SEMA, Telluride

Following the surprising appearance of Kia’s newest SUV, the upcoming Telluride, at this year’s New York Fashion Week9, the brand known for taking chances returns to SEMA with an outdoor activation that’s bigger and better than ever, eclipsing Kia’s 2017 SEMA drifting experience. Designed as a thrill ride for those brave enough to jump into the passenger seats of four highly-modified Tellurides, Kia’s 2018 “Torque Track,” located just outside the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center (Orange lot), promises to leave a lasting impression and will be running through Thursday. The custom off-road course puts these Tellurides through their paces, including a jump, mountain climb and water incursion - all showcasing their off-roading potential. Meanwhile, back by popular demand, professional Formula Drift drivers will provide ride-alongs, granting those with an adrenaline addiction the opportunity to be pinned against Stinger GT’s race-inspired seats. Drivers will effortlessly slide customized Stinger GTs around corners and launch the cars from 0-to-60 mph before bringing them to a full stop with the vehicles’ high-performance Brembo brakes.

“We surprised everyone with Telluride’s special appearance in New York earlier this year; we showed its stylish swagger on a fashion runway and now at SEMA we are showcasing the vehicle’s more rugged side,” said Saad Chehab, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Kia Motors America. “Of course a production Telluride won’t be able to fly over extreme jumps like these modified versions, but we want the SEMA attendees to get to know Kia as the youthful brand we are and we think the Torque Track does that in a very special way.”

Kia partnered with LGE-CTS Motorsports to conceive the four special-built Tellurides and each vehicle has its own distinctive design and style. Themed after different off-road environments, all four are powered by a stout V6 engine with all-wheel drive. The interiors showcase Telluride’s exquisite materials and craftsmanship and offer a quiet respite from the hectic SEMA show experience. Set to debut in its production form at the upcoming 2019 North American International Auto Show, the 8-occupant Telluride is planned to go on sale in the U.S. in the first half of next year.