Kia's Got 6 Hot Supercars To Its Name. Sort Of

After a decade of slowly rising its stock, Kia has taken the bold step of showing off a whole range of new super cars, with the emphasis on super. We're not talking about V8, RWD monsters like the Kia GT, but something a little more special...

As part of the DC Comics "We Can Be Heroes" charity campaign, Kia dressed up five of their ordinary road models as Justice League characters for the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas, with a sixth revealed this week at the Chicago Auto Show.

Kia Rio (Aquaman)

With strong eco-friendly credentials, the Kia Rio was the obvious choice for eco-warrior Aquaman - though the green and yellow leather and suede interior might bring a tear to the environmentalist's eye. Custom paint, 20 inch wheels and all-over exterior lighting bring the illusion of the Justice League's oceanic expert, but there seems to be no on-board fish communication device.

Kia Forte (Cyborg)

Probably the least known Justice League member, Cyborg is half man and half machine. The Kia Forte (the non-European equivalent of the c'eed) is the base for the Cyborg car, with an unsubtle, angular bodykit representing Cyborg's implants. Aside from the mechanical eye - masquerading as a throttle body - peeking out from the hood scoop, the Cyborg Forte has a tablet PC in the centre console as a nod to his ability to plug in to any electronic device.

Kia Forte Coupe (Flash)

With speed as the Flash's natural attribute, one of the few recent racing Kias (in the US Grand Am series) was chosen as for his automotive alter-ego. The Forte's also been lowered on coilovers, but with those rose-tinted windows there's likely to be a massive accident at a set of traffic lights, so the Flash is probably better off running.

Kia Soul (Green Lantern)

We're not entirely sure what Green Lantern has done to deserve this - okay, the Ryan Reynolds film wasn't great - but it's quite unlikely the man who travels everywhere in a green bubble would consider downgrading to a Kia Soul. Still, the boot space has its very own Lantern inside for charging up his ring and an etched copy of his oath in case he forgets it.

Kia Optima (Batman)

A step down from the Tumbler or the Murcielago it may be, but the Batman Optima is imposing if nothing else. In various shades of gloss and matte black the car at least looks the part - and there's a utility centre console as belt backup. The Dark Knight would probably be the happiest hero with what Kia have offered here.

Kia Optima Hybrid (Superman)

Where Batman's Optima is striking, Superman's is just nasty. We're not wholly sure which of Superman's attributes this Optima is supposed to represent, but it's certainly neither faster than a speeding bullet nor capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound. Perhaps the lithium ion batteries get angry when exposed to red Kryptonite - though being exposed to the car might make Clark Kent lose his cool all by itself.

Two further cars have yet to be revealed, one based on Wonder Woman and the other of the entire ensemble cast of the Justice League. All eight cars will be auctioned off in aid of the charity.

Anyone got any better ideas for superhero-themed cars? Hit the comments.