We have attended numerous auto shows across the country over the years and one of the things we have come to expect are exciting concept cars for Kia Motors America. From the Trail’ster to the Telluride their concept cars come with equally intriguing stories and ideas behind them. Today was no different. Not one, not two but FOUR different brand new, mind blowing Kia autonomous concept vehicles debuted this morning at the 2016 SEMA Show.
Keeping with tradition, each of the custom-built concept vehicles explore active and diverse lifestyles ranging from sports to entertainment to business travel.
The Kia Niro Triathlon
Triathletes are known for putting their bodies through extreme physical challenges. The Kia’s autonomous Niro Triathlon works to not only keep up with that active lifestyle but offer athletes a custom Rest & Relaxation suite. Designed to relax and recharge while also providing top-notch training and safety equipment the Niro Triathlon was custom built by the master craftsmen at LGE-CTS Motorsports.
First, the roof from the D-pillars back was removed to create a a small bed and make room for a custom bike rack, tool box and tablet computer mount.
More than just a travel vehicle, the Niro wants to be a travel companion. The ONEU safety laser bike lane light mounted to the rear illuminates a laser LED road behind the vehicle and the athlete can easily monitor speed, time and distance covered via the tablet while the Niro autonomously keeps pace.
During times of R&R the tablet can also be attached inside the vehicle for entertainment while the Niro effortlessly drives the athlete home or to the next competition. With no reason to drive, the athlete can get comfy, cozy in an ultra-comfortable Human Touch zero gravity ergonomic reclining chair. Numerous custom cabinets hold essential supplies, attire and parts. There is even a portable shower allows for a quick post-race clean-up!
School of Rock Sedona
When it comes to our children, safety is of upmost importance, especially concerning the topic of autonomous life. With the School of Rock Sedona, Kia imagines a world when vehicles will someday autonomously transport our young ones to accommodate their busy musical lives.
Partnering with School of Rock, Kia transformed a Sedona minivan into a recording studio on wheels. Filled with everything aspiring musicians crave: a studio, digital mixing board, a boom mic, dual flat-screen monitors, a place to chill and a completely hands-free way of transporting the band to the next gig.
Even as a concept, the Sedona features the body of it’s IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-Star rated Sedona so parents can be assured their kids will make it to the show safely and with more than 180 locations, School of Rock plans to hit the road in style to perform at various shows with their talented musicians.
If the band decides to make a pit stop, the Sedona’s lift gate flips open to reveal an imposing stack of amps. There is also storage on the roof for guitars, bass guitars and a myriad other instruments! And no rolling recording studio would be complete without a few custom bean bags for lounging.
Sorento Ski Gondola
From the shore to the slopes the Sorento is our favorite active-family vehicle but the Sorento Ski Gondola takes the idea of a sport-utility vehicle to new heights. This was clearly made with my family in mind! Designed to take on even the slipperiest of slopes, this cold-weather machine is meant to transport your ski family to the top of the slopes in luxury – and then meet you at the bottom for another run. Spend more time shredding the gnar, less standing in lines.
A custom dash and center console houses a personalized tablet for entertaining your family and the custom metal roof rack is the perfect place for transporting your skis and poles leaving room in the cargo area for bulky boots, bags and coats.
And there is no risk of losing the Sorento in a sea of vehicles after a long day of skiing. It’s bright orange powder coated rubber tracks and silver metallic paint is sure to catch even the most exhausted eye.
Soul First Class
The Soul has always been a vehicle marketed toward city dwellers looking for a vehicle that’s great on MPG and stylish to boot. The autonomous concept takes it up a notch by imagining the Soul First Class as an upscale inter-city chariot meant for work and play.
This self-driving custom-built creation houses rear-facing seats and a noticeably absent steering wheel. But how will you operate it?! The motorized center console is home to two tablets, which control this futuristic Kia.
Inside you will also find a 40-inch Samsung LED TV connected to a Mac mini computer system and premium audio speakers throughout. Meanwhile the luxurious feeling is enhanced by white and gray leather with diamond stitching throughout the cabin, and modern gray wood flooring to match. While the exterior was painted with PPG Lux Blue paint.
Telluride
While the Kia Telluride isn’t a newcomer to Kia’s concept line, it appears once again on center stage. Hm…. I wonder if there is a hidden message here? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I, for one, would be thrilled at this full-sized SUV beast becoming a real production vehicle!
Still find yourself doubting autonomous vehicles? Check out our test drive of the Autonomous Kia Soul.
I am a Kia Brand Ambassador and this is a sponsored post. All opinions remain my own. All photos copyright Kia.
At first I thought the triathlon car was the best. But then I got to the Soul First Class and now torn. Either of those vehicles would be awesome.