Kia KOUP Concept
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Coupes, Kia, New York International Auto Show
Tags: Korean, koup
Kia just had the global debut of the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling” with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.
From the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech and pragmatic headlamps, the front fascia’s form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance. The KOUP features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED headlamp lenses.
While the KOUP’s overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with positive tension created by a “swoosh” that swoops from the “C” pillar forward, down to the “A” pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive “check mark” shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance.
No element of high-style design is missing in the KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces of glass - similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. To further the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP’s chin spoiler, headlamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
The KOUP’s interior hones in on the desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspired driving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.
Eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonize the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) also are featured.
A true driver’s car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors (concrete and black) and patterning. Horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. A convenient smart key with push button start and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters completes the package.
Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension. In keeping with the KOUP’s sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP’s impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP’s advanced safety technology.
2009 Kia Borrego Photos and Videos
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Kia, SUVs
Tags: Borrego, Detroit, Korean
The 2009 Kia Borrego was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI. The Borrego features the new 4.6L V8 engine that produces more than 400 horsepower and is capable of towing 7,500 lbs though you can opt for the 3.8L V6 that will tow a respectable 5,000 lbs.
The Borrego is the Kia Mesa Concept (from the 2005 Detroit Show) coming to fruition. With standard seating for seven, DVD navigation, a clean diesel engine option coming soon, and every safety acronym known to man, the Kia Borrego shouldn’t disappoint. The mid-size SUV Borrego will be joining the Kia lineup in summer 2008 as a 2009 Model Year vehicle.
2008 Detroit International Auto Show Preview
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, BMW, Chrysler, Concept Cars, Crossovers, Dodge, Ford, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs, Toyota
With the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) quickly approaching, we thought we would give you a quick preview of a few vehicles that will be making debuts.
Chrysler will have a trio of eco-friendly debuts: The Jeep Renegade which is a small two-seater that runs on electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery that is supplemented by a small diesel engine, the Dodge ZEO which is a two-plus-two wagon that runs solely on electricity from a lithium-ion battery, and the Chrysler ecoVoyager people mover that runs on electricity from batteries supplemented by a fuel cell.
Ford is set to unveil its next-generation F-150 pickup truck and the small crossover Verve concept.
Nissan will be introducing its Forum concept which is a next-generation family mover. Some of the innovations featured in the concept include trackless sliding doors and no pillars between the front and second row seats.
Mitsubishi will reveal a new sports-car concept derived from the infamous Evo X. The concept uses Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system and the Twin Clutch SST automated manual tranny that is used in the Lancer Evolution X. The unnamed concept is built on an aluminum space frame structure and will be powered by a turbo-diesel engine.
Both Toyota and Kia plan to unveil all-new production models. While Toyota has stayed mum on their premiere, Kia has confirmed that theirs will be a new seven-passenger SUV called the Borrego.
BMW will be introducing several vehicles, including new diesel-powered models while Mercedes-Benz will be premiering a small luxury SUV concept.
Kia KND-4 Concept Video and Photos
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Kia, SUVs
Tags: compact, KND-4, Korean
Watch the video of Kia’s North American debut of their KND-4 Concept at the 2007 LA Auto Show and let us know what you think of the futuristic look of Kia’s SUV lineup.
Watch the Kia KND-4 Concept Video on YouTube.
The Kia KND-4 Concept Video is also available on Roadfly.
Kia KND-4 Concept SUV: The Future Is Now
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Kia, SUVs
Tags: KND-4
Kia provided a glimpse into next generation Kia designs when they unveiled the KND-4 Concept SUV at the 2007 LA Auto Show. Having made its world debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April, the KND-4 concept was specifically designed to provide an idea of what next-generation Kia compact SUVs will be like. Conceived at the Kia Design Center in Korea, the new concept exhibits a powerful and strong character that corresponds with Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling.”
Video: Kia Kue Concept Car from Detroit
Filed under: Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Crossovers, Detroit Auto Show, Kia
This new concept vehicle from Kia is designed for the driver. The Kia Kue has many characteristics of an SUV except the Kue isn’t about how much it can haul, but instead the exhilaration of the driving experience.
Video of the brand new Kia Kue Concept
Kia Kue Concept Debuts At NAIAS
Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossovers, Detroit Auto Show, Kia
The Kia Kue employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a CUV to a new level, namely performance. Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement center than on how much it can haul.
The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tires with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors.
With its four wheels pushed to the corners and exterior skin tautly stretched over its underpinnings, the Kue sits powerful and poised. Draped muscular wheel flares play a nice contrast to crisp beveled sections found elsewhere on the body. Swept back headlights connect to the front grille to create a clean, aggressive down-road appearance. The side window shape flows effortlessly into the rear backlight where two centerline hinging doors open to access rear storage. A single side door that incorporates a negative skive shape opens scissor style for easy ingress and egress.
On the inside Kue continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-passenger seating arrangement and custom-built bucket seats, Kue is a vehicle both driver and passengers can enjoy. A technology-driven interface designed to adjust to driver and passenger preference is the focus of the interior functionality. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust things like audio and climate, and the entire system is programmable so that one surface may activate the stereo for one driver and temperature for another. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface.
The generation-next functionality of the interior is complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials and a modern color palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital components to the interior design of Kue, and they create an upscale feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars. Overall, the Kue interior presents a new perspective of upscale function with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction.
Just as inviting is Kue’s appeal to be driven in a sporty fashion. Fitted with a 400-horsepower, DOHC, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that twists out 400 lb-ft of torque, Kue is a true performance vehicle. Helping the driver harness all that power is a full-time all wheel drive system yielding predictable driving characteristics both on- and off-road.
2007 Kia Amanti
Filed under: Auto Shows, Kia, Los Angeles Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons
The 2007 Amanti is the flagship model for Kia. Amanti continues with the unique combination of luxury, style, performance and value that helped it earn the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Award in the mid-size sedan segment. The Amanti has impressed many since its introduction and Kia continues to enhance its flagship sedan, most notably with a new, 3.8-liter aluminum engine providing 264 horsepower, a lighter platform with modified suspension and significant exterior and interior styling upgrades.
Various all-new features also were added to the 2007 Amanti. Among them 17-inch wheels available in chrome finish and optional power adjustable pedals for increased comfort while driving.
In addition to the larger 3.8-liter engine and upgraded suspension and styling, a host of amenities have been strategically packaged into the vehicle, increasing Amanti’s value even more. Standard features include eight airbags, dual zone automatic temperature control, power front seats with power four-way lumbar setting for driver’s seat and front active headrests.
Improved Handling and Performance
The Amanti’s all-new, 3.8-liter aluminum DOHC V6 engine delivers 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 32-percent increase in power over its predecessor. This new powerplant, coupled with the five-speed automatic Sportmatic(TM) transmission, delivers improved fuel economy while outperforming competitive V6 engines from the Buick Lucerne, Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Ford 500 and Chrysler 300.
A lighter platform (251 pounds lighter than the previous Amanti) with a modified suspension delivers improved handling performance while retaining good ride comfort, and a precise power rack-and-pinion steering system provides direct road surface feedback to the driver. Credit the Amanti’s smooth ride to its fully independent suspension, featuring gas pressurized shocks, a front double wishbone and rear multi-link setup that provides dynamic characteristics most commonly associated with high-end luxury cars.
Contemporary and Upscale Redesigned Exterior
Significant exterior styling changes to the 2007 Amanti make for an upscale sedan that adds elements of sportiness. Redesigned areas include the hood, front grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, trunk deck lid, tail lamps, dual exhaust outlets and rear quarter panels, which combined yield a bold, eye-catching look.
Luxury Interior Styling, Comfort and Convenience
Building on the sedan’s stylish exterior, Amanti also adds considerable styling changes by continuing the same flowing lines and gently curved surfaces to the interior. Within the 106 cubic feet of passenger space, passengers are enveloped in a luxurious blend of rich materials and natural forms. Standard chrome interior door handles, wood trim and a leather-covered armrest add refined value and contribute to the overall upscale feel. Thanks to intelligent use of its 58.5 inches in height and 110.2-inch wheelbase, the Amanti offers 40 inches of front headroom and 44.5 inches of front legroom.
The cargo area also has ample storage capacity — 15.9 cubic feet — enough room for up to four sets of golf clubs. The high opening angle of the trunk lid is controlled by gas-assisted struts that protect cargo, and an available luggage net restrains lighter items from rolling around in the trunk.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio remote controls and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® are among many standard features found on the 2007 Amanti, while new sporty white-blue interior illumination enhances interior ambiance.
Additional standard equipment includes an AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system with six speakers, one-touch up-and-down power windows, power door locks with keyless remote, heated mirrors, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power front passenger seat, as well as a full-size spare tire, power sunroof with sliding sunshade and variable intermittent front wipers.
Safety in Abundance
A safety leader, the Amanti has more standard airbags (eight) than any other vehicle in its segment, including dual front advanced airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The 2007 Amanti also adds standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to its extensive list of standard safety features.
Other standard safety features include four anti-pinch windows — which sense obstructions and automatically roll down — height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones. On the active safety front, Amanti features a standard four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), which apportions braking force front and rear according to the vehicle’s load distribution.
Electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist are available in the affordably-priced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) package, which helps control the vehicle in the event of a severe stop, applying the brakes to individual wheels while reducing engine power to help bring the vehicle safely back on its intended course.
Packaged Options
The 2007 Amanti offers several option packages. The Leather Package includes leather seat trim, memory setting for driver’s seat and outside mirrors, heated front seats, an Infinity AM/FM/CDC audio system with nine speakers, a four-inch monitor with trip computer and power adjustable pedals. The new Premium Package requires the Leather Package and adds exclusive black interior color, Supervision meter cluster, aluminum interior trim and 17-inch tires with chrome wheels. The new Wheel Package consists of 235/55R17 tires and machined alloy wheels. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Package includes electronic stability control and brake assist.
Standard Warranty
Like all Kia models, the Amanti is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the coverage program.
