2011 Detroit Auto Show Kia KV7 Concept

Auto Car | 2011 Detroit Auto Show Kia KV7 Concept | SEOUL, South Korea — Kia Motors has announced that it will introduce its KV7 concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show on January 10. The crossover/minivan concept is notable for a set of rear gullwing doors and 360-degree-swiveling rear seats.

The KV7 has a high roof and CUV-style appearance that Kia calls "convention challenging." The company says the concept previews a production KV7, which of course won't have the gullwing doors.

In addition to side gullwing doors, it has 360-degree swiveling side seats.Kia module build a creation version inferior the gullwing doors.

SEOUL, South Korea Kia Motors has announced that it module inform its KV7 construct at the 2011 city Auto Show on Jan 10. The crossover/minivan construct is notable for a ordered of side gullwing doors and 360-degree-swiveling side seats.
The KV7 has a broad roof and CUV-style attendance that Kia calls "convention challenging." The company says the construct previews a creation KV7, which of course won't have the gullwing doors.

Source : www.insideline.com

2005 Kia KCV4 Mojave 3.8 L DOHC 24 Valve V6 Engine

Auto Car | 2005 Kia KCV4 Mojave 3.8 L DOHC 24 Valve V6 Engine | Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) has rapidly expanded its product line-up in North America into several new segments, including the midsize SUV, large sedan and minivan categories, but today at the Chicago International Auto Show, the fastest-growing Korean car company held a world premier for something entirely different — a concept mid-size pick-up truck dubbed the KCV4 ‘Mojave.’

The first pick-up truck — concept or production — Kia has ever shown in the United States, the Mojave is specifically designed to meet the needs and tastes of North American consumers. However, due to the fact that KMC does not have a suitable manufacturing location to build a truck for North America, there are no production plans at this time.

‘The idea behind the Mojave project was to take advantage of Kia’s research and development resources and create a concept vehicle that is closely aligned with Kia’s positioning in North America,’ said Peter M. Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America. ‘Despite the fact that we do not currently have a factory with the capacity, or the location, to manufacture this truck, the Mojave is an outstanding example of what Kia is capable of delivering, and will allow us to conduct consumer research at the Chicago International Auto Show to gauge consumers’ reactions.’

The Mojave was designed at the Kia/Hyundai Research & Design Center in NamYang, South Korea, under the direction of Lee Jae-Rim, Designer and Senior Research Engineer on the Advanced Design Team at Nam Yang.

‘Our design objectives for the Mojave were unique in that we attempted to combine a forward-thinking cabin with an advanced, open and modern feel that would appeal to Generation Y consumers,’ said Mr. Lee. ‘Alternately, the exterior design combines a more traditional exterior truck profile made up of simple, basic forms that clearly communicate the rugged capability of the vehicle.’

Sized between American compact and full-size trucks, the Mojave features a sporty two-plus-two cabin with front-facing rear seats. All seating positions are easily accessible via four center-opening doors. The absence of a B-pillar enhances ingress and egress, creating a large entryway into the vehicle.

Using aircraft design as their inspiration, Mojave’s design team created an interior space that is focused around the truck’s instrumentation, including a center stack with oversized graphics for quick visual reference to instruments and running conditions, as well as controls for entertainment features such as onboard navigation and trip computers that can accommodate an add-on DVD video system.

Continuing the aircraft theme, the Mojave’s cabin features very little wasted space, with enough storage for even the most active of lifestyles. The Mojave features a removable center console storage box that can be used to haul CDs or even cold drinks to the beach, and a built-in storage bin underneath the rear seat offers waterproof , concealed storage once the adventure is over. Even the rear doors feature angled, fold-out storage bins for the use of rear-seat passengers.

Combining its advanced interior look with first class materials, all four seats are upholstered in bleached tan leather, with brushed metal accents highlighting the instrument panel and door trim.

Mojave’s traditional, simple exterior was designed to convey the concept truck’s ruggedness and ability through its basic forms, which stand in stark contrast to the more progressive interior treatment. In keeping with Kia’s plans to gauge consumer reaction to the vehicle, the design team took great care to stay away from the typically overblown exterior styling common among concept vehicles to retain a ‘real world’ appearance.

Whether it’s cruising around town or loading up a team of longboards for a weekend surfing expedition, the Mojave is designed to meet the every-day needs of its driver and passengers, while also serving as an excellent companion for even the most active of lifestyles.

A key design feature is the Mojave’s ability to stretch its rear bed into the passenger cabin at the touch of a button. After manually raising the rear glass and folding down the rear seats, the power-operated rear wall quickly slides forward to extend the bed from 71 inches to 86 inches in length — enough room to fit a 4×8 sheet of plywood — making even a larger-than-normal load from Home Depot easy to deliver. The extended bed position also provides built-in protection from forward-sliding cargo due to the design of the folded rear seat back.

Another thoughtful feature is a specially-designed tailgate that creates a flush extended load floor when folded flat, eliminating the gap between load-floor and dropped gate found in other pick-up trucks, and making the removal of heavy or rolling items much easier. The use of a ‘notched’ tailgate, as well as distinct vertical LED brake lights and reverse lamps, provides the Mojave with one of the more unique rear fascias among pick-up trucks.

Extra storage space for smaller items is handled with the provision of storage spaces inside the truck bed behind each wheel well.

The Mojave was engineered and designed in alignment with Kia’s reputation for offering the highest-value vehicles in each segment where the company competes, as well as fulfilling segment-leading levels of quality and safety in the company’s newest generation of vehicles.

At 130 inches, the Mojave’s wheelbase is considerably longer than the Kia Sorento platform on which it is based. The concept truck boasts a 3.8-liter, DOHC 24-valve V6 putting out an estimated 280 horsepower, coupled with a 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

The fully-boxed ladder frame with nine cross members provides a rugged foundation for the body-on-frame vehicle, supported by double-wishbone, coil-over-shock front independent suspension, and a five-link rigid rear axle with coil springs and level-control. Front and rear suspensions are augmented by stabilizer bars and gas-pressure shocks.

The Mojave uses power-assisted rack and pinion steering that was engineered to be capable of working with a hydraulically-controlled rear steering system that would provide maximum maneuverability while parking (counter-steer), and additional stability during lane changes or in heavy cross winds on the highway (same-phase steer). When called on to stop, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBS) and brake assist help the driver come to a smooth, controlled stop. The final piece of the handling equation is an aggressive tire and wheel package that includes 20-inch sport tires on 20-inch machine-finished wheels.

Source : www.distrocars.com

2006 Kia Sandstorm - LA Design Challenge

Auto Car | 2006 Kia Sandstorm - LA Design Challenge | This buggy will take any beach bum or shoobie from zero to sunny in no time at all with towels in the trunk, a buddy to the right and a boat or longboard in tow…

A biodiesel electric plug-in hybrid with a NiMH, fully recyclable battery, this vehicle is so environmentally friendly that you might ask it to pass the shades and SPF.

The vehicle’s barbecue-friendly storage with a solar-powered cooling feature will keep the burgers cool and the beverages at a tongue-pleasing temp all day long. And, nobody will be able to talk trash about the passengers in this vehicle because of its built-in, detachable recycling bins.

For eco-fashionistas that want it in red, instead, just recycle the Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) panels for new ones in a favorite shade. And whether the top is up or down, green living has never been so sporty.

When the sun has set, the next course of adventure takes place in California’s commuter lanes where one can hang 10, 20 or even 55 miles per hour getting you back to the yurt in no time at all securely enclosed in a hydroformed aluminum safety cage.

The Kia Sandstorm allows its drivers to feel the renewable energy – their own.

Source : gt-cars.narod.ru

2006 Kia Sidewinder - LA Auto Show Design Challenge

Auto Car | 2006 Kia Sidewinder - LA Auto Show Design Challenge | The Kia Sidewinder was one of the entrants into the 2006 Los Angeles Auto show's 'LA Adventure' design competition. A competition in which the participants chose an activity available in the southern California area, and then designed a vehicle for that purpose.

Kia Sidewinder is a two-seat, lean, mean and drifting car. This environmentally-responsible car would surely grab the most attention while carving lines sideways through the race course. The Sidewinder’s power comes from a compressed natural gas turbine, which feeds electricity to a series of in-wheel, high torque, electric motors. Because Los Ange les was the scene of the first officially-sanctioned American drifting event Kia chose drift racing as its theme for the “LA Adventure “

Designer: Marc Mainville
Designed at the Kia America Design Center by Marc Mainville, the Kia Sidewinder concept is intended as an environmentally friendly vehicle for drift-racing, a California adventure because Los Angeles was the scene of the first officially sanctioned American drifting event.

Power for the Kia Sidewinder comes from a compressed natural gas turbine, which supplies electricity to a series of in-wheel, high torque, electric motors.

Source : www.diseno-art.com

2006 Kia Soul Concept

Auto Car | 2006 Kia Soul Concept | Kia Motors America (KMA) will add another vehicle to its line-up in 2008, the Soul crossover utility vehicle (CUV). Announced at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit that it will become a production vehicle, the Soul was originally unveiled as a concept car during the 2006 Detroit show. A collaborative effort between Kia’s design studio in California and design studio in Korea, it will go on sale at the end of 2008.

“The Soul’s aggressive and youthful styling is raising the bar for vehicles in its segment, and we are excited that it will be joining the ever-expanding Kia line-up in 2008,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “The flexibility, function and utility this vehicle provides, as well as its dynamic appearance, further demonstrate Kia’s commitment to producing vehicles that create passion with consumers.”

The architecture of the Soul’s stance is reflective of its sporting and confident character. A wrap-around windshield, muscular wheel flares, stylish front headlamps and a sloped roofline help convey Soul’s athletic appearance, which is geared toward satisfying customers with an active lifestyle. The Soul’s exterior exudes an athletic presence, while several design cues lend a svelte, edgy look indicative of urban attitude.

Atop the sloped roofline is an automatic panoramic sun/moon roof. The front section of the panoramic roof slides backward and fits over of the rear section allowing for open-air driving with unobstructed views for both front and rear passengers. Also up top are roof racks integrated into the Soul’s design with rails for sliding objects forward and backward.

A symmetrical combination headlight design incorporates the headlamps and grille opening in a functional layout, while the front brush guard with integrated fog lamps is functional and helps convey the Soul’s SUV toughness. Side vents add some character while helping to cool the engine compartment.

The Soul’s side panel construction was designed with safety in mind and is strong enough to allow “freestyle” passenger doors (rear-hinged in back) that, when opened, reveal the lack of a B pillar, which makes for easier ingress and egress. High taillight placement lends to a contemporary look but also to better visibility and safety for occupants.

A rear brush guard smoothly envelopes the license plate underneath a power lift gate activated by the key fob. And the rear lift gate includes a unique backpack compartment that can be configured to accommodate an individual’s active lifestyle needs; it folds out like a mail slot for wet or muddy items such as a wetsuit and hiking shoes, or even a skateboard depending on its configuration.

The Soul’s interior was inspired by high-quality audio equipment, with the front dash designed around the front audio speakers rather than the other way around. Soul’s premium audio system will please music lovers and the speakers are strategically located at the best positions to maximize audio performance and sound quality.

Furthering the multimedia entertainment system is a notebook computer with a multi-purpose video game monitor housed in the glove compartment area. The notebook sits on a tray that swings outward when the vehicle is stationary and becomes accessible to either the passenger or driver seating positions. The multimedia system includes Blue-tooth and MP3 technology as well as multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi and telematics. Video monitors that fold up and out airline style from the center console, which runs the length of the cabin, are available for rear seat passengers’ entertainment.

Cabin ambiance is accentuated by upscale interior lighting. Instead of a typical dome light there is a lighting element surrounding each panoramic sun/moon roof. The same lighting technique is used in the door trim and is reminiscent of limousine interior lighting, adding to the Soul’s urban, social feel.

The Soul’s shape promises lots of interior space relative to its footprint; though small on the outside, the Soul is big inside with practical interior room and a reconfigurable cargo space. Two semi-bucket seats in front comfort the driver and front passenger, while flat-folding rear seats create even more storage space when desired.

The front-drive Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. The powerplant is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and adaptive cruise control for active driver control and convenience.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

2007 Kia Kue Concept

Auto Car | 2007 Kia Kue Concept | Kia Motors America (KMA) has unveiled the all-new Kia Kue crossover concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, USA. The V8-powered, all-wheel drive, high performance Kue is designed to deliver an exhilarating drive, in and out of town, on- and off-road.

The 4.7-metre long Kia Kue employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a great Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) to a new level, namely performance. Kue is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing many SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience – on the open road and on the way to the DIY centre – rather than on how much it can carry.

The Kia Kue has a monocoque platform that sits on giant 22-inch diameter wheels with a 2,900 mm wheelbase, packaged into an overall length of 4,724 mm. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors.

On the inside, Kue continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-seater interior arrangement and individual 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 functions. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust systems such as audio and climate control. The entire touch-pad set up 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 colour palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital elements of the interior design of Kue and they create a luxury 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 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 bhp DOHC, supercharged 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine that manages 400 lb ft (542 Nm) of torque, Kue is a true high 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.

Source : www.supercars.net

2007 Kia Kee Concept

Auto Car | 2007 Kia Kee Concept | The World Premiere of the all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany is a landmark moment in the Kia Motor Corporation´s evolution into a major global automotive company.

The Kia Kee (pronounced ´key´) is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.

Designed in Europe, under the guidance of Kia´s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the sports coupe concept is named Kee for several reasons. "Kee refers to the English word ´key´ as the coupe embodies design elements which will become essential to the future ´look´ of Kia vehicles," explains Schreyer. "The coupe also represents the ´key´ which will open the door to success for our brand and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word ´Ki´ - the cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy."

Kia Kee features a broad stance and a low profile, with unique exterior elements - the strong and powerful frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, a dynamic profile with striking greenhouse treatment and 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. Measuring 4,324 mm long, the Kia Kee is powered by a ´next generation´ Mue-II 2-litre, V-6 gasoline engine producing 200 ps, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

"More than any other car-buyer, the sports coupe enthusiast knows instinctively when a car is right," observes Schreyer. "Shape, proportion, stance and both tactile and emotional aspects all add up to a car that stirs the blood. At Frankfurt, Kia is revealing just such a car.

"The Kee is a combination of all of those elements. It is a harmonious blend of everything that sets the sports coupe apart from the more functional vehicle that must undertake a range of activities. The sports coupe is single minded. It is about driving, pure and simple. It is about appearance, performance, emotion," enthuses Schreyer.

Much more than just a svelte, exciting sports coupe concept, the new Kia Kee is also the dawn of a new design language for the Kia brand - a language that will speak to motorists across the world about the Korean company´s intention to become one of the major automotive names over the coming years.

Peter Schreyer and Kia´s Frankfurt-based design team, headed by Gregory Guillaume, set out to make the Kee a landmark car in Kia´s history. It is no coincidence that its name plays on the word ´key´ because that is how essential Kee is to the future of the Kia brand.

Kee embodies Kia´s desire to create a family of cars that will be instantly recognisable on the road and will have simple yet sophisticated appeal in dealer showrooms. Whether wide-eyed admirers of this new generation of vehicles are existing Kia customers - wise to the dramatically improved quality and traditional strong value of the current range - or entirely new audiences, they will immediately recognise a range of cars aimed at those who enjoy driving and seek the perfect machinery to deliver that experience.

"Kee communicates a design language that will be seen on all future Kia products," continued Schreyer. "This language has to be stated in certain elements of the visual representation - lines, shapes, details. And it has to be consistent and easy to understand. It must be visually strong and purposeful but capable of being transferred from this sports coupe concept to a city runabout, a family saloon, a load-lugging MPV or a go-anywhere SUV.

"It was essential Kee should consist of a rhythm of lines - controlled, clean, pure. It had to have good, classic proportions and be well balanced. This is the future for Kia design - it must display the purpose, the function whilst still being capable of delivering an emotional aspiration," added Schreyer.

With its broad stance and low profile, Kee is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe, with a simple yet distinctive outline thanks to its long sweeping bonnet, slightly lengthened cabin with striking graphic treatment, sculpted flanks and strong swage lines.

Beneath the powerful and unique appearance are a host of fine details all hinting at the car´s true purpose and harmonising to create a sophisticated design entity. Whether it is the milled aluminium B-pillar visible through the panoramic grey-tinted glass, the distinctively individual 20-inch wheels and hand-cut Continental tyres or the small touches such as the electronic micro-switch door release set into the side-window glass, the clamshell rear hatch opening supported by electronic dampers or the unique front windscreen shape that mirrors so many other details on the Kee, it is clear that this car has been lovingly created by people who care about design.

Inside - Kee looks and feels like a true sports car in which the keen driver will instantly feel comfortable and at ease. The cabin is designed for maximum focus on driving. Clustered directly ahead of the driver, the main dials and controls are simple and straightforward utilising Kia´s new standard red-orange illumination.

Behind the square-bottomed steering wheel are paddles to shift the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. Instead of a standard gear stick an ergonomically designed lever sits atop the milled aluminium centre console and requires only a nudge forward or backward to select the desired drive mode. The top of the computer mouse-like lever flips up to reveal the electronic starter button.

The design team has concentrated on producing a realistic sports coupe - not a flight of fancy. Every element of the Kia Kee design should be clear, easy to understand and to use. All the main controls are fly-by wire, but their feel in operation has been created to deliver a sense of traditional operation. For example, the toggle switches mounted on the dashboard - echoing the DNA of generations of sports cars - let drivers navigate intuitively through the interface menu of the info-media centre.

After pressing the starter button the driver will immediately recognise the throaty roar of a V6 engine. The next generation 2.7-litre MUE-II engine, produces 200 ps and will deliver instant response, enormous flexibility and scintillating performance on any kind of road.

Kee uses light-weight aluminium or plastic panels and components wherever possible in order to reduce weight and keep the emphasis on rapid and controlled progress that ensures simple fun and driving pleasure. The result is a low kerb weight with excellent balance biased towards the front of this front-wheel drive showcar to deliver neutrally safe handling. Yet Kee could be built with rear wheel drive or even all-wheel-drive allowing Kia to add to its growing range as its brand develops its reputation amongst a more exacting audience.

Salome Etienne, a member of the Kee´s interior design team, comments: "All the main interior surfaces are covered in a semi-suede microfibre material and the body-hugging sports seats use a heard-wearing but distinctive metallic-finish cloth."

Continuing the theme of real-life functionality, the rear of the 2+2 cabin is sufficiently spacious to allow two adult passengers to travel on individual seats in the back of the vehicle whenever necessary. While Kee is not intended to be a regular four-seater, Kia knows that real people have real needs and the brand has no intention of moving into the exotic sports car territory that others so amply fill. And there is even space for a useful amount of luggage!

Raphael Le Masson, from the interior design team stated: "Echoing Kia´s concern for the comfort and convenience of its customers our team sought to ensure that rear passengers will not be confronted with a problem so common in many 2+2 coupes. In Kee, when the rear clamshell hatch is raised the cabin roofliner stays fixed in place to ensure that passengers do not come into contact with the structure of the hatch when it is subsequently closed."

Exterior designer Fabien Coradin observed: "This new concept car is about passion and energy. It is not an act of reason. Buying a sports coupe is an emotional choice and that is reflected in this car. Emotion may not have been the normal reason behind most Kia purchases in the past - now the brand is changing and this car shows the potential for Kia´s future."

Uncluttered, pure and timeless in execution yet modern, effective and usable in purpose, Kee represents a new ethos for Kia. With Kee the entire design team is laying open its mind and its heart. This car stands as a clear indication of Kia´s design philosophy and how it wishes to be viewed - exciting, appealing, creative, aspirational, with products that are beautiful and yet functional, purposeful and realistic.

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, commented: "This new concept car is a starting point. It shows how we think and what we want to do - appeal to the emotional side of our audience and bring that balance of purpose and emotion into the Kia design language. With Kee we are irrevocably heading off along our chosen path…"

Kee is the first step towards a new family look for Kia vehicles underscored by a focus on distinctive design. Although Kee is primarily a concept vehicle, it is one that could easily go into production should public demand dictate. Kee lays down very clear indications of how Peter Schreyer and his design team intend future Kia vehicles should look and displays elements that its creators will transfer to future production models. Displayed as part of the strong frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, the new-style front grille will become the new face of Kia across the product range.

"Kia has given me and our design teams a fantastic opportunity," enthused Schreyer. "Seldom is a designer allowed to shape the entire personality of a brand, given a clean sheet of paper and told to create the future. Kee is the first step on the road and I am so excited about the potential this journey can create."

"Kee is our keystone to the future Kia family we want to create. There is nothing in its design that cannot easily and readily be transferred to production vehicles. There is nothing in Kee that I would not be prepared to see in future production vehicles. This car stands as a clear indication of our philosophy for vehicle design and as a clear signpost to the type of vehicles we shall be bringing to showrooms in the very near future.

"I want motorists to be able to identify Kia cars almost unconsciously. It doesn´t matter what type of vehicle they see - right across the Kia range there should be a very obvious style and image that will encourage drivers to identify with the Kia brand and instantly understand the function of the vehicle at the same time as they are admiring its lines," he added.

The new Kia Kee ultimately serves the Kia brand on a number of fronts. It is a design exercise for a sports coupe model that currently does not feature in the company´s line-up - at present no plans exist to put the Kee into immediate production, but media and public reaction will be closely monitored.

It also allows Schreyer and the entire design team to present their ideas for a family appearance and a design language, to both internal and external audiences. In this respect Kee is the first stage in an on-going process that will be refined and re-examined but will stay true to the core elements of design contained in this car.

Perhaps most importantly Kee is a simple corporate statement to global consumers and to the motoring world that Kia is a brand underpinned with quality and reliability and now on top of that comes the emotional element of distinctive design. The future for Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose, and the company´s latest show car embodies that philosophy.

"The new Kia Kee is a clear and emphatic statement that the future of the Kia brand is set to be one that will excite and surprise an entirely new audience of consumers," concluded Peter Schreyer. "In making this design departure for Kia it was essential to my thinking that our sports coupe concept is not simply a flight of fancy but represents an affordable dream for sports car lovers."

Kia Kee Concept - Technical specification

    * Length 4325 mm
    * Width 1860 mm
    * Height 1315 mm
    * Wheelbase 2675 mm
    * Tyre size 245/40 R20
    * Engine V6 2.7-litre MUE-II
    * Maximum Power 200 ps
    * Transmission Six-speed automatic

Source : www.netcarshow.com

2008 Kia Koup Concept

Auto Car | 2008 Kia Koup Concept | Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the Koup concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, 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, California, 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.

“The Kia Koup concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. “Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the Koup effectively delivers.”

First glance
Curb appeal begins with the Koup’s balanced proportions and fluid design. 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 fibre and black chrome enhanced LED lamp 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. The short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-balanced and responsive character.

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 fibre enhancements accent the Koup’s chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fibre inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo callipers’ and cross-drilled rotors.

Inside the cockpit
Conceived artfully and with graphic precision, 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 fibre accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.

Audiophiles and car enthusiasts alike will take heed of eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonising the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services, including safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings.

The Koup features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-colour trims. As a true driver’s car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colours and patterning and horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including convenient smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

Taking flight
Powered by a commanding 2.0-litre 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. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behaviour is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabiliser bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. 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.

Safety
The Koup concept features all of the standard safety features offered in Kia’s regular production vehicle lineup including six standard airbags and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC stabilises the Koup for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tyres complete the Koup’s impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the Koup’s advanced safety technology.

Source : www.motordesktop.com