The first of eight one-off exercises to be themed around members of DC Entertainment’s Justice League made its debut earlier this week at the Time Warner Center in New York City. Based on a 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited, this sinister Batman-specific exercise was the result of a collaborative effort between Kia Motors America, Rides Magazine and DC Entertainment. Like other future vehicles destined to join this exclusive fleet, it will be used initially to raise awareness of DC’s "We Can Be Heroes" charitable organization that works to fight hunger in the Horn of Africa and later auctioned to raise funds that will go to directly support the effort.
The design of this particular "Batmobile" was inspired by DC Comics art legend, Jim Lee. Its matte-black/piano black paint scheme adds a stylishly sinister look to the exterior, which also features a custom batwing-style grille, full ground-effects body kit, 20-inch black alloy wheels, yellow LED accent lights and HID headlamps with a bat signal etched into their lenses. Hardware changes include a custom coil-over suspension that also radically lowers the car’s ride height, huge Ksport performance brakes, and a free-flowing exhaust system for the Optima SX Limited’s 274-horsepower turbocharged engine. Inside, the Caped Crusader’s fantasy flyer boasts black leather and suede upholstery with yellow stitching along with a supply of throwing stars conveniently mounted in the center console. Popping the decklid reveals a complete Bat suit and cowl.
"The Optima is our best-selling vehicle and has played a significant role in Kia becoming one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the U.S. over the last five years," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, KMA. It’s the perfect platform to introduce our partnership with DC Entertainment and the Justice League to benefit the ‘We Can Be Heroes’ campaign."
During the course of the automaker’s 10-month partnership with DC Entertainment, other hero-focused custom Kias will be created for Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. They are slated to appear at a number of other national gathering from the Detroit Auto Show to the Comic-Con Convention in San Diego.
