For the Chicago Auto Show, Kia started with a 2012 Kia Soul, stripped it down to its very basics, and then put it back together again in a completely new way. The new car, an all-wheel-drive hot hatch, is a concept that Kia is called the Track'ster.

Just like the name implies, Kia designed the car to be used on both the road and the track. Tom Kearns, Chief Designer for Kia's design studio in California says, "The idea was to make the Track'ster tough-looking, like a bulldog...We wanted to base the car in reality so people instantly knew it was a Soul, but with a lot of attitude. It had to be a bold interpretation that would change people's conceptions of what a sporty Kia could be."¹

It's 13cm wider than the Kia Soul, but it features the distinctive Kia grille, with an air intake trimmed in carbon fiber, LED headlights, and large LED driving lights flanking a second, lower grille. The roof and spoiler are painted a contrasting orange color to the white body, further accented by carbon-fiber side-skirts, and rear-brake cooling ducts.

Inside, orange suede racing seats and grey leather give the Track'ster a fierce look.

A 250-hp, inline-four-cylinder engine powers the concept. With a sport tuned suspension, the automaker expects the car to go from 0-62 in just under six seconds.

We're a bit smitten with this car, we're not gonna lie to you. Unfortunately, Kia says they have no current plans to bring the model into production. But, they've hinted that it features elements that might make it to the next generation Soul.

That said, be sure to stay tuned with us, Paul Cerame Kia, located at 11655 New Halls Ferry Florissant, MO 63033 to learn more about this and other Kia concepts. And as always, if you have any questions about the Kia Soul or any other 2012 Kia, feel free to contact us via our website, anytime.

Source:¹http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=10785363