August 10th 2021
The pre-production prototypes often end up at scrapyards, but it couldn’t happen for a Kia Soul EV prototype created by Kia UK. The manufacturer saved and transformed it into a bespoke dune-conquering, surfboard-hauling concept for Boardmasters 2021 – a surfing and music event on the Cornish Coast in England. Kia calls it’s the Soul EV Broardmasters Edition and it keeps the powertrain of the production model available in Europe.
Talking about the powertrain, the Soul EV Broardmasters Edition includes a 64.0-kWh battery creating 201-horsepower. This power goes to the front wheels. While the powertrain remains the same, the customized Soul gets new 16-inch white steel wheels wrapped in 265/75 R16 Maxxis Bighorn tires.
Besides, the Soul Boardmasters Edition has a tweaked suspension with a 3.0-inch lift, in addition to a 4.3-inch wider track at the front and a 4.5-inch wider track at the back.
We also find a steel roof rack that keeps a set of Tahe Bic Malibu surfboards and lifts the Soul’s height to 76.8 inches. The rack comprises a set of LED spotlights and a solar panel to assist in recharging the battery pack while you’re busy surfing.
The 2021 Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Edition retain the production model’s Neptune Blue colour but improves it by including white stripes and Boardmasters logos. Peek inside and we find the rear seats are now gone to enhance the cargo room, and the trunk floor contains white-stained spruce wood.
Participants of the festival will be able to see the Soul EV Boardmasters Edition on display from August 11-15.
Source and Images: C&D