Kia Traxster Concept imminent
With a number of sporty models expected to launch in the next three years, Kia's plans to have a sporty halo model are nearing completionThe Kia Traxster Concept, originally penned by former Kia designer Massimo Frascella, will make its debut at the 2012 Chicago auto show next week. Frascella was the man behind the Sportage compact 4WD and Rio light car.
Although the concept is yet to be officially revealed, a sketch of the Traxster Concept has been leaked, showing what appears to be a low-slung, somewhat stocky hot hatch.
Sources close to Kia hinted that the Traxster Concept was originally going to makes its debut at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, complete with a motorsports themed presentation. For reasons unknown the sporty Traxster Concept unveiling was delayed and will now be one of the drawcard vehicles at the Chicago auto show, which will open its doors to the media from February 8.
If the response from the public and media is positive, there's a strong chance the Traxster will join the Kia Cerato Koup as one of the company's sportier offerings. And a soft-top version of the Traxster has also been bandied about inside Kia's design headquarters.
Potential production versions of the Traxster would have a variety of four-cylinder engines to choose from, and as a potential sister model to the Hyundai Veloster could even be paired with turbocharged units, such as the 1.6-litre GDI turbo, a 150kW direct-injected unit.
Kia Australia has always had a policy of considering all models made by the Korean company, and as a rule Kia doesn't have a habit of making concept cars for the fun of it.
Our sources close to Kia suggest that an almost-production ready version of the head-turning GT Concept is on its way and could be revealed as early the Paris Motor Show in late September.
With the next generation Cerato (including the Koup) coming in early 2013, potentially at the Detroit show, it is clear that the Korean car maker is preparing a number of sporty models over the next few years in a bid to cultivate an aspirational halo model.
Whether that car becomes the a production version of the Traxster Concept or perhaps a larger sports car such as the GT remains to be seen.
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