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2015 Kia Photo Safari Sedona

Across many regions of the U.S. during this time of year, nature puts on an awe-inspiring show of color. Brilliant red, yellow, and orange comingle with earthy caramel, auburn, and espresso, and nowhere is this riot of fall foliage more abundant and wondrous than the Northeast. The region has cast its iridescent lure to amateur and professional photographers for generations, and the Photo Safari Sedona has been designed to capture the region in all of its stunning beauty. Better yet, the vehicle would be an excellent companion on any photo safari.

The Photo Safari Sedona takes the term multi-purpose vehicle to another level. What began as a standard eight-passenger Sedona minivan has been transformed to a two-passenger image-capturing machine. Designed and crafted by the creative team at LGE-CTS Motorsports with multiple custom features, this very capable on- and off-road vehicle can be put to the test with endless possibilities for photographers to capture and edit still images and videos – day or night – while traveling throughout the scenic Northeastern regions of the United States.

Consulting with professional photographers throughout the build process, nearly every aspect and component of the stock Sedona was modified or enhanced. A custom fabricated tubular steel roof rack is utilized for mounting traditional DSLR cameras, a high definition WASPcam action sports camera system, booms, or jigs. It's strong enough to support a photographer (or a brave production assistant), who can be secured safely to the outside of the vehicle via a safety harness and integrated mounting hooks. The rear bed area has been left open for easy accessibility and has multiple compartments for storage, exterior outlet ports, and a hidden compartment for lower angle shots. The Photo Safari Sedona is equipped with a Street Scene Speed Grille and a Hellwig auto level 2,500-lb. airbag suspension system that automatically adjusts ride height. Designed for use day or night, the Photo Safari Sedona incorporates ultra-bright 6-in. KC HiLites pro-sports gravity LED lights on all four sides of the vehicle. An easy-to-spot dash-mounted Daystar switch panel helps instantly turn a darkened glen to daylight. The Photo Safari Sedona has on- and off-road capability with Nitto Dura Grappler 265/65R17 tires wrapped around 17-in. Method 'Rally' wheels bathed in a matte gold finish.

The attention to detail continues inside with painted interior trim pieces and a custom upholstered driver's seat. Removal of the Sedona's middle seats help transform the vehicle to a rolling professional editing studio packed with the latest technology, including a 27-in. iMac with 5K retina display. The technology is backed up by a military-grade battery that will keep the studio running for hours without starting the engine. The battery automatically recharges once the Photo Safari Sedona is underway. A handcrafted walnut desk, extension-arm keyboard tray, and multiple storage cabinets designed by the master woodworkers at Highline Cabinets keeps the studio tidy. A custom Beard Torque racing seat with multi-point harness on an Extendobed allows the seat to slide out of the rear passenger door three feet, or be locked in place within the editing bay. Rugged RW wireless radio headsets provide uninterrupted communication between the driver and photographer, and a 30-in.power retractable rear window rolls down for added viewing capability. The removal of the front passenger seat creates room for large-item storage, and Mac's tie-down mounts keep the equipment secure when the going gets rough.

by Kia

by Kia

The Kia Carnival, known in the UK and North America as the Sedona, began production in 1999. It rested on a 114.6-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced nearly 200 horsepower. The only gearbox available on the Sedona was the five-speed automatic. In other markets, it had a five-speed manual and a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produced just under 180 horsepower. A four-speed automatic was available for an additional cost.

The early Sedona's suffered from teething problems. They offered few amenities and were known to be gas-guzzlers. It has taken a few years, but the Sedona has evolved into a very polished automobile.

The second version of the Kia Sedona was introduced in autumn of 2005 and ready for production in 2006. It brought with it popular features such as a 60/40 fold flat seat, second row power windows, power sliding doors and liftgate, and a backup sensor. The 3.8-liter V6 engine was capable of producing nearly 245 horsepower.

It has earned a five-star safety rating, the highest honor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestows, for all seating in side and frontal impact crashes.

by Dan Vaughan