Unleash the Power of Kia's Updated Fleet
The Popular Sportage Gets a Makeover
The popular Sportage compact SUV, Kia's best-selling vehicle, is set to look more rugged when it goes on sale late next spring. The 2026 model features a slightly larger, more upright grille. Its vertically stacked LED headlights and repositioned, amber-coloured daytime running lights give it a distinct look, similar to the mid-sized Sorento. Inside, the updated Sportage offers greater connectivity through a pair of 12.3-inch LCD display screens and over-the-air updates. An optional head-up windshield display is available on hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. With an optional digital key, drivers can securely access and start the Sportage using their smartphone and share this convenience with others. Driver's assistance has been enhanced with advanced forward-collision detection and automated braking, along with the ability to swerve to avoid collisions.The fifth-generation Sportage was revealed three years ago, making it time for an update. The gas-only Sportage now has a Terrain mode for its X-line and X-Pro editions, ideal for driving through snow, mud, and sand. Its 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine remains unchanged and can tow up to 3,500 pounds through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid editions have an updated 47.7-kilowatt electric motor. The hybrid's power is boosted by four horsepower to a total of 231, while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) gains seven horsepower, reaching a total of 268. They can tow 2,000 pounds through a six-speed automatic transmission. Although prices have not been released yet, they are likely to be similar to the current models, starting at $33,030 for the gas-powered edition (including all charges and fees except taxes), $40,930 for the hybrid, and $49,766 for the PHEV.The Refreshed EV6: More Range and Power
Kia also showcased its refreshed, all-electric EV6 crossover. It now has an 84-kilowatt-hour battery in its long-range edition, up from 77 kilowatt-hours, providing more range. The rear-wheel-drive "Wind" edition's claimed range has increased from 499 to 513 kilometres. The charge port has been moved to the passenger side and now uses the North America Charging Standard format, granting access to the Tesla Supercharger network. There is no difference in power for the basic Wind and Land trims, but the GT editions receive a boost from 576 to 601 horsepower. When the GT Drive mode is activated by pushing a button on the steering wheel, the GT gets an even more powerful boost to 641 horsepower for 10 seconds. It also has a new "virtual gear shift" feature that uses sound and haptic feedback to simulate shifting gears, although the electric motor has only one gear.The Powerful EV9 GT: A Game Changer
The new EV9 GT is a more powerful version of Kia's full-sized, family-hauling, all-electric SUV. It claims 501 horsepower, a significant jump from the 379 horsepower of the existing EV9 GT-line edition. This is achieved by having a 160-kilowatt motor on the front axle and a 270-kilowatt motor on the rear axle. It also features an electronically adjustable suspension and an electronic limited-slip differential. The current EV9 GT-line accelerates from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in just over 5 seconds, but Kia says the new GT will do the same sprint in closer to 4.3 seconds. Whether your five other passengers will appreciate this speed is a matter for discussion. The new EV9 GT will be equipped with the Tesla-friendly NACS charge port and is expected to keep the same 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery as the other EV9s, so its driving range will likely be slightly less than the 435 kilometres of the $82,000 GT-line edition. All these details will be revealed, including its price, when it goes on sale next summer.Shopping for a new car? Check out the Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates, and rates on new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Click here to get your price.Preserving History through Classic Cars
Morning Parade: A Journey through Time
At 7.30 am, the cars begin to assemble at The Cosmopolitan Club. This marks the beginning of a special day filled with automotive history. After a delicious breakfast and a detailed briefing, the parade is flagged off at 9.30 am by the district collector Kranthi Kumar and the commissioner of Police V Balakrishnan. The convoy then makes its way to Lakshmi Mills Urban Center, creating a sight that is both nostalgic and captivating.As the cars make their way through the city streets, it's as if time stands still. People gather along the route, their eyes fixed on these magnificent machines from different eras. It's a moment of celebration and remembrance, as the city comes together to honor its automotive heritage.
Public Display: A Treasure Trove of Classics
Once the cars reach Lakshmi Mills Urban Center, they are on full display from 10.30 am to 5 pm. Among the highlights are iconic models such as the Fiat Topolino (1936), Chevrolet Master (1939), Mercedes-Benz Fintail (1960), and Toyota Sera (1991). These cars are not just pieces of metal and rubber; they are living testimonies to the evolution of the automobile.Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these classics. They can admire the intricate details, feel the history in their hands, and even imagine what it was like to drive these cars during their prime. It's a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Restorers' Stories: Preserving the Past
Abhinandan Chandrasekhar, a renowned restorer who runs Vintage Miles in Coimbatore, is one of the highlights of the event. His journey began as a child, tinkering with his father's 1957 Ambassador. Today, he has restored over 100 cars, including some for royal families.Restoring vintage cars is not just a job for Abhinandan; it's a labor of love. He believes that these cars are not just relics of the past but drivable, reliable machines that can inspire others to appreciate vintage vehicles. His work showcases the dedication and passion of restorers who are committed to preserving automotive history.
Challenges and Opportunities
Organizing such a show is not without its challenges. As mentioned, most of these cars are driven only once a year, making it difficult to get them event-ready. However, organizers are exploring ways to make participation even easier in the future. Providing flatbeds to transport the cars could be a solution that helps more restorers bring their masterpieces to the event.Despite the challenges, the event has seen a growing interest and enthusiasm over the years. From an intimate affair with around 30 - 35 vintage cars four years ago to a display of 42 cars this year, it's clear that the city's passion for preserving automotive heritage is on the rise.
Uniting Art and Car Culture in a Captivating Display
Curated Content: Telling Stories through Art and Cars
The CART Department's curated content plays a crucial role in bringing the art and car culture together. It serves as a medium to convey the rich narratives that span across art, music, and contemporary culture. For instance, Keith Haring's painted 1983 Buick becomes more than just a vehicle; it tells a story of artistic expression and cultural influence. Virgil Abloh's Project Geländewagen and the deconstructed Maybach from Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Otis" music video are prime examples of how art and music intersect within the car culture. These pieces not only showcase the artistic talent but also add depth and meaning to the overall experience.The curated content allows viewers to connect with the art on a deeper level, understanding the thought processes and inspirations behind each design. It creates a dialogue between art and car enthusiasts, fostering a sense of appreciation for both fields.
Moreover, the continuous curation ensures that there is always something new and exciting to discover, keeping the audience engaged and eager for more.
Collaborations: West Coast Customs and Beyond
The collaboration between CART Department and West Coast Customs has been a game-changer. West Coast Customs complements the Art Car Series with its own custom builds, adding another dimension to the exhibition. Don Tolliver's AMG Mercedes and Wil.i.am's concept Tesla are standout examples of the creative synergy between the two entities.This collaboration not only showcases the individual talents of the artists and customizers but also highlights the power of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of creativity. It demonstrates how different perspectives and skills can come together to create something truly unique.
By working together, CART Department and West Coast Customs have created a platform that attracts a diverse audience, from art lovers to car enthusiasts, and brings them together under the umbrella of art and car culture.
Events: A Stage for Cultural Expression
The events associated with the Art Car Series serve as a stage for cultural expression. The 2024 LA Auto Show provided the perfect backdrop for these art cars to shine. The event ran through December 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art and car culture.The events offer a unique opportunity for people to interact with the art cars, learn about the artists and their stories, and participate in various cultural activities. It becomes a celebration of creativity and a platform for cultural exchange.
Whether it's through live performances, panel discussions, or interactive exhibits, the events add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the Art Car Series.
Tickets to the 10-day exhibition are available at laautoshow.com.