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.
Hyundai Goes Upscale: The 2009 Genesis Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Hyundai, Sedans/Saloons
Tags: Detroit, Genesis, Korean
Check out our video of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and let us know if you think the Genesis can hold its own against the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or the Lexus GS line.
Click here for more on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis.
2009 Hyundai Genesis Introduced
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Hyundai, Sedans/Saloons
Tags: Detroit, Genesis, Korean
Hyundai aimed to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, and they succeeded. With capabilities and features comparable to the world’s leading premium sports sedans, Genesis will arrive at Hyundai dealerships this summer.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. The Tau will produce an estimated 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded leading all competitors in specific output with 79.5 to 81.0 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.
Genesis also delivers spirited performance through its two V6 options — all-aluminum 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engines that deliver an estimated 268 horsepower and 233 lb-ft. of torque and an estimated 290 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. To maximize the power spread, the engines utilize Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake and exhaust cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engines use an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and feature timing chains with no scheduled maintenance. Even with their impressive output, all Genesis engines are also environmentally friendly, with all three achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification levels.
Both Genesis V6 engines use an Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide spread of ratios that ideally suit both engine’s characteristics including a tall-overdrive sixth gear for quiet, efficient highway cruising. Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use. The Tau V8 Genesis is mated with an enhanced, high-output ZF 6-speed transmission to handle the added horsepower and torque.
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Genesis buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.
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.
Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe Photos
Filed under: 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Hyundai, Sports Coupes
Tags: Genesis, Korean
Hyundai’s sexy, rear-wheel-drive Concept Genesis sports coupe was introduced at the 2007 LA Auto Show. Browse the photos and let us know if the Genesis Concept will be Hyundai’s version of the Acura Type-R for tuners.
Click here to watch the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe Unveiling Video.
Click here for more information on the Concept Genesis Coupe.
