REVEALED! Kia's Full-size SUV, The Telluride, Appears For The FIRST Time In Its FULL Glory At #NYFW
I think if you came up to me 10 years ago and asked me where I'd expect to see Kia making a debut of one of its most anticipated products down the road, I would not suspect New York Fashion Week.
Well, that's just what happened over the weekend.
All-new Kia TellurideThat's right. Kia decided to unveil its all-new Telluride at a fashion show in the Big Apple. We're pretty sure no one cared except the flown-in shrimp gobblers known as the automotive media and the fashion media that may/may not have been briefed on the modified, three-row sport-utility vehicle.
Some interesting facts have emerged. Namely, the Telluride will make its official debut at the last January Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) and the production vehicle will make use of a V6 powerplant.
Until then, we wait.
All-new Kia Telluride
Kia's press release follows: ALL-NEW KIA TELLURIDE MAKES TEXAS-SIZED STATEMENT ON BRANDON MAXWELL’S RUNWAY AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Kia’s Largest and Most Refined SUV Confirmed for U.S. with Production in West Point, GA1
- Influenced by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s latest Texas-inspired runway collection, a ranch-ready Telluride with saddle-like leather accents debuted at New York Fashion Week2
- Penned at Kia’s U.S. design studio, the Telluride production model is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2019
- Together with Maxwell, Kia is donating substantial funding to the public school system of Marfa, Texas, where Maxwell designed his SS’19 collection
IRVINE, Calif., September 8, 2018 – Breaking new ground, a bespoke version of Kia Motors America’s largest and most refined SUV – the all-new 2020 Telluride – made its first public appearance today at fashion designer Brandon Maxwell’s New York Fashion Week show. Created by Kia’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the customized Telluride that appeared on the runway drew influence from Maxwell’s inspiration for the Spring Summer 2019 collection: Texas.
“Telluride summits Kia’s SUV lineup and forged a surprising new path with its runway debut at New York Fashion Week,” said Saad Chehab, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “Only a brand as forward-thinking as Kia could collaborate with Brandon Maxwell to launch the Telluride ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.”
The eight passenger Telluride production model – which will be assembled at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – will provide a new, V6-powered option that is several inches longer and wider than Kia’s award-winning, seven passenger Sorento midsize SUV.
For Brandon Maxwell, the combination of childhood nostalgia and an exclusive preview of Kia’s largest and most refined SUV provided an opportunity to give back to the Marfa, Texas, community.
“My Mom drove me to school in East Texas in a Kia Sedona, and my adoration for the brand runs deep,” said Maxwell. “When I left Marfa, Texas, where I designed my SS’19 collection, I started talking with Kia. I wanted a partner who could help fill a need in Marfa’s public school system and Kia was looking to create a unique integration for their new Telluride. It was a natural fit as Kia has a long history of philanthropic initiatives that support education. Kia is not just funding necessary technological purchases and educational programming to give the children of Marfa the quality education they deserve, but also providing a vehicle for local teachers’ use. I am honored to collaborate with Kia Motors.”
The one-of-a-kind Telluride featured in the show provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the creative process that takes place when designers in separate industries collaborate. This specially tailored Telluride includes several nods to Maxwell’s Texas roots, including natural wood interior trim and saddle-inspired double-stitched leather adornments on the dash, door panels and grab handles. Similar leather details cover the outside rearview mirrors and door handles. Outside, the Telluride’s deep green paint reflects the color of the concept vehicle that debuted in Detroit two years ago. Custom front and rear bumpers, skidplates and sidestep sills exude a ranch-ready look that’s backed up with a hidden winch and a snorkel for deep-river fording. Burly 265/50R-20 off-road tires wrap around flat-black alloy wheels and the spare tire has been custom mounted to the rear hatch, which opens to a metal- and leather-trimmed cargo area. A custom wood and aluminum roof rack with a beautiful custom leather tow strap tongue provide the perfect finishing touches.
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