Custom Kias at the 2009 SEMA Show
Is Kia the new Scion? From the looks of these customized Fortes and Souls at the 2009 SEMA Show, I think it just may be.
What's new at Kia?
Kia's press conference started out with a mysterious vehicle hidden under a cloak. From the silhouette, we can tell that the vehicle is a Forte Koup, but in what direction will Kia take this model?
Kia goes racing
As the cover was peeled back, it was obvious that Kia now has its ambitions set on racing.
2010 Street Tuner class Koup
To be fair, this KONI Challenge Koup features a host of modifications that are well outside of the realm of your average weekend wrench turner.
Wheels and tires
Hoosier racing slicks and lightweight wheels make sure the KONI Challenge Koup sticks to the road as well as its front wheel-driven chassis will allow.
Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series
Other racing modifications include a full roll cage, gutted interior, and a fuel cell to replace the gas tank.
Safety car Soul
Keeping with the racing theme, Kia also displayed a Soul that's been modified to serve as a safety car in US Touring Car Championship races.
Kia accessories
Kia also displayed a myriad of accessories for modifying its Soul and Forte models.
Antenna Soul
The Antenna Soul has been customized by Antenna Magazine as a display of tuning accessories, fashion accessories, and consumer electronics.
Custom wheels
20-inch MMR wheels feature a very cool bronze color and are wrapped in Nitto tires.
Nice paint
The Antenna Soul was bathed in a custom baby blue paint by Lux Motorwerks.
Tuner car 101
The stock calipers have been painted to match the body, but they look pretty puny behind the mammoth wheels. Time for an upgrade, Kia.
Popup shelving
The back of the Antenna features a motorized shelving display that can disappear beneath the floor.
Tuner-style Forte SX
The most docile Kia of the day is this tuner-style Forte sedan. This vehicle is the closest representation of what your average tuner Kia will look like and features upgraded suspension components, a Kia Motors body kit, and 18-inch 5Zigen wheels.
Audio by Infinity
Inside, the TS Forte features an nine-speaker Infinity audio system and a host of Kia Motors accessories.
Sinister Soul
This Soul, dubbed "Sinister," features stealthy matte black paint, dark wheels, and--well--dark everything else.
Smoked headlamps
Smoked headlamps complete the Sinister look.
Custom audio rig
Out back, the Sinister Soul features a full audio system by Infinity, which puts the drivers, subs, and amplifiers on display.
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