X

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.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
SEMA2009_0597.JPG
1 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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?
SEMA2009_0611.JPG
2 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Kia goes racing

As the cover was peeled back, it was obvious that Kia now has its ambitions set on racing.
SEMA2009_0622.JPG
3 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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.
SEMA2009_1240.JPG
4 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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.
SEMA2009_1237.JPG
5 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series

Other racing modifications include a full roll cage, gutted interior, and a fuel cell to replace the gas tank.
SEMA2009_0573.JPG
6 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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.
SEMA2009_0595.JPG
7 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Kia accessories

Kia also displayed a myriad of accessories for modifying its Soul and Forte models.
SEMA2009_0584.JPG
8 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Antenna Soul

The Antenna Soul has been customized by Antenna Magazine as a display of tuning accessories, fashion accessories, and consumer electronics.
SEMA2009_0576.JPG
9 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Custom wheels

20-inch MMR wheels feature a very cool bronze color and are wrapped in Nitto tires.
SEMA2009_0575.JPG
10 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Nice paint

The Antenna Soul was bathed in a custom baby blue paint by Lux Motorwerks.
SEMA2009_0583.JPG
11 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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.
SEMA2009_0581.JPG
12 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Popup shelving

The back of the Antenna features a motorized shelving display that can disappear beneath the floor.
SEMA2009_0569.JPG
13 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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.
SEMA2009_1246.JPG
14 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Audio by Infinity

Inside, the TS Forte features an nine-speaker Infinity audio system and a host of Kia Motors accessories.
SEMA2009_0589.JPG
15 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Sinister Soul

This Soul, dubbed "Sinister," features stealthy matte black paint, dark wheels, and--well--dark everything else.
SEMA2009_0590.JPG
16 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Smoked headlamps

Smoked headlamps complete the Sinister look.
SEMA2009_0594.JPG
17 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Custom audio rig

Out back, the Sinister Soul features a full audio system by Infinity, which puts the drivers, subs, and amplifiers on display.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos