Kia Trail’ster e-AWD Concept Makes Chicago Debut [VIDEO]
Kia Trail'ster e-AWD Concept has been officially revealed at the Chicago Auto Show. The Soul-Based Off-Roader is a mix of the essence of the "Go Anywhere" city CUV and one that is ready for mountain adventures. The new concept has design based on the Soul, but has some captivating highlights like the round front- and headlights, and the fully retractable canvas roof. Not to mention the smartly integrated electric all-wheel-drive system.
The turbocharged Trail'ster is covered with its Polar Pearl Snowdrift/Terra Bronze Metallic paint. In addition, it is armored with aluminum skid plates, and shows promising efficiency as well as capability to support wide variety of mountain activities. This is possible thanks to its rear axle-mounted electric all-wheel-drive system of the Trail'ster.
The Polar Pearl Snowdrift exterior paint is contrasted via fire-red wheel accents and polished billet aluminum sections. Other stylish features include the weatherproof rollback canvas roof, advanced LED technology at the front and back, Kia's signature grille bars, and K900-style projector headlamps below which we see expressive fog light elements.
Inside, the vehicle features a color and trim palette which brown leather and aluminum accents. These cabin materials are inspired by snow sports gear and equipment. The focal point of this interior is a tactile and sturdy center console which has a thickset gear shifter, AWD controls and a bright red ignition button. The seats are trimmed in brown leather and feature pillow-embossed textile inserts.
Really interesting is the drivetrain system of this concept. It is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produces 185 horsepower (136 kW) and 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The unit is matched to an electric all-wheel-drive system on the rear axle, which improves fuel economy.
Trail'ster has two power sources: a front petrol engine and a rear electric motor, making it a hybrid vehicle. Its electric propulsion system draws energy from a 1.2 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery powering a 27 kW, 270 volt AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. It generates 35 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
In summary, the total output is 220 horsepower (162 kW) and 386 Nm (285 lb-ft) of torque. To further improve fuel efficiency, the system also utilizes a Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) to start/stop the engine as well as an electrically driven A/C compressor.
For driving in tough terrain, the Trail'ster has been raised more than two-and-a-half inches over the production Soul. In addition, its rubbers are the Pirelli Winter Carving 245/45-19 snow tires for enhanced traction. The KSport coilover shocks absorb the effect of the rough and uneven surfaces.
Video Source: YouTube
Source: Kia
