2011 SEMA: Kia Goes Racing with 2012 Rio B-Spec and Optima Hybrid USTCC Pace Car

Looking to further associate itself with the world of motorsports after the first two motorsports championships in company's history in the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSSC), Kia today unveiled two more track-ready models at the 2011 SEMA Show, the 2012 Rio 5-door B-Spec racecar and the Optima Hybrid pace car.

Developed in partnership with Kinetic Motorsports, the new Rio 5-door B-Spec racer will compete in the newly established showroom stock racing class against various subcompact rivals such as the Mazda2, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta starting from 2012.

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Kia Joins Forces with Antenna Magazine to Build Rio and Forte Specials for SEMA Show

Less than 24 hours before the doors open at the 2011 edition of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show and Kia Motors has revealed a pair of tricked concept models that will make their debut in Las Vegas.

Both the Rio 5-Door Surf and the Forte 5-Door Hockey were built in partnership with Antenna magazine.

Starting with the 2012 Rio, the surf-themed tuning project features a sunset-metallic golden-brown paint along with a custom body kit with a front splitter made of wood that matches the surfboard on the roof, and rear fascia with center-mount exhaust. A set of 17-inch three-piece gold wheels and a Thule roof rack that holds the surfboard complete the look.

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Kia Prices 2012 Rio Sedan from $14,150*, $200 Lower than the Hatchback

About a month after announcing pricing for the new 2012 Rio five-door hatchback, Kia today released prices for its four-door sedan sibling that starts from $13,400 or *$14,150 if you include a $750 destination and handling fee, for the base model with a manual gearbox. That's $200 less than the equivalent 5-door variant.

If you prefer to not to change gears manually, the automatic transmission version of the base Rio sedan begins at $15,250.

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Red Light Sinner Repents: You have to Watch this Video…

Dear Carscoop readers, we would appreciate your input with this one. Please watch the video after the break and tell us what the heck could be going on in the head of the person behind the steering wheel of this silver Kia Rio sedan.

Agreed; we've all seen drivers run a red light either by mistake or because they don't give a damn about the own or other drivers' safety. But seriously, have you ever seen someone do anything like this? The only thing missing from the clip is the Benny Hill background music...

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