KIA MOTORS AMERICA SHOWS OFF STYLIZED CONCEPT VEHICLES DURING 2008 SEMA SHOW

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.'

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.

Also enhancing the sportiness of the SEMA Rio5, a black hood and side streaks add a nice contrast to the red body paint by House of Kolor. Inside more modification occurs with custom speakers and amps by Rockford/Fosgate for extreme listening enjoyment, as well as new radio and DVD equipment by Kenwood.

by Kia