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Kia Track'ster Concept Live Photos: 2012 Chicago Auto Show

Kurt Ernst

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Kurt has been fascinated by anything with wheels and a motor for a long time. Growing up, he spent his spare time turning wrenches and pumping gas in... More

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Kia Track'ster Concept

HI-RES GALLERY: Kia Track'ster Concept

If you’ve always wanted a Kia Soul with a bit more grunt, and greatly improved handling, your ride may soon be here. Kia is calling its new Track’ster a concept, but we suspect a version could see production if enough fans tell Kia, “build this.”

For driving enthusiasts, there’s a lot to like. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, good for 250-horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Power goes to all four wheels, and the track has been widened by five inches compared to the Kia Soul.

Brembo brakes rein in this uber-Soul, with six-piston calipers grabbing 14-inch rotors up front and four-piston calipers working with 13.6-inch rotors out back. The suspension has been dropped for track use, and custom HRE wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber.

Kia says the Track’ster’s styling was “bulldog inspired,” and we can see that in the front end. We also see some of our favorite cars as possible inspiration for the concept, including the Lancia Delta Integrale and the Renault R5 Turbo 2. You can’t buy a Nissan Juke R, but if enough people hound Kia, the Track’ster just may see production.

Want more from this year’s Chicago Auto Show? You’ll find our comprehensive show page here.