Any elite athlete will admit it’s a long, lonely
road to the top and triathletes know that better than anyone else. All-night
runs, bike rides across remote country and swims through dark waters make
training for a triathlon a truly isolating experience. Kia’s autonomous Niro
Triathlon offers refuge in a cabin designed to relax and recharge while also
providing top-notch training and safety equipment.
Custom built by the master craftsmen at LGE-CTS
Motorsports, the 2017 Niro hybrid has been transformed into a true
crossover-utility lifestyle vehicle. Removal of the roof from the D-pillars
back creates a small bed and allows for the custom bike rack, tool box and
tablet computer mount. The Felt IA 2 road-racing bike can be easily removed or
locked in place for repairs or transport.
The ONEU safety laser bike lane light mounted to the
rear illuminates a laser LED road behind the vehicle and the athlete can easily
monitor speed, time and distance covered via the tablet while the Niro autonomously
keeps pace. The tablet can also be attached inside the vehicle for
entertainment or performance analysis while the Niro effortlessly drives the
athlete home or to the next competition. Riding on a 2-inch lowered suspension,
the Niro Triathlete is shod with 265/35R-18 Dunlop Direzza sport tires and
lightweight 18-inch Method Rally Race wheels.
Removal of the passenger-side B-pillar facilitates
easy entry into a cabin designed for comfort and efficiency. The back door has
been modified to open on a rear-pivot hinge while the front door has been
redesigned to open wider than a stock Niro, allowing the doors to open a full
90 degrees. With no reason to drive, the athlete is cosseted in an
ultra-comfortable Human Touch zero gravity ergonomic reclining chair. Numerous
custom cabinets hold essential supplies, attire and parts, and a portable
shower allows for a quick post-race clean-up.
