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Kia America has prepared four outlandish customised versions of its models for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which takes place in Las Vegas.
The quartet of cars are all based on certain themes and they preview a world where cars drive autonomously - with said vehicles tailored to our precise lifestyle demands.
Alongside Kia's eye-catching creations at SEMA was the Telluride full-size hybrid SUV concept, which was unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
First of the four custom cars was the Niro Triathlon, designed to make the lonely training routines of a triathlete a little more bearable. Its interior features training and safety equipment, as well as a small bed and a custom bike rack. A Felt IA 2 road-racing bike can be easily removed or locked in place for repairs or transport, while the Niro can autonomously drive the triathlete home or to the next competition. There's even a function for riding behind the self-driving car using a laser LED system which automatically keeps pace with the rider and the B-pillar has been removed on the passenger side to facilitate easy entry to the car.
The School of Rock Sedona people carrier is a rolling recording studio with a chill-out zone and a completely hands-free way of transporting the band to the next gig. This prevents potential distractions for a human driver. Once again, the Sedona has lost its driver's-side B-pillar, as well as its steering assembly and gear selector. There's storage on the roof for the musical instruments while inside, acoustic foam panels are employed to prevent noise seeping into the outside world during a recording session.
Perhaps the most striking vehicle of them all is the Sorento Ski Gondola, the large SUV transformed into a vehicle that can climb any mountain thanks to a set of Dominator Rubber Tracks at all corners. While it effortlessly ploughs its way up alpine slopes, the skiers within relax in a black and orange leather interior to compliment the exterior finish. Skis and poles can be fitted to the custom metal roof rack, and the cargo area is big enough for bags, ski boots and other cold-weather gear. The whole floor in the cabin is finished with a durable, waterproof Line-X treatment to prevent ice and snow ruining the carpets.
Finally, the Soul First Class is described as an 'upscale inter-city chariot that lets business travellers work and relax as they journey to out-of-town meetings and destinations'. There's no steering wheel inside, while the front seats face backwards to look upon a 40-inch Samsung LED TV hooked up to a Mac mini computer. Two tablets control the car, while there's a white and grey leather upholstery interior with modern wood flooring to match.
While none of the four above cars are likely to make production any time soon, the Telluride concept is something which could make it to showrooms - albeit in an altered form. This three-row, seven-seat premium SUV is powered by a hybrid drivetrain and while the SEMA show car featured front- and rear-hinged doors - swinging open by 90 degrees in opposing directions - and a striking interior, it's probably that this will become Kia's flagship off-roader in the near future.
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Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and executive vice president for Kia Motors America, said: "Over the course of our 22 years in the US market, we've watched with pride as our vehicles have helped people live their active and diverse lifestyles. This year's SEMA show gives us the opportunity to ponder what the future of living the autonomous life may one day resemble."