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Kia has been inspired by the road trip to create four new concept vehicles for the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. New for 2015 are the A1A Optima, Photo Safari Sedona, PacWest Adventure Sorento and Forte Koup Mud Bogger. The Ballast Point Sedona returned for a second year and the Trail'ster concept, first seen at the 2015 Chicago show, was also on display.
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Designed for the Florida sunshine, the A1A Optima has had its roof removed, the windscreen lowered and rear doors hinged at the trailing edge. The interior features four bucket seats, trimmed in cream leather to contrast with the turquoise exterior.
If you want to enjoy the colours of the Northeast in autumn, there is the Photo Safari Sedona. This is a mobile camera rig and editing studio, created by LGE-CTS Motorsports. To provide illumination six-inch KC HiLites pro-sports gravity LED lights are mounted on all four sides of the vehicle. It also comes with a custom steel roof rack designed to take a variety of camera equipment.
Another creation from LGE-CTS Motorsports is the PacWest Adventure Sorento, inspired by the Pacific Northwest. A camouflage-like paint scheme and matt black accents are part of the rugged appearance along with raised suspension and off-road tyres. Inside, the dashboard is custom painted; the seats are embroidered with a tyre-tread pattern; and a front camera is part of the Alpine Mobile Media entertainment system.
The final new vehicle is the Forte Koup Mud Bogger; it's designed for off-road activity in the Southern States. A four-inch body and suspension lift plus 28-inch off-road tyres on 15x10-inch wheels help prepare the car for extreme terrain. Custom, riveted wheel arch extensions cover the tyres and there is a white, powder coated brush guard. A matching roll cage is fitted to protect the stripped-out interior while a push-back roof allows the occupants to enjoy the fresh air.
The Ballast Point Sedona is a people carrier transformed into a mobile bar. A hinged mahogany roof replaces the rear portion of the passenger compartment and folds out to create a space for serving chilled beer. There is space for four half-barrel kegs and the front passenger seat is removed to provide additional storage space.
We had our first look at the Trail'ster earlier in the year; this hybrid crossover, based on the Soul, is aimed at urban motorists looking to head out into the Rocky Mountains.
John Lambert - 9 Nov 2015