Designed at Kia’s California design studio, the company has unveiled its idea of a ‘go anywhere’ concept at the Chicago Auto Show. As can be seen from the pictures, the concept is based on the Kia Soul. However, there are a lot of improvements and additions compared to the road car we know.
Apart from all the additional exterior addenda, there is a retractable canvas roof. But, it is the drivetrain that should draw the most amount of attention. The all-wheel drive hybrid system is made up of a 1,6-litre, turbocharged petrol engine delivering 138 kW. On the real axle there is an electric motor “intended for low-speed assist”. It is driven by a 1,2 kWh lithium ion polymer battery powering a 27 kW electric motor. No wonder Kia calls it an e-AWD system.
Kia also mentioned the words “should the Trail’ster find its way to production”. So, it seems there is in fact a small chance of seeing a production car based on this concept in the not to distant future.
