LA 2015: Does Kia’s SEMA Koup concept preview a potential mainstream trend?
Coupe-turned-crossover feels like a niche with design potential
A couple of weeks ago, Kia showed its entertainingly-named Forte Koup Mud Bogger at the SEMA show, and now it’s back on display in LA. An intriguing mix of ATV and coupe, the show car includes a 10cm suspension lift, clearing way for a set of 28-inch knobbly off-road tyres, surrounded by riveted wheelarch extensions.
The interior is completely stripped back, and now features a minimal dash, rollcage and pair of Sparco race seats. The cabin is sprayed in rough crackle glaze paint to compliment the metal flecks in the exterior blue.
But while the car is built for the SEMA show, and formed part of Kia’s four-strong display of cars that embody the great American road trip (see gallery), the idea of a coupe turned off-roader – as opposed to a coupe-SUV like the BMW X6 – is one that appears on the fringe of going mainstream.
Along with the Kia, Audi has flirted with the idea with its TT Offroad concept, while we can’t help but think a Porsche Cayman or 911 in Safari Rally style would look superb, especially in the Southern Californian sun.