Sal Collaziano
Staff member
- Kia America returns to the iconic all-women navigational challenge for fifth consecutive year, marking the third year of competition for the Telluride
- Modified Telluride X-Pro, built to endure the harsh conditions of the rally, was prepped in-house at Kia America and by BAJA FORGED
- Verena Mei, Kia’s Rebelle Rally driver for the fourth consecutive year, partners with experienced rally driver and navigator, Kendra Miller
“The Telluride has consistently proven its capability by earning a spot on the podium every year it’s competed,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Built collaboratively by our dedicated in-house engineers and BAJA FORGED, and backed by a skilled team behind the wheel, the Telluride X-Pro is set to prove once again that it’s a serious contender.”
This year, the Telluride has been strengthened with custom front- and rear bumpers to increase approach and departure angles, tow points, skidplates and spotlights by Baja Designs mounted on a front bumper bar. It’s been further bolstered by BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A K02 tires and 18-inch Method Rally Series wheels, along with a highly modified suspension that has been purpose-built to endure the rigorous 8-day challenge. The front suspension uses a KW Motorsports inverted-shaft long-travel McPherson strut system, providing 2-inches of increased travel, while the rear incorporates KW Motorsports long travel inverted coil overs, adding 1.5-inches of increased travel when compared to stock. KING 2 bump stops complete the upgraded suspension setup.
The Telluride X-Pro’s wrap was created in partnership with the renowned ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. Kia challenged a select group of graphic design students to develop a unique livery for rally vehicle, with senior student Jaiwon Lee’s topographic map design selected as the winner. Partnering with the ArtCenter was a natural fit, as many designers at Kia Design Center America are alumni of the school.
