Kia unveiled the rugged Trail'ster concept with e-AWD at the Chicago Auto Show . It is based on Soul, which is also sold here, and is primarily intended for active people.
However, its main mission is not to show the adventurous nature of the basic crossover, but the possible way to Seoul with all-wheel drive . The Trail'ster's primary drive is a turbocharged 185-horsepower, 251 Nm torque, transmitting power to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It is seconded by an electric AWD system on the rear axle, the aim of which is to assist at low driving speeds, to support dynamics during quick starts and to improve engagement capabilities in inclement weather or when driving off-road. In addition, the mentioned solution helps to reduce the turbo effect thanks to the rush of torque already from zero revolutions.
At the same time, the system improves fuel consumption compared to standard AWD drives, as it engages only when needed and functions as an energy recovery mechanism. The electric drive draws energy from a Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 1.2 kWh , which feeds a synchronous electric motor with a permanent magnet with a power of 35 hp and a torque of 136 Nm transmitted to the wheels of the rear axle. The total system output is thus 220 hp and the maximum torque is 386 Nm. In order to further reduce fuel consumption, the system also uses a hybrid starter/generator (HSG) to start and stop the engine as needed (and to power the high-voltage battery) and an electric air conditioning compressor that can be started even when the internal combustion engine is switched off. The technology used is designed for easy and light installation with a compact battery stored under the boot floor.
The electric drive of the rear wheels is always operationally engaged in one of three scenarios , depending on the position of the throttle valve and driving conditions – when the gas pedal is pressed lightly, the crossover moves in the most ecological way, when the car is powered by the electric motor itself for a distance of 3 to 5 km , during normal driving then the rear electric motor assists the turbocharged unit during acceleration to boost power and torque, and when the car is over rough terrain or driving in the wet, the electric drive always engages when the front wheels slip. The Trail'ster's electric motor also functions as a generator capable of recuperating kinetic energy and recharging the battery when the car decelerates after releasing the gas pedal.
The design of individual body elements in Polar Pearl Snowdrift white with a roof and aluminum protective elements in dark Terra Bronze metallic is reminiscent of the Soul, but most of them, such as the front projector LED lights , are not found in the serial model. The same can be said about the 19-inch wheels with Pirelli Winter Carving tires, significantly shaped bumpers (the front one includes a pair of round fog lights) and LED group lights in massive covers. The canvas waterproof pull-down roof , or bike or snowboard carrier, is interesting. Off-road ambitions are completed by a 6.3 cm higher ground clearance compared to the standard Soul and adjustable K-Sport shock absorbers.
Compared to the body, the interior is much more moderate in terms of design, with brown leather upholstery and aluminum decorations playing a leading role in it. Next to the redesigned steering wheel, the most striking visual element is the massive gear selector , or rather the red ignition button. The center console is dominated by the screen of the multimedia system.
Source: Kia
