Kia Reveals Gaggle of DC Comics–Inspired Concepts for a Good Cause [2012 SEMA Show]

Kia Reveals Gaggle of DC Comics–Inspired Concepts for a Good Cause [2012 SEMA Show]:

Among the wild and strange custom cars at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, these four Kias inspired by DC Comics’ The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Green Lantern superheroes may seem rather tame. Completely crazy these Kias are not, but they most certainly are really cool and wonderfully executed. (Kia revealed a fifth comic-book escapee–based concept, a Batman-themed Optima SX sedan, which also was on display at SEMA.) Better still, the concept cars were created to help raise awareness for DC Entertainment’s We Can Be Heroes campaign to fight hunger in Africa. We like cool theme cars, but we especially like cool theme cars that help support a good cause.

The Flash Kia Forte Koup
Putting aside the notion that this Flash-inspired Kiat Forte Koup isn’t particularly fast, despite the Flash being known for his speed, this concept actually is pretty cool. (Kia previewed the Flash Forte before the SEMA show, and we initially were skeptical of pairing the Scarlet Speedster’s name with the un-speedy Forte Koup.) Starting with a detailed red and orange flame/flash paint job, West Coast Customs totally overhauled the Forte Koup with 20-inch Asanti wheels, a coil-over suspension, and a hood cutout that allows passersby to peer into the engine bay. The Forte Koup’s cabin gets black nappa leather and red suede seats with yellow stitching; a black suede headliner, and two 10-inch subwoofers and a four-channel amp. Of course, what kind of custom would the Flash Forte Koup be if it lacked unnecessary LCD monitors? Luckily, West Coast Customs fitted two seven-inch displays to the backs of the front-seat headrests.

Aquaman Kia Rio5
No, that isn’t a Maserati badge in this Kia Rio5’s grille—it’s Aquaman’s multi-pronged trident, signifying to the world this Rio5’s superhero inspiration. Besides the trident, the other dead giveaways that this Kia was conceived in the likeness of DC Entertainment’s protector of land and sea is a scaly paint job, custom-fabricated body fins, and a larger trident set into a trunk display filled with Aquaman comic art. The more typical show-car upgrades include 20-inch wheels, LED wheel rings, green leather seats, a green suede headliner, and an upgraded audio system with two seven-inch displays.

Green Lantern Kia Soul
Kia teased the Green Lantern–themed Soul before the show, but the actual car exceeded all expectations with its great detailing and loyalty to the Green Lantern theme. Built by Super Street magazine, the special Soul gets a black and green paint job, mirror-finish green window tint, custom 18-inch wheels with the Green Lantern logo doubling as the spokes, and muscular-looking fender flares. For even more coolness, the rear doors are welded shut, and green LED lighting further plays up the connection to the Lantern. Inside, the Soul’s back seats are gone, replaced by the Green Lantern’s power battery, a giant LCD monitor, and a panel with an etching of the superhero’s oath. The two front seats have been wrapped in green and black leather, and several interior parts were painted green to match.

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• Instrumented Test: 2013 Kia Rio5 SX Manual


• Instrumented Test: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX


• Instrumented Test: 2011 Kia Optima SX Turbo

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Cyborg Kia Forte Five-Door
Out of the five Justice League–themed concepts Kia brought to SEMA, we think this Cyborg Forte five-door might just be the best. That’s because it features pretty extensive body work that does a good job of distilling Cyborg’s half-man/half-machine attributes into car form. Not only are the front and rear bumpers pumped up with mechanical-looking bulges and creases, but they match up with widened fenders at all four corners. A hood scoop housing Cyborg’s glowing red forehead eye adorns the hood, and new coil-overs lower the car’s stance and increase its menace factor. A sweet set of 18-inch Rotiform wheels and side ports with LED backlighting round out the exterior mods. Like the other cars here, the Cyborg Forte gets a color-matched leather interior, in this case black with red suede accents. The audio system is upgraded by way of a new JL Audio setup.


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