The last time Kia truly got our attention was when they supplied the Ultima Blake Griffin jumped over to win the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest.
This time around, we’re actually paying attention for the sake of one of their cars.
Created with help from LUX Motorwerks, the custom-built Sorento Ski Gondola that just graced the floor at SEMA is a self-driving SUV that can transport skiers and snowboarders up the mountain, snow-cat-tyle.
Equipped with rubber treads that can best snow, ice and gravity, the groundbreaking gondola has a roof rack to hold large equipment and a cargo area for stashing smaller items. In back, things are extremely accessible thanks to a set of suicide-style doors. Other exterior alterations include silver and orange and LED light bars and headlights that were painted black.
Orange and black leather seats dominate the seating on the interior of the off-road vehicle, and those colors also adorn the custom door panels, center console and personalized tablet.
“This year’s SEMA show gives us the opportunity to ponder what the future of living the autonomous life may one-day resemble,” said Kia Motors America CEO Michael Sprague.
We’re lamenting that there’s no hot chocolate maker on the dash, but it’s a solid start.
This article was featured in the InsideHook newsletter. Sign up now.
