premium midsize CUV market, Kia needs to do only one thing to win customers over rivals and it’s this: Kia needs to focus on making this next CUV more orginal looking and stylish. That’s hard to do with a mid size CUV. For example, neither the next Pathfinder, Explorer are orginal looking but because of their past history they can draw in huge numbers for Nissan and Ford. Kia would have to focus on making it orginal with all the features to compete to give people a run for their money. “Why I bought this midsize Kia over the competition? Because its looks drew me in and then I drove it and now the performance has made me buy it over the Nissan and Ford.” You see the looks can draw people to Kia’s midsize SUV and will want to test drive it and see the performence. This is one way the Soul was able to dethrone the XB easily. So if Kia is going to get back into the premium midsize SUV marget again, it’s got to think of something unique and very stylish. This will make people feel more like it’s an all new CUV ready to compete rather than taking cues from other SUVs like C pillars and side profiles. In other words, Kia should learn from the Veracruz’s design. If Kia were to make a grounbreaking looking CUV to tackle the Explorer, it will not be easy. Kia needs a different approach in that market.
February 12th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Do you really want to know what I think? I like the Track’ster. I really do think it is edgy and fresh, and unique. Unfortunately, I think that Hyundai and Kia are at the end of their glory period. I have been seriously less than impressed with how things are going, and was expecting a lot more out of Kia. I doubt the Track’ster will make production. Kia wouldn’t want to take such a big “risk”. If they don’t get their act together they are going to end up like Toyota. Don’t get me wrong, Kia is still my favorite car brand, and I will never drive anything else, but come on Kia. Where is the new Sedona? I can’t hold onto my Sedona forever…it already has 205,000 miles on it (330,000 kms). The 2012 Sedona is a joke, the quality of the interior materials is a step back from what they were offering on the 2008 Sedona! I also want to know where the Acadia/Traverse competitor has been hiding. Lets pump a few billion of your profits into building a new factory or two. How about standardizing dealerships and service departments – or at least setting better standards for them. Kia still has areas they need to work out, and they have been growing too fast, and I have a feeling if they don’t get their act together will lose repeat customers. Just my $0.02.
February 12th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I seriously doubt the Rondo will get AWD. My guess is when they Rondo goes into production, they will scale back FWD Sportage production. That way the Rondo won’t eat the Sportage’s cake. Oh, and the Grand Cherokee/Durango is still BOF/RWD. Look at how well those twins sell. They are both darn good looking vehicles, too, with nice interior materials. I have said it before…Chrysler is the next Hyundai-Kia. You just watch – they have some good stuff coming out.
February 12th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Sounds like to me you just want them to rush with the next Sedona and skip quality and go right on to dessert. You witnessed it in Ann Arbor right? So it’s getting tested. Besides, while the Sedona is the last van to get redesign over the Nissan, Toyota, Honda and Chrysler, Kia must have bought those vans and took them to their R&D, drove them and took them apart for a better marketing plan for the next Sedona. Mega Trends take time and planning Greg. And when Mega Trends finally arrive it last for about 7 to 10 years or longer. That’s one unique thing about big, dumb, slow minivans, they take the longest to redesign and yet have the logest life span in a brand’s line up. In other words, the new Sedona will be worth waiting for.
February 12th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
A new thought came to mind. Kia 2013 Kia K9. Why I brought it up? I’ll tell you why. Apparently new Spy shots of the car arrived. What’s strange are the headlights. There is something about the K9′s headlights that I just can’t figure out. I’ll try to explain it. Let’s go back to the Kia K7′s headlights. Picture those headlights on the K9 with no change. Now. With those headlights placed on the K9′s now add a narrowr horizantal line right between the headlights and the grille. That is what I’m trying to figure out. The gap between the headlight and the grille. Does the headlights touch the grille or doesn’t it? Another thought. Remember a while back I thought the K9 was just some ordinary design and didn’t look nearly as good as the Kia GT? Will I take that back. Because of the new spy shots, my theory of thinking has expanded. The K9 is very muscular just like the next generation Cee’d. Very very very musuclar. The K9 may even look better than the GT. There’s something about the K9′s grille. It’s very aggressive looking. Um, Like the Kia GT’s grille, the K9′s grille stnads up proudly displaying the Kia signature grille. This is also found on the new cee’d grille which also stands up with pride. But there is one thing that I don’t quite understand about the K9 and it is this: Why would Kia not give the K9 panaramic skylights like the Cadenza and Optima which is underneath the big RWD sedan? I seen spy shots of the K9 with a regular sunroof only? The K9 might just be one hell of a design……one hell of a design indeed. YOu can tell by the way Kia is hiding it and hardly talks about it.
February 12th, 2012 at 11:35 pm
One more thing about the Kia K9. The K9′s headlights are what really is going to make the big RWD Kia get it’s appearence. Pay attention to something: Remember Himi provided us with the 2013 Kia K3′s rendering? This rendering showed us a headlights, grille and tailights. Notice we saw K9 spy shots wayyyy before the next Forte…. yet Kia has yet to not reveal any small details. The headlights on the K9 are GROUND BREAKING and Kia wants to hid those K9 headlights as long as they can. Yeah the K9 is grounbreaking infact, don’t be surpised if the K9 looks better than the GT. Because for some reason although the GT has got the Optima’s striking C pillars, there is more to having a car turn heads than C pillars…………wait for the unveiling of the 2013 Kia K9!!!!
February 19th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
one thing you guys don’t know, this was the last work of Massimo Frascella at KIA before joining Land Rover in November.
He is the designer of Sorento, Sportage, Rio, Kue, Ray and Track’ster. Big loss.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:37 am
As long as Massimo didn’t go to Japan I’m ok. With that, Land Rover isn’t in perfect competition with Kia like Toyota is. And besides I hear Kia has BMW’s chief design engineer. Now he can expanded his brain to real changes instead of facelifting a Bimmer every year.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:44 am
Hey squarehole what’s the status of the Rondo, Sedona and the large CUV bigger than Sorento? You can tell us. Also what platform is the next proceed sharing. And is the Forte hatch a ceed or another design. People are assuming the ceed is the Forte 5 door. I dont think so. IOne more thing. Is the next soul getting aWD or another B segment CUV will. And lastly, I want to know about the electric B segment CUV. Is it the Naimo or another design. Now that you have me talking, tell me about the U.S.A version of the Cadenza.
April 8th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
i have a soul. I WANT THIS. Build iT!
April 11th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
ZAC-do you love your Soul, though? That is such a cool car from Kia.