KIA has presented a very interesting project based on one of its electric vehicles. Taking the KIA e-Soul as a starting point, a unique car has been created. The new KIA e-Soul Boardmasters Edition. This “one-off” has numerous modifications to meet the needs of surfers.
A very special KIA e-Soul has been unveiled in the UK. A unique specimen, a «one-off»created on the basis of a pre-production copy of the second generation of KIA’s very interesting electric SUV. The result? The new KIA e-Soul Boardmasters Edition. A car that, according to the manufacturer itself, has been saved from the shredder to end the rest of its days on the coast. And more specifically on the beach.
The new e-Soul Boardmasters Edition has been created with a clear objective. Meet the demands and needs of surf lovers. In addition, with the launch of this project, the launch of the Boardmasters 2021 in Cornwall, a county in the south-western tip of England. There the KIA vehicle will be exhibited. Let’s go into detail and break down all your keys.
The exterior design of the new KIA e-Soul Boardmasters Edition
Just take a quick look at the images in this article to discover the exterior and interior modifications to the pre-production e-Soul. If we take a tour of the exterior, the first thing that will catch our attention are the new wheels that have been mounted. Now equip some 16-inch bright white steel wheels wrapped by about Maxxis Bihorn tires.
Due to the size of the tires, it was necessary to carry out some modifications to the wheel arches. The suspension is fully independent and features a few new custom adapters and modified struts. Similarly, the track width has been slightly increased. The body clearance from the ground has also increased. It has gone to 310mm at the front and 320mm at the rear.
Another very striking feature of this unique unit is its custom-made steel roof rack. It has been built with lightweight steel tubes that can be easily recycled at the end of their useful life. It is capable of carrying two Tahe Bic Malibu surfboards. The Neptune blue paint on the bodywork remains intact. A color that contrasts with the black finished roof.
On the ceiling there is a large solar panel accompanied by some Lazer ST4 Evolution LED spotlights. The solar charging system can also be used to power a small refrigerator or other auxiliary devices.
The interior of the new KIA e-Soul Boardmasters Edition
Leaving aside the outside, if we venture inside we will also find important changes. The rear seats have been removed. The trunk area has been completely remodeled to take advantage of the existing space as much as possible. A fir wood platform has been installed and the deck has been stained white.
When opening the boot lid we will have access to a folding bench. A seat also made of wood. In the new cargo area there is a swing arm that allows you to hang and dry a pair of wet wetsuits. Towels can also be hung up. The front of the passenger compartment is unchanged.
The autonomy of the new KIA e-Soul Boardmasters Edition
KIA emphasizes that, thanks to the torque developed by its electric propulsion system, it is able to move with ease on all types of coastal roads. The brand also points out that these changes, especially the change of wheels and increase in height, have direct effects on the autonomy. It has not been specified how many kilometers it can travel on a single charge.
In the bowels of the vehicle is a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery whose main objective is to power an electric motor of 150 kW (204 hp) and 395 Nm of maximum torque respectively.