Kia Military-Grade Go-Anywhere Defense Vehicle Reporting Soon For Duty

One very true test of any vehicle are the daily trials and tribulations of a military division. Suspension, frame and technical ability need to be top-notch, as the dire situations of combat and routine patrol demand precision as well as automotive protection. We have recently learned here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis that Kia has plans to produce an off-roading vehicle which is slated to report for combat in South Korea. It may also end up exploring the vast wilderness and prime recreation destinations right here in the States.

Kia's military vehicle is currently in developmental stages and is generally described as an open-top all-terrain vehicle. The frame is borrowed from the Mojave after its thorough update last year, which bears similarity to the V8-powered Borrego introduced in the States in 2009. Detailed renderings have just been released; it looks like a tall and boxy squad vehicle with the ability to thoroughly protect and serve wherever it may be dispatched. What is learned from this ATV's development will be used in the engineering and design of Kia's civilian consumer lineup.

This still-unnamed truck is likely going to provide a source of inspiration for many different industries, including the very lucrative leisure vehicle category. Similar inspiration occurred when the Humvee transformed into the Hummer. The first ATV Prototypes will be ready for use in 2021, and production will begin by the mid-2020s. There are also plans to be the contractor for the development of the 2.5 and 5-ton bulletproof trucks for the South Korean military, which would ride on a standard platform and source power from a 7.0-liter turbodiesel engine.

Electric powertrains, hydrogen fuel cells and self-driving technology will be instrumental in the creation and optimization of military-grade models. Maneuverability, ability to easily ford rushing water and ground clearance are all necessary qualities for any vehicle that may experience combat. Transport and control duties have the characteristic of sometimes doling out very unexpected events, and unfortunately, they can prove to be life-threatening. The electrification of these vehicles that we will soon see will offer many benefits, as they would be quieter while carrying out stealth operations and would also create a lower thermal watch field. 

Added technology such as OnStar makes top-secret communication and navigational help easily accessible; a dire need when traversing on unfamiliar soil. The civilian form of this vehicle would be a sheer blast in a demanding off-road environment, offering hefty utility and a true sense of the ability to conquer any hazard standing in the way!