The Future of Cars Blossoms at the World’s Largest Car Parts Convention

A Girls Guide To Cars | The Future Of Cars Blossoms At The World’s Largest Car Parts Convention - The Stinger As Modified By Kia Has A Custom Spoiler Wheels And Front Fenderjpg
The Stinger as modified by Kia, has a custom spoiler, wheels and front fender. Photo: Scotty Reiss

And no, the future of cars is not boring. Not at all.

With a future that promises cars that’ll drive us to work, pick us up after dinner and park themselves, all while we check Facebook and chat on the phone, the future of cars seems convenient but boring, right?

But there is one key thing that cars can’t automate: A thrilling experience.

I was Kia’s guest at SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, an enormous convention featuring car parts, equipment, tools, gear and even cars, that is held annually in Las Vegas. We were front row for some of the best the custom details the auto industry had to show.

SEMA brings 100,000 people together, from auto designers, car parts manufacturers, mechanics, dealers and enthusiasts, for a week of seeing every possible part, modification and advancement in the auto world. It’s a gear head’s dream come true.

But not for me. I’m not that girl. I don’t even change a tire, much less ‘wrench’ or modify. I leave that to designers and mechanics.

What did we think of the Kia Stinger? No spoilers here; it is impressive

Auto Brands Take a “Custom” Approach to Popular Models

A Girls Guide To Cars | The Future Of Cars Blossoms At The World’s Largest Car Parts Convention - Among The Parts Available For Modification. To Get Your Stinger Modified Dealers Must Buy The Kit From Kia
Among the parts available for modification. To get your Stinger modified, dealers must buy the kit from Kia. Photo: Scotty Reiss

I want to buy a car and drive it off the lot with all the dream features in place, while still being a unique statement about me and my discerning taste in cars and performance. What I don’t want is to spend time and money assembling that at a customization shop, suffering the added cost, a ding in the car’s value because it’s been customized and risk that the work might compromise other systems. Also, I don’t want to have to think of all that.

Luckily, auto makers like this idea too.

Meet the Stinger’s designer, Peter Schreyer, and his vision for Kia

“Factory Custom” Is the New Bespoke

A Girls Guide To Cars | The Future Of Cars Blossoms At The World’s Largest Car Parts Convention - The Stingers Interior As Modified By West Coast Customs Which Added Suede Accents And Blue Leather On The Dashboard Arm Rest And Seats
The Stinger’s interior as modified by West Coast Customs, which added suede accents and blue leather on the dashboard, arm rest and seats. Photo: Scotty Reiss

After seeing custom shops and parts manufacturers taking a new role in new cars, manufacturers decided to roll out models that make the most of both worlds: Standard elements with the opportunity to add a bit of customization. The end result is a custom-feeling car with a distinct look that is also designer-and-engineer-sanctioned, eliminating the risk of a custom job. 

Kia, like a few other automakers, realize that some buyers want a car with distinct look and feel. Buyers can take their car to a place like West Coast Customs, which collaborated with Kia to create a custom look for the Stinger. Or, you can now have it customized by the dealer with parts designed and built by Kia; dealers who purchase the kit can do the work for you.

Read more: 9 ways to keep your car clean mile after mile

Why Factory Customization is Better than DIY

A Girls Guide To Cars | The Future Of Cars Blossoms At The World’s Largest Car Parts Convention - Some Of Stingers Performance Parts Are Standard Like These Red Racing Brakes
Some of Stinger’s performance parts are standard like these red racing brakes. Photo: Scotty Reiss

Two words: Resale value. Your resale value can take a hit if your car has been modified. But if the work was done by the manufacturer — or a recognized expert like West Coast Customs— your value can be enhanced.

If the size and enthusiasm of the SEMA show is any indication, this trend is expected to continue. In fact, look for manufactures to up their game in the aftermarket for not just performance packages like the Stinger’s, but for things like new interiors, revamped engines, new technology and refreshed body parts. Because if you love your car, why not refresh it rather than replace it?

But the Big Question: How Does This Car Drive?

A Girls Guide To Cars | The Future Of Cars Blossoms At The World’s Largest Car Parts Convention - The Stinger At Kias Drift Track At Sema
The Stinger at Kia’s drift track at SEMA. Photo: Scotty Reiss

That’s easy to answer: Awesome. Kia staged a drift experience at SEMA so attendees could hop in with a pro driver and spin around skid pad. If you haven’t ever had the chance to drift, in which the car slides around in circles in controlled skids and OF COURSE should only be done by a professional, I highly recommend it. It’s a blast.

We also had the opportunity to drive a short autocross course with a professional driver. This let me floor it and see how the Stinger responded, and also, get some good coaching.

I Persicoped my experience with professional race driver Kyle Mohan and pro drive instructor Randy Olson; I hope you’ll take a look!

Kia Stinger At Sema Future Of Cars
Disclosure: I was Kia’s guest at SEMA; travel and accommodations were provided. Thrills and giggles are all my own.

Scotty Reiss
Scotty Reiss

Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers and culture. A World Car Awards juror and member of the steering committee, Scotty likes to say the automotive business found her, rather than her finding it. But recognizing the opportunity to give voice to powerful female consumers and create a voice to match their spending power, her mission became to empower women as car buyers and owners. A career-long journalist, she has written for the New York Times, Town & Country, Adweek and co-authored the book Stew Leonard, My Story, a biography of the founder of the iconic grocery company Stew Leonard’s. Her love of cars started when her father insisted she learn to change the oil in her MG Midget, but now it mostly plays out in the many road trips taken with her family.

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