Customized Sorento Fits Sun-Drenched Lifestyle
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're a veteran of the waves or
just learnin' surfin', there's no better way to get to the beach than in the
Sorento Surf, one of two concept vehicles designed by Kia Motors America
especially for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) annual trade
show in Las Vegas. The Kia Sorento Surf is an updated version of the
essential beach cruiser, with everything a weekend warrior might want or need
to hit the beach with a vengeance in a stylish and muscular vehicle.
Based on the newly introduced Kia Sorento midsize sport utility vehicle,
the five-passenger Sorento Surf is equipped with a powerful DOHC, 24-valve,
3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 192 horsepower and is coupled to an
electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Starting with its Sunset Silver metallic paint and tinted windows, the
Sorento Surf is meant for serious beachgoers. Adding to its sporty look are
blacked-out reflectors in the headlights, a high capacity roof rack with
basket and polished, aluminum light tabs featuring low profile, oval-shaped
Hella Lights. The vehicle features a stinger antenna that is center-mounted
above the windshield header and color-keyed wheel flares and bumper fascias
for a distinctive look and aggressive stance.
"The Sorento Surf is meant to demonstrate how easy it is to customize a
vehicle to suit your particular lifestyle," said Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's
executive vice president and chief operating officer. "The Sorento is a
functional vehicle that can easily be modified at a relatively low cost with
factory and aftermarket parts, adding to an already great value package. The
Sorento Surf also lets us take the temperature of SEMA show goers and
aftermarket suppliers about the appeal and suitability of Sorento for an even
wider range of custom applications."
As a rugged, authentic SUV, the Sorento Surf features body on frame
construction with nine crossmembers and a double wishbone front suspension and
a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track
(62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all
driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the
Sorento Surf to navigate steep, challenging terrain and shines as a serious
performer, on- and off-road.
The front license plate block has been deleted from the front fascia, and
the grille has been modified with a ripple mesh insert with a matching ripple
mesh screen added to the lower grille opening. For cutting through the marine
layer, the Surf's fog lights have been modified and larger, six-inch Hella
High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) fog lights have been installed.
For added flash, the Sorento Surf features several metallic accents on the
exterior, including a polished aluminum skid plate along with tubular chrome
aluminum step bars and a polished stainless steel exhaust with dual square tip
outlets. In addition, the engine features blue anodized components, steel
braided hose covers, and the engine cover has been painted to match the
exterior color.
Beach cruising should be effortless with the Surf's larger, 16-inch, off-
road tires and matching 16-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels. The SUV's
suspension has been lifted three inches in the front and two inches in the
rear to accommodate the larger wheel and tire package, which gives the vehicle
a more in-your-face look.
To be certain you don't get stuck in the sand, a beach cruising faux pas,
the Sorento Surf comes equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system,
which engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly driving
as well as a transfer case equipped with low range for the most challenging
off-road situations.
Inside the Sorento Surf is dressed to impress and includes luxurious
touches making every trip to the beach a special event. Standard comfort and
convenience features include air conditioning, power windows/door locks/heated
mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker CD sound system, map lights, four
12 volt power outlets, 8-way adjustable driver's seat and 60/40 split flip-
and-fold rear seats.
Into leather? The Surf includes leather seats with color-coordinated
perforated inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather
headrests and leather door panel inserts. Keeping with the metallic accents,
a metalized aluminum finish has been added to the instrument panel vent trim,
outboard vents and center console. Upgraded floor mats have been installed
and the cargo mat is comprised of black neoprene "wet suit" fabric, matching
that of the Cinco Swim, for wet suits and other beach equipment.
In addition, the Sorento Surf comes equipped with an upgraded Delphi
AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system featuring Satellite XM and SkyFi.
Designed with great attention to detail, the Sorento Surf incorporates the
little extras that appeal to most SUV buyers that include plenty of storage
space throughout the vehicle, an underbody-mounted full-size spare tire, a
flat cargo floor, a handy split-opening rear hatch, underseat storage bin, six
beverage holders, split-level lockable glove box, dual compartment center
console and more.
Inside, the Sorento Surf seats five passengers comfortably with generous
head and leg room. It boasts passenger room of 107 cubic feet, which is
larger than Jeep Grand Cherokee (100 cubic feet), Nissan Pathfinder
(92.9 cubic feet) and Toyota Highlander (105.7 cubic feet) and overall
interior volume of 138.4 cubic feet. The 60/40-split rear seats easily flip
and fold for a smooth, flat cargo area.
Standard safety features include three-stage dual front airbags and front
and rear side-curtain airbags, front pretensioners, front force-limiters and
five three-point seatbelts and headrests to accommodate all occupants.
In addition to hauling cargo, the Sorento Surf can tow up to 3,500 pounds,
and comes pre-wired for trailer wiring harness. A rear load-leveling system
is available to automatically keep the rear of the vehicle level while towing
jet skis like the customized one hooked up to the Surf at Kia's SEMA display,
or while carrying heavy loads of firewood for those beach bonfires.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea. High-resolution photos of the Sorento
Surf are available at http://www.kiamedia.com .
SOURCE Kia Motors America
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Related links:
http://www.kiamedia.com
CONTACT:
Kim Custer of Kia Motors America,
+1-562-714-2212
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