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

Nov. 11, 2009 3:52 p.m. PT

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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? View Local Inventory

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Kia goes racing

As the cover was peeled back, it was obvious that Kia now has its ambitions set on racing. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series

Other racing modifications include a full roll cage, gutted interior, and a fuel cell to replace the gas tank. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Kia accessories

Kia also displayed a myriad of accessories for modifying its Soul and Forte models. View Local Inventory

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Antenna Soul

The Antenna Soul has been customized by Antenna Magazine as a display of tuning accessories, fashion accessories, and consumer electronics. View Local Inventory

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Custom wheels

20-inch MMR wheels feature a very cool bronze color and are wrapped in Nitto tires. View Local Inventory

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Nice paint

The Antenna Soul was bathed in a custom baby blue paint by Lux Motorwerks. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory

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Popup shelving

The back of the Antenna features a motorized shelving display that can disappear beneath the floor. View Local Inventory

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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. View Local Inventory