Wonder Woman-Inspired Kia Sportage Lassos New York

NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) has teamed up with DC Entertainment and Super Street magazine to build a head-turning Kia Sportage inspired by Wonder Woman's power, inspiration and sense of equality.  Unveiled today in conjunction with the 2013 New York International Auto Show, this uniquely customized Sportage signals the continuation of a 10-month, eight vehicle partnership between Kia and DC Entertainment based on the iconic characters that make up the Justice League – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.  An eighth and final vehicle will be an amalgamation of all seven Super Heroes in one.  Influenced by the artistry of comic book visionary, Jim Lee, the Justice League-inspired Kia vehicles serve as a force for good in the world by raising awareness for DC Entertainment's "We Can Be Heroes" giving campaign, a relief effort to bring help and hope to people affected by the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org).

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"As one of the most well-known Super Heroes in the world, Wonder Woman portrays an impressive balance of power, agility and confidence, all of which are inherent characteristics of the Kia Sportage crossover," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "Like the rest of the Justice League-inspired vehicles, this customized Sportage signifies a meaningful collaboration between cars and pop-culture.  And for the first time, here in New York, all seven vehicles are standing together in one place to raise awareness for DC Entertainment's very worthy 'We Can Be Heroes' giving campaign."

The Wonder Woman-inspired Sportage features a sleek and stylish look thanks to an aero kit which grants a streamlined but powerful appearance.  The red and blue exterior color scheme, accented with stars, was derived directly from Wonder Woman's outfit, while the gold trim wrapped around the vehicle represents the heroine's weapon of choice, "The Lasso of Truth."  Up front, Wonder Woman's eagle chest-plate emblem was creatively integrated into the production grille and is flanked by blue headlight beams, which reflect her piercing blue eyes.  The Sportage's windshield features a banner portraying Wonder Woman's tiara, and the chrome side panels on the vehicle are graphical interpretations of her invisible jet.  Beneath, the 5-spoke wheel design was chosen to match the stars on the exterior of the vehicle.

Within, red upholstery and dash pieces combined with blue LED lighting were added to continue the Sportage's exterior color scheme into the cabin.  The custom seats were inspired by Wonder Woman's signature garb and embroidered with her logo, while the cargo area of the vehicle is adorned with stars and an eagle and features a see-through panel, which displays Wonder Woman's tiara, bracelets and glowing Lasso of Truth.

"It's exciting to join Kia in revealing the final car to represent a member of the Justice League, Wonder Woman, at the New York Auto Show," stated Jim Lee, co-publisher of DC Entertainment.  "This joint effort to raise awareness for the 'We Can Be Heroes' giving campaign continues to be a huge draw for fans across the country, and I'm sure New Yorkers will agree that the new Wonder Woman-inspired Sportage is a 'must see' feature at the show."

About the 2013 Sportage
The 2013 Kia Sportage offers value-, image- and safety-conscious consumers a striking design and a standout combination of fun-to-drive performance, the latest in-vehicle technologies, and an abundance of comfort, convenience and safety features all at a tremendous value.  The sleek and modern Sportage is available with either a 2.4-liter, 176 horsepower engine or a 2.0-liter, 260 horsepower Turbo GDI engine.  Inside the cabin, the Sportage offers a host of available technology features, including Kia's UVO Powered by Microsoft^®1 hands-free, voice-activated infotainment system.  The 2013 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $19,000².

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.  With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.  Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013.  Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.  The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's rapid growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA.  In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website - www.kia.com.  For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at http://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games.  Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.

About "We Can Be Heroes Giving" Campaign
DC Entertainment's We Can Be Heroes (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org) is a giving campaign designed to raise awareness and critical funds needed to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.  Using the iconic Justice League characters from DC Entertainment – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – We Can Be Heroes aims to raise funds for the three humanitarian aid organizations working in Africa:  Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, and Mercy Corps.  In 2012, the campaign raised almost $2 million.  These funds delivered help and hope to over 5 million men, women, and children in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia whose lives have been severely affected by drought and famine.  In 2013, DC Entertainment will continue to unleash its stories, characters and talent to encourage more people to join the Justice League in the fight against the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

¹ Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

² MSRP $19,000 for base model.  MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges.  Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

SOURCE Kia Motors America