This is the Kia Track’ster concept

Will Kia ever end its curious war on punctuation? We're still reeling from the full-blooded assault that is the pro-underscore-cee-apostrophe-dee, and yet now we get this, the new Track'ster concept.

Built on the Soul, it is a performance-orientated three-door coupe that wants to look like a "bulldog". Kia's words, not ours. They also reckon car enthusiasts will "salivate" on the whole dream becoming reality thing, but that's another story.

Gallery: more pics of the Kia Track'ster concept

The Track'ster concept, revealed at the Chicago auto show, is about an inch longer and five inches wider than the Soul, featuring that sloped-roof, 19in wheels, 14in Brembo brake setup and white bodywork.

Underneath, Kia has slotted in a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 250bhp - a 66 per cent increase over the production Soul - mated to a six-speed manual, sending power to all four wheels. Suspension is of the lowered variety.

Inside, the Soul's rear bench has been binned in favour of a fully-integrated equipment tray and spare tyre well. Handy, as Kia wants this concept to be a road-going track fiend.

Still, whether this'll make production is something else entirely. "Concept cars are icing on the cake," says Tom Kearns, Kia chief designer. "They allow KMA's design team to dream about what could be."

Are you pleased with ‘what could be'?