Kia Unveils the Custom-Camouflaged 2027 Telluride
Kia America has recently revealed its highly anticipated 2027 Telluride, showcasing a distinctive camouflage before its official global debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20. The camouflage design is a clever blend of style and innovation, embodying Kia's design philosophy known as "Opposites United."
A Bold Approach to Camouflage
Tom Kearns, Senior Vice President and Head of Design at the Kia Design Center America (KDCA), emphasized that creating a camouflage for the Telluride is fundamentally different from designing the actual vehicle. The design team examined the various patterns used by automakers to obscure the shapes of developing vehicles and took a refreshing approach to inspire awe and provoke thought.
The camouflage wraps the pre-production Telluride in a vibrant, eye-catching vinyl that not only conceals the vehicle's contours but also hints at the design language beneath. The interplay of colors and intersecting lines plays a crucial role in the concealment, reflecting the design sketches that preceded the vehicle's final form.
Design Inspiration and Color Choices
The intricate patterns drew inspiration from celebrated artists such as Keith Haring and Mr. Doodle (Sam Cox), known for their simple lines expressing complex patterns. Kearns explained how they distilled the design sketches of the Telluride into basic lines, which were then laid out in overlapping silhouettes to create the distinctive vinyl pattern.
Color also significantly influenced the design of the camouflage. The team experimented with various color combinations, ultimately settling on a gradient transition from warm to cool tones, starting with orange in the front and fading to purple in the back. This combination harmonizes perfectly with the Telluride's amber daytime running lights at the front and provides a striking contrast at the rear.
Additionally, hidden coordinates inscribed at the lower edges of the front doors – 37.9375° N, 107.8123° O – pinpoint the Telluride’s namesake location in Colorado, adding a layer of intrigue.
Real-World Testing in Dramatic Backdrops
The dynamic videos featuring the camouflaged Telluride were shot in the rugged Alabama Hills of California, where the striking vehicle was put through its paces. With the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains serving as a backdrop, the footage showcased the Telluride navigating steep inclines, sandy washes, and rocky outcrops, illustrating its off-road capabilities.
Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing for Kia America, commented that while camouflaged vehicles are a common sight, usually parked or cruising the highway, Kia wanted to create something special. By placing the pre-production Telluride in such a challenging setting, they aimed to highlight its full potential.
Anticipation for the Global Debut
With just weeks to go before revealing the production model at the Los Angeles Auto Show, excitement is building for the 2027 Kia Telluride. This remarkable vehicle promises to combine capability with aesthetic appeal, embodying Kia's dedication to innovation and sustainability. The company has already been recognized for its quality and commitment to producing sustainable vehicles, cementing its reputation in the automotive industry.
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Note: The custom 2027 Telluride showcased with this camouflage is not available for sale.