#USA #Irvine #Kia #Telluride #Camouflage

The Unveiling of the 2027 Kia Telluride

Kia America is set to make waves at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show with the reveal of its all-new 2027 Telluride. Just weeks ahead of its global debut, the automaker has shared a unique glimpse of the vehicle, which has been wrapped in an innovative camouflage designed by the Kia Design Center America (KDCA). This pre-production model not only showcases the Telluride's off-road capabilities but also embodies the brand's distinctive 'Opposites United' design philosophy.

The camouflage wrap features intricate patterns that cleverly obscure the vehicle's production sheet metal while providing a captivating visual experience. Tom Kearns, Vice President and Senior Chief Designer at KDCA, emphasized the uniqueness of this approach, noting that the designing process involved analyzing various patterns used by car manufacturers to conceal their vehicles during development. Instead of merely hiding the design, the team decided to reveal the Telluride in a new light, generating intrigue and excitement.

Creative Process Behind the Camouflage

The design of the wrap draws inspiration from hundreds of sketches made during the development phase of the Telluride. It employs intersecting lines that represent the vehicle’s form from multiple angles, effectively disguising its profile without losing the essence of the design itself. The team's goal was to create something that combined eye-catching elements with a thought-provoking twist, mirroring the Telluride's embodiment of contrasts found in nature and humanity.

Kia's design philosophy, 'Opposites United', introduced by Karim Habib in 2021, serves as the backbone for this project. This philosophy embraces distinct characteristics such as 'Bold for Nature' and 'Joy for Reason', blending various stylistic elements to reflect harmony in contrast. The camouflage wrap showcases this by incorporating complex visuals from famous artists like Keith Haring and Mr. Doodle, translating straightforward design elements into intricate lines and overlapping silhouettes.

Color Plays a Vital Role

Color also plays a significant role in the camouflage design. The team experimented with various color palettes before settling on a unique gradient that transitions from orange at the front to purple at the rear. This choice not only enhances the wrap's aesthetic appeal but cleverly complements the amber daytime running lights at the front, while the contrast offered by purple enhances visibility and creates an intriguing visual dynamic as the vehicle moves.

Adding to the playful detail within the design are subtle map coordinates located along the lower edge of the front doors. These coordinates point to the town of Telluride in Colorado, cleverly tying back to the vehicle's name while layering further meaning into the wrap.

The Telluride in Action

The camouflage Telluride was recently filmed in an action-packed video series set against the stunning backdrop of the California desert, showcasing its remarkable off-road capabilities. The Alabama Hills, known for their dramatic landscapes, provided the perfect setting to highlight the SUV's prowess. Driven through steep inclines, sandy washes, rocky outcroppings, and water crossings, the Telluride demonstrated its readiness for adventure, embodying Kia's commitment to producing durable yet versatile vehicles.

Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America, shared the team's excitement in promoting the Telluride in a unique environment rather than the typical highway settings often seen in automobile marketing. By placing the new Telluride in this vigorous terrain, Kia aims to showcase the SUV’s true potential and its capability to conquer any journey.

Conclusion

As Kia prepares for the grand unveiling of the new 2027 Telluride at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, the buzz continues to build around this innovative camouflage and the vehicle's future. This intersection of art and functionality not only brings to life Kia's forward-thinking design philosophy but also sets the stage for a captivating launch event. With nearly 800 dealers across the U.S. and a range of options from gas to electric powertrains, Kia’s commitment to quality and sustainability remains steadfast, reflected in the all-new Telluride’s exciting debut.

Note: The camouflage Telluride is not available for sale, as it remains a custom pre-production model intended for promotional purposes.