Kia has revealed a SEMA lineup of six cars, some of which may be put into production.

First up, we’ve got two Soul special editions, the White Tiger Concept and the Hamstar Concept. The White Tiger is on first glance a white Soul+ with tiger decals and white wheels. However, they’ve also added fog lamps, body-coloured bumpers, a spoiler, alloy fuel cap and black fender vents. The production version will hit dealerships in the next few weeks.

As for the Hamstar, this has been built due to the success of the Soul’s Hamstar ad campaign, depicting a gang of hamsters rapping about the Soul. This features several Hamstar logos inside and outside, black wheels, and an all-black interior. Kia says that both Souls revealed at SEMA are previews of production special editions, so while no mention is made, the Hamstar will likely be put into production sometime soon.

Next, we have two new Fortes: the Forte Koup Type R Concept and the Forte Hybrid Concept. The Koup Type R was designed by Kinetic Motorsports, the same guys who field Kia Fortes in Grand-Am. It gets a sporty body kit, BBS 18-inch alloy wheels, “racing-inspired” tires and suspension, and a short-throw shifter.

Interestingly, Kinetic Motorsports was also put in charge of the Forte Hybrid Concept. This has a 1.6L propane engine working with a lithium polymer battery. Low-rolling resistance tires are fitted for improved efficiency. Visually, the Hybrid gets some new body panels, a lowered stance and new alloy wheels.

The last two cars are Kia Sportages tuned by Antenna Magazine. One has a focus on “play”, while the other focuses on “work”, and they’ve been named accordingly: the Kia Play Sportage and Kia Work Sportage. The Play Sportage is designed for the “active urban male”. It comes with a Cannondale QuikFX bicycle, an integrated iPod Touch, an Olympus EP-L1 camera and an upgraded audio system. The cargo area has been retrofitted with a television and barbecue, as well as a Mac Mini. Visually, the car gets plenty of matte paint and new wheels.

As for the Work Sportage, this is designed for “the sophisticated, tech-savvy busy professional”. It has visual changes to give it a “sleek and professional appearance”, but the more interesting changes are inside. It’s got an integrated Motorola Droid X, two iPads integrated into the seatbacks of the front seats, and a Bluetooth wireless keyboard. In the cargo area, there’s a full closet and dressing station, including storage for suits, an electric razor, ties, and shoes.

Have a better look at Kia’s SEMA lineup in the galley below.

Press Release (Lineup overview)

KIA MOTORS AMERICA LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AT 2010 SEMA SHOW WITH A VARIETY OF CONCEPT AND PRODUCTION-INTENT VEHICLES

Kia Will Return to GRAND-AM Road Racing in 2011

• Two new Soul Special Edition¹ concepts hint at future urban passenger vehicle variations
• Success of first auto racing season in the U.S. inspires the Forte Koup Type R Concept

LAS VEGAS, November 2, 2010 – Arriving at the gateway to the 2010-2011 auto show season, Kia Motors America (KMA) is ready to roll at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas with a diverse and attention-grabbing lineup of concept and production-intent vehicles to further showcase Kia’s eye-catching new generation of vehicles. Additionally, following the success last year of its first road racing season in the U.S., including six top 10 finishes, KMA confirmed its plans to campaign the Kia Forte Koup in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in 2011, and unveiled the performance-inspired Kia Koup Type R Concept, built by Kinetic Motorsports. Amid the activity and DJ-spun tunes at KMA’s SEMA Show display (#10803), show goers also are privy to a sneak preview of two all-new Soul Special Edition concept vehicles developed with production intent, while KMA also has teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine Antenna for the second consecutive year to create “The Duel,” two custom Sportage CUVs that demonstrate the playful and professional aspects of the vehicle with a closet full of style options.

“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^® 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 situation⁴ .

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

Press Release (Play Sportage and Work Sportage)

2011 KIA SPORTAGE CONCEPTS WORK HARD AND PLAY HARD AT SEMA SHOW

Kia Motors and Antenna Magazine Collaborate to Showcase Two Sportage CUVs, Customized by Antenna, to “Duel” it Out in the Desert¹

• “Play” Sportage concept appeals to athletic and adventurous sides of today’s driver with custom bike rack, motorized barbecue grill, flat screen television
  and locker space
• “Work” Sportage concept offers unique convenience features and technologies, including a built-in closet, shoe rack, iPad™² and Motorola Droid X³, that will benefit today’s professional male

LAS VEGAS, November 1, 2010 – Proving the 2011 Kia Sportage compact CUV can be all business or all pleasure – or both – Kia Motors America (KMA) has teamed with fashion and lifestyle magazine Antenna to showcase two stylish and highly customized Sportages created by Antenna for “The Duel,” which are aimed at recreational enthusiasts and busy, on-the-go professionals, and outfitted with today’s coolest gadgets, technologies and materials to appeal to active and fashion-forward males. The concept vehicles, nicknamed “Work” and “Play,” will be unveiled tomorrow at the 2010 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

The collaboration between KMA and Antenna follows last year’s successful Soul Xpression program, which delivered a tricked out 2010 Kia Soul created by the fashion and lifestyle publication and introduced at the 2009 SEMA Show.

“In addition to being a functional and value-packed CUV, the all-new Sportage was designed to offer today’s consumers the latest in technologies, convenience and safety features, and above all style,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Antenna‘s ‘Duel’ Sportage concept vehicles artistically take the CUVs capabilities to the next level by adding even more style, technology and capability to specifically appeal to today’s active and professional males.”

Red “Play” Sportage

The “Play” Sportage concept was designed with the active urban male in mind and gives Kia’s aggressively styled CUV a new skin and the latest athletic equipment and accessories, right down to the tires. The exterior was given a fresh and forceful new look featuring a standout matte finish with the body painted a flat red with texturized matte black trim paint. New 20-inch MRR HR4 wheels, also painted a coordinating matte black,

2011 Kia Sportage concepts work hard
and play hard at SEMA

enhance the rugged appearance, while a custom Yakima^® roof rack is outfitted with a red and black Cannondale^® QuikFX Bike with unique bike pedals and seat to meet all athletic needs at a moment’s notice.Moving inside, all trim pieces of the “Play” Sportage concept are wrapped in black leather and accented with red stitching for a more energetic appearance. The seats are upholstered with black leather, complemented with black suede racing stripes and trimmed with red stitching running down the seat center for a unified look overall. All of the door panels use a three-material design – including black leather, black suede and red leather – with door-inset Memphis Audio^® component speakers for enhanced listening pleasure. An iPod Touch^®4 is molded into the rear center console for easy access to today’s latest music and news, while a custom quick-release camera holder in the rear center armrest holds an Olympus^® EP-L1 camera to capture memorable moments while traveling on the road. The headliner, also upholstered with black suede, includes a custom beach chair holder, complete with a black-painted beach chair with a red leather seat for last-minute trips to the coast.

Making “Play” Sportage a true athlete’s car, the cargo area was transformed into a tailgater’s dream with a custom-painted locker, motorized stainless steel barbecue grill and 22-inch LCD television. In the cargo area, a Mac Mini^® with a wireless keyboard and mouse, speakers and Wi-Fi^® ensure full connectivity while on the move or tracking live fantasy football updates, and a Memphis subwoofer beneath a mesh overlay furthers listening enjoyment.

Blue “Work” Sportage

Aimed at the sophisticated, tech-savvy busy professional, the “Work” Sportage concept vehicle created by Antenna sports a sleek and professional appearance with custom metallic blue paint, titanium grey wheels, roof rack trim, grille insert and bumper inserts. To add to the “Work” Sportage’s unique demeanor, front and rear wheels display concave rims (more pronounced in the rear), with the rear wheels fitted with new 10.5-inch-wide tires to complete the specialized look.

Busy professionals will feel at home inside the “Work” Sportage with luxuriously appointed tan leather seats with a diamond stitching design reminiscent of an argyle pattern. High-quality custom carpeting can be found throughout, while door inserts are wrapped with the same diamond-stitched leather and fitted with mesh speaker ports to conceal the upgraded Memphis Audio system speakers for a seamless appearance.

All business-minded occupants benefit from the latest technology to keep abreast of the latest news updates, including a Motorola Droid X molded into the center console. New iPads are fitted into fiberglass inserts molded into the driver and passenger seatbacks to enable rear passengers to stay on top of pressing work matters, with passengers given the ability to either remove the iPads with a simple button release or keep docked to remain charged. A Bluetooth^®5 wireless technology keyboard also is mounted into the back of the center console for easy communications.

To fully meet all needs of today’s professional male, a full closet and dressing station is fitted nicely within the “Work” Sportage’s spacious cargo area, offering storage for up to two suits, five dress shirts and five belts for any work situation. Grooming needs are met with holders for an electric razor (with a built-in power source) and ties, while a shoe rack with a track system to hold cufflinks and a wristwatch finish off the mobile closet.

Impressive Safety Features

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both Sportage trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags⁶ and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at slower speeds down steep grades so drivers can focus their attention on steering.

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia’s warranty program, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

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^®7 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.

Source: Kia