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Kia Motors America Shows Off Stylized Concept Vehicles During 2008 SEMA Show


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Booth Packed with Activities for Aftermarket Enthusiasts

- KMA debuts Borrego Limited concept based on recently debuted production SUV

- Accessorized Soul Burner, Rio5 and KOUP concepts illustrate possibilities for enthusiasts

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 4 -- Ready to rave at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Kia Motors America (KMA) goes extreme in Sin City with its in-booth activities and tricked-out concept vehicles for the 2008 SEMA Show. Appealing to aftermarket fanatics and concept car enthusiasts alike, KMA dials in the DJ-spun tunes for a sweet showing of the following concepts:

  --  Soul Burner, designed with a hardcore attitude meant for those who
      live freely and enjoy life -- one of three Soul variation concepts
      debuted at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show
  --  KOUP offers a look into Kia Motors' evolving design direction with its
      slanting exterior shape and debuted at the 2008 New York International
      Auto Show (NYIAS)
  --  Borrego Limited concept extends from the all-new 2009 Borrego midsize
      SUV, offering four-wheel drive and a sexy stance perfect for urban
      excursions
  --  Rio5 designed specifically for SEMA is truly a tuner's car with a
      KMA-genuine body kit, cat-back exhaust and side sills.

On November 4, from 8:30 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. artist Pnut will be on hand to custom-paint pairs of Vans shoes, while visitors seeking the ultimate experience also can adorn an airbrushed tattoo while listening to music spun by DJ Sparx. The DJ will be back for more on November 5 and 6 with the tattoo artist returning on November 6.

"We always enjoy attending and displaying at the SEMA Show as it really lends us the creative and artistic license to push the envelope of our 'Power to Surprise'" mantra, said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "The vehicles displayed this year represent not only possible directions for design evolution of the Kia brand, but also express the passion we pour into both our concept designs and production vehicles."

Borrego Limited SEMA Concept

An extension of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV, the Borrego Limited SEMA concept offers a stealth-looking version of the midsize SUV with a monotone black exterior enhanced by limo-tint windows. Lowered for a sleeker profile and outfitted with flashy 22-inch Avarus Chrome Wheels and Spec-X 285/45R22 tires, this Borrego concept projects an assertive and sophisticated stance fit for a motorcade as much as cruising down the Vegas strip.

SEMA Rio5 Concept

Prepared by Mobis Parts Los Angeles (MPLA), the Rio5 concept vehicle based on the 2009 production model is a tuner's dream. The Rio5, featuring Kia-genuine accessories currently available from dealers, also is intended to function as a test bed for potential accessories being considered for future Kia vehicles, including exciting audio and performance-related equipment. Evoking the true spirit of customization, the sporty hatchback is complete with a custom Kia-genuine body kit featuring: a revised front mesh grille; blackened headlamps; custom rims; revised strut brace and cold air intake system; a cat-back exhaust and stainless steel door sill plates. The lowered frame sits wrapped around larger wheels and tires by TSW and Goodyear.

Soul Burner Concept

Soul Burner is designed for the aggressive-at-heart. Dubbed the "bad boy" of the three concept characters, including Soul Diva and Soul Searcher, the exterior of the Soul Burner offers a "mean" edge with sparse flashes of scarlet amidst the black-on-black paint job. The paintwork is a nearly matte satin finish while the wheels are matte black. The only other exterior color present is a bit of red -- around the lower front air intake, the wheel rims and door mirrors.