Kia Joins Forces with Antenna Magazine to Build Rio and Forte Specials for SEMA Show

Less than 24 hours before the doors open at the 2011 edition of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show and Kia Motors has revealed a pair of tricked concept models that will make their debut in Las Vegas.

Both the Rio 5-Door Surf and the Forte 5-Door Hockey were built in partnership with Antenna magazine.

Starting with the 2012 Rio, the surf-themed tuning project features a sunset-metallic golden-brown paint along with a custom body kit with a front splitter made of wood that matches the surfboard on the roof, and rear fascia with center-mount exhaust. A set of 17-inch three-piece gold wheels and a Thule roof rack that holds the surfboard complete the look.

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SEMA: Kia Tunes into Green with Forte Hybrid Concept

We've already told you about the other Kia show cars at SEMA -namely, the Koup Type R, Soul specials and Sportages, but the South Korean firm also brought to Las Vegas a concept version of its Forte Hybrid. According to Kia's own words, the SEMA Show study "demonstrates styling options for those looking for an alternative to a mundane hybrid ride."

It is based on the South Korean market Forte LPI Hybrid, which utilizes a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine coupled to an electric motor with 15kW and 105Nm and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The SEMA Show tune comes courtesy of Kinetic Motorsports and it includes a subtle aero kit, new alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered suspension.

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Chop Shopped: Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia Forte Station Wagon

Designer Eduardo Oliveira has sent us some interesting photoshops of some cars from the Hyundai-Kia lineups. First is a more traditional, wagon version of the Forte (or Cerato) as opposed to the production Forte 5-door hatch. Second is the a look at what the a sedan version of the i30 (Elantra Touring in the States) could look like. Any thoughts?

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Kia Debuts Forte Five-Door Hatchback in New York

Also making its world premiere at New York Auto Show today is a hatchback variant of Kia's Forte (also known as the 'Cerato' in certain markets). The five door model joins the current four-door saloon and two-door (Koup) coupe versions of the Forte.

Stylistically, the hatchback conversion of the Forte is far less adventurous than you'd expect from a company that has churned out some interesting designs lately including the Optima and Sportage.

We don't have photos of the interior yet, but Kia's release makes word of a revised center console, new paddle shifters for the automatic transmission and the addition of a push-button start.

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Très Bien: Kia to Launch Sportier Forte Koup SX-R in Canada

The good: the new Kia Koup has just gotten a bit sportier as the Korean automaker has announced a new 'R' package with styling and performance accessories for the SX model. The bad: the 'R' package is available only to Canadian buyers

The aesthetics of the Koup are beefed up with a five-piece bodykit that includes a pair of front lip spoiler, chunky side skirts and a discreet boot lid spoiler. The two-door model's looks are complemented by a set of neat 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohoma S-drive tires, and 'R' branded badges and door sills.

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