Photo Gallery, Review & Specifications |
2012 Kia Trackster Concept
What happens when a dream becomes reality? In the case of the Kia Track'ster concept unveiled at today's Chicago Auto Show, car enthusiasts begin to salivate. Amid the driving rhythm of heavy-metal music, smoke and blinding lights, Kia Motors America (KMA) took the wraps off a performance-oriented three-door Soul coupe concept that hints at what could possibly be the future of Kia's Soul. (continued below)
2012 Trackster Concept Photo Gallery |
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Kia's Performance Concept Kick Starts Driving Enthusiasts' Hearts
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Source: Kia | Published: Thu Feb 09, 2012 |
(continued from above)
"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."
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 fiber. 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 aluminum surrounds, the Track'ster is
capable of swallowing prodigious amounts of air to keep the engine running cool
even under the most grueling conditions. The lower valance, trimmed in carbon
fiber 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 tires. 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 calipers in front and
13.6-inch discs are paired with four-piston calipers at the rear.
Soul fans will instantly recognize 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 fiber lower side valances are also accented in
Inferno Orange and incorporate functional rear-brake cooling ducts. The back
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 Trackster Concept: Review (2/2)
Specifications |
Key: AT - automatic transmission, MT - manual transmission, F/R/AWD - front/rear/all wheel drive |
Powertrain |
Type |
I4, Turbocharged |
Displacement |
121 cu in (2000 cc) |
Power |
250 hp |
Torque |
n/a |
Redline |
n/a |
Driveline |
All Wheel Drive |
Transmission |
6 Speed Manual |
Brakes & Tires |
Brakes Front - Rear |
Ventilated Discs - Solid Discs |
Tire Size Front - Rear |
245/40 R19 - 285/35 R19 |
Exterior Dimensions & Weight |
Length |
n/a |
Width |
n/a |
Height |
n/a |
Curb Weight |
n/a |
Performance |
0-60 mph |
n/a |
1/4 Mile |
n/a |
60-0 Braking |
n/a |
Top Speed |
n/a |
Fuel Economy |
EPA Fuel Mileage - City/Highway |
n/a |
Origin & Price |
Manufacturer's Origin |
South Korea |
Where Built |
California, United States |
Base Retail Price (MSRP) |
n/a |