Korean carmaker Kia will unveil the Rio B-Spec at the 2011 SEMA. The car is a racing version of the Rio model which has been developed by Kinetic Motorsports (the company that administered the same treatment to Kia’s own Forte Koup). Equipped with an enhanced version of the 1.6 liters engine - delivering 140hp - it also uses a roll cage and racing brakes and suspension. Unlike many of the cars that will be at the SEMA in Vegas, the Rio B-Spec is not a simple tuned-up version of an original car, it is designed according to the rules of certain American racing formulas in which it will compete.

Obviously, this also gives us the chance to see how a sporty version of the Rio would taste like. No plans have been revealed in regard to taking this car to Europe as the 1.6 engine of the American version of the Kia has never been used in these markets. In Europe the Kia is equipped with the more economical 1.2 petrol engine (85hp) as well as the 1.1 three-cylinder and 1.4 four-cylinder diesel engines (producing 75hp and 90hp respectively).

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