top of page

Kia

Track'ster

Described as the ultimate performance edition of the very popular Soul, the Kia Track’ster Concept debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The Track’ster is a three-door hatch with a lowered profile. This Track’ster is the company’s second apostrophe-laden Soul-based concept: It’s a 250-hp, all-wheel-drive hatchback that sacrifices the normal Soul’s rear doors and rear seat in the pursuit of track-readiness.

Described as the ultimate performance edition of the very popular Soul, the Kia Track’ster Concept debuted at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The Track’ster is a three-door hatch with a lowered profile. This Track’ster is the company’s second apostrophe-laden Soul-based concept: It’s a 250-hp, all-wheel-drive hatchback that sacrifices the normal Soul’s rear doors and rear seat in the pursuit of track-readiness.

The Track’ster’s basic shape was carried over from the Soul—the front end and sloped roof are vaguely familiar—but much of the rest is unique. The concept rides on a wheelbase that’s nearly an inch longer than the Soul’s, and its fender flares contribute to an additional five inches of overall width.

The Track’ster’s basic shape was carried over from the Soul—the front end and sloped roof are vaguely familiar—but much of the rest is unique. The concept rides on a wheelbase that’s nearly an inch longer than the Soul’s, and its fender flares contribute to an additional five inches of overall width.

The Track’ster’s best angle might be the rear shot, which features two booster-rocket exhaust outlets and taillights that illuminate from behind the hatch’s glass. Out front, Kia stuffed a pair of giant LED fog lights into the corners of the equally oversized lower intake.

The Track’ster’s best angle might be the rear shot, which features two booster-rocket exhaust outlets and taillights that illuminate from behind the hatch’s glass. Out front, Kia stuffed a pair of giant LED fog lights into the corners of the equally oversized lower intake.

Inside, there are just two deeply bolstered seats covered in grippy suede. In place of the absent rear seat, there’s a special parcel tray with has spots for track gear like helmets, racing suits, and tools. In keeping with the Track’ster’s racy theme, there are dash-top readouts for oil temperature and battery voltage.

Inside, there are just two deeply bolstered seats covered in grippy suede. In place of the absent rear seat, there’s a special parcel tray with has spots for track gear like helmets, racing suits, and tools. In keeping with the Track’ster’s racy theme, there are dash-top readouts for oil temperature and battery voltage.

Track’ster’s spec sheet reads more like that of a Volkswagen Golf R than a five-door Kia. A 250-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission send power to all four wheels, and the car sits on a lowered suspension tuned for imaginary track forays.

Track’ster’s spec sheet reads more like that of a Volkswagen Golf R than a five-door Kia. A 250-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission send power to all four wheels, and the car sits on a lowered suspension tuned for imaginary track forays.

bottom of page