SEMA: Kia Tunes into Green with Forte Hybrid Concept

We've already told you about the other Kia show cars at SEMA -namely, the Koup Type R, Soul specials and Sportages, but the South Korean firm also brought to Las Vegas a concept version of its Forte Hybrid. According to Kia's own words, the SEMA Show study "demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride."

It is based on the South Korean market Forte LPI Hybrid, which utilizes a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine coupled to an electric motor with 15kW and 105Nm and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The SEMA Show tune comes courtesy of Kinetic Motorsports and it includes a subtle aero kit, new alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered suspension.

Inside, the tuner modded the Forte Hybrid with two-tone black and green leather upholstery and matching door panels and decorative trim, plus a 1200 watt Infinity audio system.

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Kia Takes New Soul White Tiger and Hamstar Concepts to SEMA Show

Kia is represented by a variety of customized models at this week's 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, including this pair of concept versions of the Soul crossover called the "White Tiger" and "Hamstar".

The first concept study, the Soul White Tiger, is actually a teaser to one of two all-new special edition models that the company is planning to launch before the end of the year. Following in the footsteps of the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the White Tiger model features some unique styling cues and added content.

Taking design cues from this year's Asian Lunar year animal, the Tiger, the customized Soul combines an all-white exterior with tiger-themed graphics and a contrasting jet black leather interior.

The body colored bumpers, spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw appliqué, alloy fuel door and white-finish 18-inch alloy wheels round off the exterior package, while interior goodies include a push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, unique floor mats with contrasting stitching and illuminated scuff plates.

Next up is the Soul Hamstar Concept, inspired by the hip hamsters from Kia's well-received ad campaign. The crossover's exterior is finished in a 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 sides. The car rides on black gloss and polished alloy wheels.

Inside, interior appointments include two-tone red and black sport cloth seat materials with black chenille stars attached to the back side of the front headrests, special Hamstar floor mats and a rubberized Hamstar badge.

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SEMA Show: Kia Forte Koup Type R Concept

Making its debut at this week's SEMA aftermarket show is Kia's Forte Koup Type R Concept model, which is said to be inspired by its racing siblings that take part in the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The concept was developed by Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns the Forte Koup race cars. Performance upgrades are limited to a set of BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, race-inspired tires and suspension components, a short throw gaearshift and dampened composite fiber disc clutch.

On the styling front, the Koup Type R is finished in a dramatic looking gray color and comes with a widened body kit that includes front fenders, rocker panels and rear quarter panels.

Inside, the designers modified the interior with custom dressed seats and door panels, a new gear shift knob and carbon inlays.

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New Photos of Kia's Paris Show Mini Car Concept Pop Up

Kia has let loose new photos of its POP electric mini car concept a week ahead of its scheduled world premiere at the 2010 Mondial de l'automobile in Paris. The overly futuristic looking study for a small electric vehicle was penned by Kia's European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer, and Gregory Guillaume, the firm's Chief Designer in Europe.

"A concept car like the POP could only have come from us," says Gregory Guillaume. "Designers very rarely have the opportunity to start from a clean sheet of paper and it's great to be in a position to operate with such freedom."

That freedom translates into a car measuring just three meters in length, or 15mm longer than the Toyota / Scion iQ, with swinging front doors and seating for three with a couch-like front bench seat and a side-mounted single seat at the back, which looks perfect for junior 'time out' or to revenge your mother-in-law.

The South Korean maker is keeping a tight lid on other details.

The POP Concept car will share Kia's Paris motorshow stand with a number of production models including the new Optima sedan that will make its Euro debut before going on sale in select European countries this year. Kia said sales throughout Western Europe will commence in 2011. The EU-spec Optima will be offered with a choice of two powerplants, a 1.7-liter turbo diesel with 136-horsepower and a 2.0-liter gasoline engine delivering 170-ponies.

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