Kia has been on a roll lately. Their new design language along with several award winning models have propelled the brand into widespread popularity. To further spread the brand message Kia has started to get into the racing game.

Kia started getting into racing last year when they launched the Kia Forte Koup. This year, Kia is hoping to get their Rio5 model on the racetrack. As Kia prepares the Rio5 for racing, we thought you should know some specs about the car.

To be sure their Rio5 is in top condition for racing, Kia has asked their racing partner, Kinetic Motrosports to outfit the vehicle. Since the racing version of the Rio5, dubbed the B-spec Rio5, is still under wraps we only have a few details about it. We know it will be coming with a racing roll cage, racing qualified safety features and upgraded suspension elements.

Michael Sprague of KMA says, "We have a unique opportunity to introduce Kia to a new and passionate racing community by providing an affordable and great-looking race car that delivers best-in-class horsepower in the rapidly expanding B-segment."¹

Since we can't give you the full update on the B-spec Rio5, we can lay out the features for the consumer version of the  2012 Kia Rio5

2012 Kia Rio5 at a glance

-          Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, GDI
-          Horsepower: 138-hp
-          Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
-          Body: Five-door hatchback
-          Starting MSRP: $13,600

If you're interested in the 2012 Kia Rio5, or just want to talk Kia racing, come down to Dale Jarrett Kia on 2707 Gray Fox Dr in Monroe, NC today.

 

Source: ¹ http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Kia/259615/