Exclusive: Kia Track’ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul “family” Car News and Review

Expect the next Soul to look something like the Track’ster, with Kia deploying more than one variant.

Kia’s Track’ster Concept is one of the big hits of the Chicago Auto Show, one of the rare concepts that just screams, “Build me!” But after a thorough interrogation of Kia’s PR team and an interview with design chief Peter Schreyer, we realize that’s just wishful thinking. We do, however, expect the next Soul to look something like the Track’ster, with Kia deploying more than one variant when the second generation appears in a few years.

“If the Soul were to evolve into a family, it would be nice,” Schreyer told us.

Kia spokesman Scott McKee repeatedly said the Track’ster was just a concept and not intended to be production feasible, entirely the while issuing the standard auto company disclaimer, “Every concept car we do is around gathering information from consumers and media.”

One of the big pieces of information Kia is likely looking for is whether performance cars from Kia would play with the notoriously cliquish enthusiast community. Even more importantly, however, Kia will be gauging interest in extra body styles for the Soul. Schreyer said he thinks the Soul would be “more substantial” if it were also offered in a two-door version, or in a more performance-oriented flavor. All-wheel drive is a feature Schreyer also specifically mentioned as being on his wish list.