Kia shows off four highly modified Telluride SUVs in Las Vegas

(October 31, 2018) LAS VEGAS — Following the surprising appearance of Kia’s newest SUV, the upcoming Telluride, at this year’s New York Fashion Week, Kia 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. “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.



Telluride Horizon Roamer

With its sights set on the difficult and challenging Rubicon Trail, the Telluride Horizon Roamer takes on the Kia Torque Track with the following modifications:

    Unique Bright Orange paint
    Roof-mounted cargo rack with integrated LED light bar
    Custom front brush guard
    Snorkel for deep-water fording
    Front brush guard and skid plate
    Straight-pipe exhaust
    Black Rhino 32-inch wheels with Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain tires



Telluride Cadet Leader


Trailblazing is the kind of off-roading that can get very tricky, very quickly. An unseen drop, an off-camber articulation, a break-over that rips out the oil pan, being in front of it all requires some specialized equipment, including:

    Flat Military Green & Black paint
    Rotopak carrier on the rear quarter panels
    Brush guard with skid plate
    Roof rack
    Rear tube bumper with skid plate
    Modified straight pipe exhaust
    Black Rhino 32-inch wheels with Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain tires
    Amber Halo LED lights



Telluride Desert Drifter

One of the most hostile off-road environments lies just outside the glittering lights of Las Vegas and if your vehicle isn’t up to the challenge, it can mean serious consequences. Fortunately, the Telluride Desert Drifter is up to the test.

    Desert Military Tan and Black paint
    Hood-mounted Rotopacks
    Brush guard with skid plate
    Roof rack
    Rear tube bumper with skid plate
    Modified straight pipe exhaust
    Black Rhino 32-inch wheels with Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain tires
    Halo LED light bar



Telluride Baja Glider


Don’t let the name fool you; “gliding” south of the border through Mexico’s legendary off-road countryside simply doesn’t happen. But properly equipped with some very tough gear, the Telluride Baja Glider makes a tough drive almost like a walk in the park.

    Deep Black paint
    Forged tube front bumper with skid plate
    Curved LED front light bar and roof-mounted LED light bar
    Custom rear tube bumper with skid plate
    Modified straight pipe exhaust
    Black Rhino 32-inch wheels with Milestar Patagonia Mud Terrain tires

Suspension modifications

Regardless of each Telluride’s off-road personality, all four have highly modified suspensions that have been purpose-built to handle the rigors of multiple days of abuse on the Kia Torque Track.

    Front suspension:
        KW Motorsports inverted-shaft long-travel McPherson struts with remote reservoirs, linear bearings and 3-way adjustable damping
        3-inch wider track
        Fabricated lower control arms
        Corrected bump steer and roll center
        2-inch increased travel
        King hydraulic bump stops, shock tower reinforcements
    Rear suspension:
        KW Motorsports long travel inverted WRC spec shocks with remote reservoirs and 3-way adjustable damping
        3-inch wider track
        Fabricated multi-link suspension with toe curve and anti-squat correction
        Longer trailing arms for constant geometry
        5-inch increased travel than stock
        King hydraulic bump stops