CHICAGO: Kia has taken things one step further with the Trail’ster concept, which debuted at the Chicago auto show this week. It sits 2″ higher than the standard car and features enhanced body graphics and a fully retractable cloth sunroof.
Kia has added a 35 horsepower electric motor that contributes 100 lb-ft of torque to the rear of the concept. The 185 horse turbocharged front mounted gasoline engine and rear electric motor operate independently via sophisticated software that allows the Trail’ster to be true 4 wheel drive vehicle when necessary.
For instance, rear torque can help get car started from rest before the turbo spools up if the driver whistles down to the engine room for maximum power. At other times, the Trail’ster could move along for up to 2 miles solely on electric power if that’s what the computer decides is best. Kia says the electric capability should increase fuel economy in the city by about 25% and highway mileage by about 10%. The standard Soul is rated 23 city, 31 highway.
The concept is definitely aimed at active people. The literature accompanying the reveal makes multiple references to “mountain activities, from skiing and snowboarding to camping, hiking and mountain biking.” Then it goes on to talk about “trekking up to a high, snowy summit” and “traipsing down a muddy fire road to a piney trailhead.”
“The Trail’ster concept is a near-future look at how the production Kia Soul would logically evolve into an AWD-capable version,” said chief designer Tom Kearns from the Irvine-based Kia Design Center of America. The concept features bold red painted wheels and blacked out exterior trim. The best part is, no actual hamsters were harmed in the design process!
