Last week, at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled their all-new racer, the B-Spec Kia Rio 5-door. Developed in partnership with Kinetic Motorsports, the Rio5 racer complies with sanctioning bodies like GRAND-AM, Sports Car Club of America and World Challenge. The good news is, it should be easy to get your hands on one if you interested in a bit more speed.

Kia learned a lot about racers last year, when they entered the Kia Forte Koup in the GRAND-AM racing series. Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America (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

KMA definitely took full advantage of this opportunity, as evidenced by the zippy red and white Rio5 they unveiled in Vegas. For a starting price of $13,600, you'll get a hatchback that pumps out 138-hp and 123 lb.-ft. of torque from a 1.6-liter, direct injection, four-cylinder engine. For an additional $14,000, you can purchase the Kinetic Motorsports B-spec kit. The do-it-yourself kit includes a roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, race harness, shocks, light weight wheels, spec-series tires and instructions. If you're ready for the speed but aren't set up to do some dirty work, for $6,000, Kinetic Motorsports can put your B-spec racer together for you at their Buford, Georgia plant.

Interested in getting yourself behind the wheel of a racer? Or maybe something a bit more modest? Stop in and see us at Turner Kia, 4201 Chambers Hill Rd Harrisburg, PA 17111, or give us a call at (888) 461-4350. We're happy to help you find the best new Kia model for your lifestyle.

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