Kia pulled the covers off its latest punctuation defying concept at the Chicago Auto Show overnight (8 Feb, 2012). Called the Track'ster the concept could point towards a scorching hot hatch to rival the best that the Europeans can offer.
Based on an extended Soul platform the Track'ster packs a 250hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that transmits its power to the tarmac via an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. Designed to be as capable on track as it is on the road the Track'ster wears custom 19-inch HRE rims wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres, six-pot Brembo brakes and 'sporty' lowered suspension.
Kia says the idea behind the Track'ster's styling 'was to make the Track'ster tough looking, like a bulldog' and with bulbous arches, gaping air intakes and liberal smatterings of carbon fibre it certainly seems to have the looks to the match the punch. The Soul lineage is undeniable, but the Track'ster looks like a Soul that has developed an addiction to body-building.
With deeply bolstered racing seats, a suede wrapped steering wheel and slick six-speed gearbox the Track'ster would appear to live up to Kia's intention of building a road-going track fiend, a fact further emphasised by the replacement of the rear seats with fully-integrated equipment tray and spare tyre well.
Unfortunately there are no immediate plans for the Track'ster to enter production with Chief Designer Tom Kearns saying "Concept cars allow KMA's (Kia Motors America) design team to dream what could be."
Still, we expect to see the engine in a production car...