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Showing posts with label Kia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kia. Show all posts

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Others @ Frankfurt

After we featured the biggies from Frankfurt like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen, it's time to see what some other automakers showed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Here goes:

- 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir: This is not the production MiTo GTA hot-hatch, but it's actually close. This Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde 1.4 MultiAir may look like any MiTo, but Alfa say this will set the foundation of small turbocharged compact hatchbacks. So, what this is MiTo good at? The Quadrifoglio Verde basically gives the MiTo a sporty outfit, which is a pack of 17" satin titanium-finished wheels, darkened headlights and mirrors, sporty interior with bucket seats, and Alfa's latest DNA suspension controls. On the technical side, the 1.4 MultiAir engine, which in essence, is a turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder engine, that makes 170 hp. Alfa Romeo showrooms will be recieving MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde editions soon.
- 2010 Aston Martin Rapide: It's finally, in its final production form - the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. As Aston have promised, the 2010 Rapide looks like the concept we saw back in 2006. So, is still looks like a 4-door DB9, which is actually a good thing. This Rapide is not just a looker though; it's a full-on sports-sedan. Therefore, it packs a hand-built 470 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque 6.0L V12, and it has a 750 liters of luggage space when the seats are folded. While the driver has a 6-speed Touchtronic transmission tp play with, the rear-seats are offered with indiviual tv screens. In essence, this is a pure Aston supercar, that will easily handle a family roadtrip; just like that new Porsche Panamera. First deliveries of the Aston Martin Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin's 125 dealership network.
- 2011 Bentley Mulsanne: It's the all-new Grand Bentley, or at least that's what we knew it. Among Bentley's exciting line-up, where does this Mulsanne fit? Well, for starters, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is the replacement for the beloved Arnage. What's more, Bentley say that this Mulsanne is a classic revival of the 1930 Bentley 8-Liter. Most notable design cue are the quad LED headlights that echo the classic 8-Liter, and the whole style showcases some Bentley heritage, with newly modern design. Same theory goes to the interior as well. Because, where the dashboard features the classic glossy wood, it also has a 14-speaker audio system, and other high-tech luxury equipment. Under that long hood, sits the grand-old 6¾L V8 engine, which was originally used in the 1968 Rolls Royce Phantom. However, with new modern twin-turbochargers, and a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne gets 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque; and all that power is going to the rear-wheels only. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne will hit showrooms in mid 2010, with prices start at around $300,000.
-2010 Brabus E V12: For anyone who haven't heard of Brabus, they are those crazy German tuning company, specialized for cranking-up Mercedes', and can tune-up a C-Class up to 730 hp! This time around, Brabus got their hands on the new E-Class, and look what they have done to it: full aerodynamic bodykit, with a rear-spoiler and Speed Spads rocker panel for the rear-wheels, matte-black paint on every exterior panel, lowered suspension, and oh, a twin-turbocharged 6.3L V12. Numbers don't get better than this - 800 hp and 1,047 lb-ft of torque; with an electronic torque-limiter, there's still 811 lb-ft of torque to play with. Acceleration too, is way beyond any production super sedan, and even hyper-cars! 60 mph comes in 3.7 seconds, 125 mph in just 9.9 seconds, and 186 mph comes at 23.9 seconds. Top speed? That's 230 mph! However, Brabus say that for tire safety reasons, it's better not to go any faster than 217 mph on public roads. So yes, Brabus are some crazy German auto-tuning company! It's probably you'll never see an E V12, simply because it will be limited to only 10 units, with pricing going for 498,000 Euros.
- 2009 Bugatti Galibier Concept: We saw the teasers, heard the rumors, and even got some speculation renders; but non prepare this: the highly-anticipated 4-door Bugatti Galibier Concept. Though it says that it's a concept, the production version is come very soon, with the same platform, and same engine. Key features to the design, are the chrome door and front-fender panels, and 8 exhaust pipes out back. Inside, it offers 4 seats, with total luxury, wood-inserted dashboard and center console, and a LCD navigation system. The platform features all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size. The engine originally comes from the legendary Veryon, so an 8.0L W16 engine; but, instead of turbocharging, the Galibier Concept gets a two stage supercharger. No officials numbers yet, but Bugatti said that this will be the fastest production 4-door sedan in the automotive world, with a top sped of 217 mph.
- 2011 Citroen DS3: Joining the retro compact superminis from the Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500, is this DS3. It channels some of the iconic cues of the '60s DS, and also offers a wide range of paint colors. DS3 is offered with diesel and petrol engines, but top-spec DS3 comes with a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder, with 150 hp. The new DS3 will go on sale in most European markets by early 2010.
- 2009 Citroen REVOLTe Concept: This is another Citroen that also aims on retro styling, and modern technology. This REVOLTe Concept is heavily inspired by the iconic 1979 Citroen 2CV, which is sort of the first real eco-friendly car. So coming to the exterior design, the whole shape is reminiscent to the 2CV, but in a very modern design (sort of like the new Dodge Challenger). Like the original 2CV, the REVOLTe Concept is being showcased as a pure enviromental compact-city car. So it's got a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which basically can be setup on normal hybrid-drive, or run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode. No info yet on whether the REVOLTe Concept comes to production, but we might see something close in the near future.
- 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia: This will be the replacement to thebeloved F430. It's got an all-new design, a new platform, a new engine, and a new transmission. Powered by a new direct-injection 4.5L V8, which produces 570 hp and 398 lb-ft, the 458 Italia will hit 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and will go towards 202 mph. The new 458 is also supported with a new 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission. Ferrari F1 also got a new setup for the E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS systems. Coming to your near-by Ferrari dealer in 2010, as 2011 model year.
- 2009 Fiat 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari: This Fiat 500 may seem like a compact city car, but it's in fact a super hatchback. This Ferrari-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth gets Ferrari kit inside and out, like 4 exhaust pipes with Ferrari Scuderia strips, and a Ferrari F1-style racing seats with a paddle-shift transmission. Even power is uprated from the 500 Abarth; so now, the turbocharged 1.4L in-line 4-cylinder makes 180 hp. 60 mph should come in less than 7 seconds. For anyone who wants a cheap feel of a Ferrari, this 695 Abarth Tributo Ferrari will be in showrooms soon.
- 2011 Ford C-MAX: While this may look like somewhat near to the Ford iosis MAX Concept car unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it is in-fact, the production version and new Ford C-Max. This 7-seater minivan is actually based on a stretched wheel-base of the new Ford Focus. Although this C-Max offers hallmarks of comfort, space, and practicality, it still looks very sporty. In fact, the sporty-looks are supported with an all-new 1.6L in-line 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine. With turbocharging and direct-injection, Ford claim that this 1.6 will offer V6 power, with 4-cylinder economy. The Ford C-MAX will be launched in the second half of 2010, and will be the first C-Max to be sold worldwide.
- 2011 Hyundai ix35: While this ix35 is actually the replacement of the old Tucson, it's an entirly new vehicle. Compared to its predecessor, the new ix35 looks much more upscale inside-and-out. Hyundai are also trying to make some sort of trademark design; therefore, the ix35 looks like the Veracruz's smaller brother. Concerning powertrains, ix35 comes in a 166 hp 2.0L engine, or a turbocharged 1.6L in-line 4 with 170 hp. Standard equipment start with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Electronic Stability Program, Downhill Brake Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control. Hyundai revealed that the 2011 ix35 will be manufactured at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia. 2011 Hyundai ix35 will be available in dealerships beginning of 2010, with prices start at around $22,000.
- 2009 Hyundai ix-Metro Concept: Hyundai's new Global Design Team have created a concept study, which like all new concepts, is a showcase to enviromently-friendly compacts. Hyundai say that the ix-Metro offers all the practicality, robustness and versatility of a CUV in a stylishly sophisticated package. However, with a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, this gets outstanding fuel-mileage, and yet the whole cars weighs 950 kilograms, so it can be nippy as well. To benefit most space out of this small comapct, the GDT have adopted a conventional 'suicide door' configuration. ix-Metro is just a concept study, and it's to be kept as a study; so, no production here.
- 2010 Kia Sorento: This is how Kia is tackling with modern 7-seater SUVs, the new 2010 Sorento. In the looks department, Kia has went for a simple conservative look for the Sorento. So there aren't any fens or bulges sticking out of the body, which is a good thing. Kia has also went great lengths into making this new Sorento into a much better cross-over than the out-going Sorento. So now, the new Sorento is actually based on the highly-priased Hyundai Veracruz. Getting to the powertrain, engines vary from 194 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, to a high-output 3.5L V6 with 277 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento is already on sale in its home market, and Kia plans to sell 140,000 units from 2010.
- 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster: It's a convertible Lamborghini Reventon. The Reventon coupe is considered as one of the most expensive and exclusive supercars. Well, the Reventon Roadster is even more expensive, and more exclusive. The Reventon Roadster keeps the same looks as the coupe variant, and which also keeps the same structural rigidity and all-wheel-drive system. Reventon Roadster is actually powered by a 670 hp 6.5L V12 out of the 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. 60 mph comes up after 3.4 seconds, and top speed is 205 mph. Each Lamborghini Reventón Roadster will be sold for 1.1 Million Euro (without taxes), which less than 20 units will be made, and sold for "Lamborghini friends and collectors." Deliveries will begin October 2009.
- 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept: Lexus is trying to aim their new products to younger-aged buyers, to improve badge-image. So while this may be a concept for now, it will come to production plant in a few years. This Lexus LF-Ch Concept hatchback is a showcase, to what Lexus is planning to make a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3. The Lexus LF-Ch Concept features a full-on hybrid system, so that it can run on fully EV mode for some time. Despite being a hybrid, Lexus claim that the LF-Ch Concept has a sporty driving characteristics. To determine on whether the LF-Ch would go into production, Lexus is running online serveys, to see if people are having a good impression on this the new Lexus hatch.
- 2011 Maserati GranCabrio: The GranCabrio is the convertible GranTurismo. So it means that it shares the same looks as the GranTurismo, and also the same drive-train. The tractable roof is cloth, and will operate within few seconds. GranCabrio is a little heavier than GranTurismo, because Maserati had to had strengthen beams. However, GranCabrio is only offered with a 440 hp 4.7L V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GranCabrio will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and crack 184 mph. All that, plus, the beautiful Italian V8 exhaust note is directly channeled through the cabin. Maserati also claims that this is the largest 4-seater production convertible.
- 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept: This is a concept study, that Mazda say will consider in the future if fans and customers are interested. This MX-5 Superlight Concept is a speedster MX-5 Miata. So no roof, no windshield, no driver aids; plus, a total curb weight of only 940 kilograms. The MX-5 Superlight Concept tries to import those old days of the '40s - '50s Formula-One cars, but with hints of newly modern MX-5 cues. Power comes from a 1.8L in-line 4-cylinder, with 126 hp. While that might not sound as much, this is just a pure racing automobile. So it may not be super fast, but it's certainly a fun job.
2011 McLaren MP4-12C: This is a moment we have all been waiting for; an all-new McLaren. However, even McLaren say, that this MP4-12C won't be as legandary as their 240 mph F1, and won't be even a successor. The MP4-12C is in fact, a daily-driver McLaren supercar. So McLaren are getting in the mix, with a modest-looking British supercar. The interior too, is very tpical with quite supercar material, like carbon-fiber on the door instruments, center console, and dashboard, with a navigation system. Power comes with a McLaren-built twin-turbocharged 3.8L V8, packing 600 hp and driven through the rear-wheels via a McLaren 7-speed Seamless Shift dual clutch transmission (SSG). The brakes and chassis on the MP4-12C have been designed with the McLaren Formula-One team, and even shares some parts with the Formula-One car. Nonetheless, to make this McLaren a drivable supercar, the new engine is consided the most fuel-efficient engine ever. As it produces 600 hp, and actually has the lowest CO2 emission among competitors. Competition comes from Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.
- 2009 Mini Coupe Concept: While Mini say that this a concept, this Mini Coupe Concept is actually a production-capable car, and will see production next year. The Mini Coupe Concept is loosly based on a Mini Cooper hatchback, but in a new roof style, and the emulation of the rear-seats, to make this Coupe Concept a 2-seater. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 211 hp, through a 6-speed manual and a front-wheel-drive chassis. The Mini Coupe is set to be a rival to the base Audi TT.
- 2011 Peugeot RCZ: When Peugeot showcased the 308 RC Z Concept back in 2007, it wasn't taken so seriously. However now, it's here, in-full production, and it doesn't seem altered from that concept we all liked. The new RCZ coupe lives-up strong as a coupe, as it features aggressive face, wide wheel-arches, and the famous bubble roof. Peugeot mostly used the word "passion" when designing this car from inside-and-out. Even the interior looks so supercar-like, as the feeling inside is tight and only has 2-seats. However, all these impressions are not so with the drivetrain. Peugeot say that while this looks wonderful, it shouldn't be spoiled with a dangerous engine or a hard-edge driving characteristics. So, the RCZ is actually powered by a turbocharged 1.6L engine, making 200 hp, and transferring power to an all-wheel-drive chassis. Therefore, it can be easily be driven like any car on the road, and yet look one of the most exclusive. RCZ should be in European markets in mid 2010.
- 2009 Renault Fluence ZE Concept: This is not is just any Renault Fluence. This Fluence may have the concept name for now, but it is expected that the new ZE Concept will follow the Fluence's range of petrol and diesel engines soon. So what is the ZE really? You guessed it; an all-electric drive version! Renault chose the Fluence platform, as it's their benchmark mid-size sedan. Therefore, it gets all the family business done, and yet features the electric moveability. For the electric-drive, Renault have used the commonly-used Lithium-ion battery-pack, which produces 95 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. Driving-range is allowed for 100 miles, and recharging takes roughly 4 hours, but 80% of the battery is recharged within 20 minutes only. If Renault can really transfer this technology onto the real Fluennce, and with a resnoable price, we think it can be a hit.
- 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost: The production version of the Rolls-Royce 200EX, here it is, in a new Ghost name. This "baby-Rolls" is set to be more afforable than a Phantom, but yet offer pure Rolls-Royce elegance. While it's still looks like a Rolls, the Ghost is in fact, based on the new BMW 7-Series. So the Ghost might be even sporty! Nevertheless, it's powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.6L V12, developing 563 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in just 4.7 seconds with a top-speed electronically governed at 155 mph. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. For those of you wondering, the Rolls-Royce Ghost manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg. Orders have already been taken, with prices range between 200,000 and 300,000 euros. Buyers will have a choice of 12 exterior colors, each of which can be contrasted by an available Silver Satin hood.
- 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan: While this is an all-new Saab, it's in fact, the last Saab that will ever to come-out of General Motors, as Koenigsegg now has full control and ownership of Saab. The 9-5's exterior styling has been inspired by the Aero X concept car while the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model. Inside, Saab owners will feel right at home with the traditional, driver-focused cockpit that features an aircraft-inspired head-up information display. Beneath that body, lives GM's Epsilon II platform, that is shared with the Opel Insignia, and Buick LaCrosse, though the 9-5 actually has a longer wheel-base. Engines vary from diesel and petrol, though the 2010 9-5 is best with the new twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6 making 300 hp, mated to a 6-speed automatic and Haldex all-wheel drive system.
- 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: For all who live in the Middle East, know that there are two versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser; there's the original Land Cruiser, and the slightly-smaller Land Cruiser Prado. The Prado has remained since 2002 unchanged, so this 2010 is getting Toyota's latest make-up in design, and drive-trains. As usual, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force for the exterior. A reshaped front fascia and new tail-lights, make the Prado look very close to the Land Cruiser. This third-generation Toyota Prado will get Toyota's new engines. Base model should get a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, and up-scale model will get a more powerful 4.0L V6. In the Middle East, the Pardo is already on sale, with prices going around 130,000 Saudi Riyals ($34,930 U.S.D).

That's all what Frankfurt has showed us. The Motor Show was great! We would like to appologize lastly for our somewhat late coverage; we had a lot of technical issues. Lastly, down below, is a full-on picture gallery of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, provided by NetCarShow.com

Friday, August 28, 2009

New Reveal : 2010 Kia Optima

Intorduction:
We just road-tested the 2009 Hyundai Sonata, and we were quite impressed. Now, here's its new sibling, the 2010 Kia Optima. The Optima always has been based on the Sonata, and it still is. Bascially, this is a cheap-stake Sonata. However, the Sonata is already inexpensive. So, what makes the Optima different? Read below.
Exterior Design:
It's only been a year or so since Kia gave the Optima, a mid-life makeover. Nonetheless, Kia decide to refresh it again, with a new mesh grille, darkened headlights, new LED taillights, black treatment for the lower part of the rear bumper and newly designed 17-inch wheels. Compared to the Sonata, which both the same body-shell, the Optima directs a sportier look.
Interior Design:
Inside, the Optima receives an all-new interior design, which is also shared from the Sonata. Continuing with the sporty look, the 2010 Optima features a triple-pod gauge cluster, shiny-black wood, and a new multimedia system that we liked in the Sonata.
Drivetrain:
There are no mechanical upgrades on the 2010 Optima compared to last year. It gets a 163 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder as basic, and the same 179 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder in the Sonata as an option. Transmission, is a 5-speed automatic with ShiftTronic. Unlike the Sonata though, Kia offer the Optima with steering-wheel paddle shifters, which the ShiftTronic really needs. Kia also tunes the suspension to a more sportier setup as well.
Summary:
In essence, this is a re-badged Hyundai Sonata. However, it's those supple changes like the sportier character, that make this Optima different from the Sonata. Look for the 2010 Kia Optima at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales stating worldwide shortly afterwards.

Source : [Kia]

Friday, August 21, 2009

BREAKING : Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford Motor Company, becoming the world's 4th largest automaker!

In the last few years or so, the merged Hyundai and Kia have been going through a great phase of the company. Not only they are a great competition to the Japanese automakers, but recently to American automakers as well. They newly modern cars are reliable, offer lots of kit, well-priced, and also have a great warranty. So lately, they're getting what they paid for, great sales reports.
In fact, according to Automotive News Data Center, the Korean automaker have sold cars so much, that now Hyundai-Kia have overtaken Ford Motor Company (FoMoCo), and becoming the world's 4th automotive manufacturer, after Toyota, General Motors, and Volkswagen. While Ford saw a 30% decline in sales during the first half of 2009, Hyundai-Kia got to sell 8,000 more vehicles than the giant Ford.

It's funny how these Koreans at Hyundai-Kia have improved. Because just a decade ago, they were ranked as 11th largest automaker, and people didn't have any trust of them. Now, it's a totally different situation, were we all are stunted by how their new cars have become so much better. It's really a great story that teaches us, that everything we do, will pay off in the end!

Source : [Hyundai , Kia]

Friday, April 17, 2009

All 2009 New York Auto Show Reveals

Missed anything of the New York Auto Show? Well this index is here to help. All new reveals that were held in the big apple gates. The German automakers were the stars here.

Here's the list:

Acura:
1) 2009 Acura ZDX Concept

BMW:
1) 2010 BMW X5 M
2) 2010 BMW X6 M
3) 2010 BMW 760Li

Fiat:
1) 2010 Fiat 500 U.S-arrival

GMC:
1) 2010 GMC Terrain

Hyundai:
1) 2009 Hyundai Nuvis Concept

Jeep:
1) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Kia:
1) 2010 Kia Forte Koup

Land Rover:
1) 2010 Land Rover Range Rover
2) 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4
3) 2010 Lnad Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz:
1) 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
3) 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML 450 HYBRID

Mitsubishi:
1) 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Concept

Nismo:
1) 2010 Nismo-Nissan 370Z

Nissan:
1) 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Scion:
1) 2009 Scion iQ Concept

Subaru:
1) 2010 Subaru Legacy
2) 2010 Subaru Outback

Volkswagen:
1) 2010 Volkswagen GTD


As for the Car Of The Year Award, it has gone for the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI for 2009. There's also a highlight video below of the NY Auto Show from UP.TV.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

New Reveal At NY : 2010 Kia Forte Koup

Continuing its assult into the market with the 2010 Kia Sorento SUV, and now this. The 2010 Kia Forte coupe, or what Kia calls it, Koup. Based on the Forte sedan, the Forte Koup features a sleeker sheet metal, more aggressive bodykit, and a sporty engine.
From the outside, the Kia engineers presented a very neat design for the Forte Koup. We think the Forte Koup's design has a combination to variations of other sporty cars. Like the headlights resemble a Honda Civc Coupe, and the c-pillar at the back has some Audi RS4 DNA. The pronounced wheel arches and the faux rear-diffuser with chrome exhaust pipes are also unique touches as well this sleek body for the Forte Koup.
Built on the Forte sedan's front-wheel drive platform, the Koup comes with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 176.4 inches, an overall width of 69.5 inches and overall height of 55.1 inches, meaning that it's slightly shorter in length and height than the Forte sedan version.
Mechanical wise, it's shares the engines from the sedan counterpart. So the 2010 Forte Koup comes with two 4-cylinder petrol Kia engines. Base engine is a 2.0L EX, producing 156 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque. Sporty SX 2.4L, has 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque.
Both models are available with two transmission options, a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission for the 2.0L EX, and a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic for the 2.4L SX. Kia claims that the 2.0L EX will get an average fuel economy of 29.5 mpg, while the 2.4L SX at 27.5 mpg.
So this Kia Forte Koup proofs that despite the global financial recession, there's some fun in a small city coupe that has a fair bit of power, and it's completely following the modern needs. So when the 2010 Kia Forte Koup rolls showrooms later this year, a wide variety of customers will be interested.

Source : [Kia]


Sunday, April 5, 2009

New Reveal : 2009 Kia KND-5 Concept

We've just seen Kia's all-new Sorento at Seoul Motor Show. Well, here's another Kia. It's a concept sedan called KDN-5. The KDN-5 is actually a real design study case for such sedan that could hit the South Korean market as early as this fall.
Kia is heading into a new direction in terms of design. This KDN-5 really has that confident look. The shark-opening grille, the angry stretched LED headlights and taillights, and muscular body lines give it somewhat an aggressive look. The concept also features a 4-door coupe-like body style with panoramic glass roof. The designer behind this new look design, is actually who designed the all-new Sorento as well. He is Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, who was also a former head design for Audi. The interior obviously has a very modern and technological design and features. Main feature with this concept, that the advanced multi-media system connects to the internet, and presents an upcoming weather forecast.In size it is very close to the current Kia Oprius (Amanti). Length is 494 cm, width is 185 cm and height is 147cm. With that size, and heavy weight luxury material, this concept needs a 3.5L Lambda V6 engine with 277 hp to move it.

World-wide production version is expected to roll showrooms beginning of 2010.

Source : [Kia via Kia-Forum]

Saturday, April 4, 2009

New Reveal : 2010 Kia Sorento

These days, sibling companies, Kia and Hyundai, are catching up with their Japanese and European competition. Look at the high-performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and the Lexus-rival Hyundai Eqqus. Well, Kia is now tackling 7-seat crossover vehicle, with this all-new Sorento, which debuted at the Seoul Motor Show.
In the looks department, Kia has went for a simple conservative look for the Sorento. So there aren't any fens or bulges sticking out of the body, which is a good thing. Because this doesn't have to look dynamic or "just out there". It has to have a confident look, which it has. Those stretched-out headlights, Kia's trademark grille, and the rocket-like vents on the front bumper make it look very European, much like an Audi. In fact, the Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, who was behind the design of the new Sorento, was a former head design for Audi.
Kia has also went great lengths into making this new Sorento into a much better cross-over. So longer and lower, the new Sorento measures 4.7 meters or 185-in. in length and can accommodate seven passengers in three rows of seats. Kia claims that interior headroom is increased by 64 mm (to 906 mm) and legroom by 102 mm (to 795 mm) while luggage space has been increased by 15%. So the Sorento really can hold up to seven people, and still carry their things. There's also a major improvement in the interior.
Kias of old, always known for their terrible interior design, and even worse interior material used as well. This time with the new Sorento, it's different. The overall design it's actually a nice place to be; the gauge cluster features really interesting instruments, and the 3.5 inch navigation screen fits into the dashboard beautifully. As for materials used to make the dashboard, Kia claims that they've used high-quality material that is normally used on German cars. Well, we have to wait and see what owners will say about that.
The Sorento comes with whole lots of options. Depending on the model and the market, the new Sorento will be equipped with keyless entry, engine start button, reversing safety camera, built-in sat-nav and panoramic glass sunroof and a six, eight or 10-speaker audio system, with MP3 and iPod connectivity, and last but not least, leather seats. There's also variants in drive train options.
Based on the Hyundai Veracruz, the new Sorento's base platform is RWD, but there's also a 4-wheel drive system as an option. So we predict that the Sorento could a fun car to drive, specially with a strong engine. Four engine options are equipped in the Sorento. Presenting them in bullet points, they are:

*2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine, developing 194 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

*2.4L 4-cylinder petrol engine, developing 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque.

*2.7L V6 engine running on LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – developing 163 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque.

*3.5L V6 petrol engine, developing 277 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. With the all-wheel drive, this Sorento can tow trailers weighing up to 2,500 kg or 5,511 lbs.

Engine variants are mated to 5-speed and 6-speed automatic/manual transmissions.

Kia expects its new Sorento to "significantly increase Kia's share of the utility vehicle market," setting an ambitious global sales target for itself of 140,000 units from 2010. So if that's true, then the Sorento will make a fuss around the Japanese and the Europeans in the same segment. Actually, this Sorento is a surprise. Because were we used to laugh at cars like this, the Sorento turns out to be a very serious mechine.

Source : [Kia]

Saturday, March 7, 2009

All 2009 Geneva Motor Show Reveals !

Missed anything of the Geneva Motor Show? Well this index is here to help. All new reveals that were held in the Swiss gates.

Although the show was mainly about environmentally-friendly cars, there were some ultra-supercars that were exciting.

Here's the list:

Alfa Romeo:
1)2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept

Aston Martin:
1)2009 Aston Martin Lagonda Concept
2)2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante
3)2010 Aston Martin One-77
4)2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Audi:
1)2010 Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet
2)2010 Audi TT RS

Bentley:
1)2010 Bentley Continental Supersports

BMW:
1)2009 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Concept

Bugatti:
1)2009 Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire

Chevrolet:
1)2009 Chevrolet Corvette GT1 Championship Edition
2)2010 Chevrolet Spark (production)

Citroën:
1)2009 Citroën DS Inside Concept

Dacia:
1)2009 Dacia Duster Concept

Ferrari:
1)2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE
2)2010 Ferrari 599XX

Fiat:
1)2010 Fiat 500C

Ford:
1)2009 Ford Focus RS
2)2009 Ford Iosis Max Concept

Giugiaro:
1)2009 Giugiaro Frazer-Nash Namir

Honda:
1)2010 Honda Insight (EU Version)

Hyundai:
1)2009 Hyundai i20 3-door
2)2009 Hyundai ix-onic Concept

Infiniti:
1)2009 Infiniti Essence Concept

Kia:
1)2009 Kia No.3 Concept

Koenigsegg:
1)2009 Koenigsegg Quant Concept

Lamborghini:
1)2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

Magna Steyr:
1)2009 Magna Steyr Mila EV

Mansory:
1)2009 Mansory Bugatti LINEA Vincero

Mazda:
1)2010 Mazda 3 MPS
2)2010 Mazda 3 i-stop

Mercedes:
1)2010 Mecedes E-Class Coupe

Mitsubishi:
1)2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Concept

Nissan:
1)2009 Nissan Qazana Concept

Opel:
1)2012 Opel Ampera

Porsche:
1)2010 Porsche 911 GT3
2)2010 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Renault:
1)2010 Renault Clio RS 200
2)2010 Renault Megane RS 250

Rinspeed:
1)2009 Rinspeed iChange
2)2009 Rinspeed E2

Rolls-Royce:
1)2009 Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept

RUF:
1)2010 RUF eRUF Greenster

Spyker:
1)2009 Spyker C8 Aileron

Tata:
1)2009 Tata 2009 Prima Concept
2)2010 Tata Nano Europa

Vauxhall:
1)2012 Vauxhall Ampera

Volkswagen:
1)2009 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Concept
2)2010 Volkswagen Polo

Zagato:
1)2009 Zagato Perana Z-One

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

New Reveal At Geneva : 2009 Kia No.3 Concept

Kia has come up with a new concept for Geneva. They haven't bothered for a clever name, they've just called it No.3 Concept, because it's just a showcase to what future Kia MPVs will look like and feature.
With an overall length of just 4045mm (just over 13 ft.) the No 3 is maneuverable enough for congested city streets, yet it's large enough on the inside to seat four or five passengers. Kia says the No 3 provides C-segment space inside a B-segment body.
What sets the No 3 apart from the average MPV is the looks, of course. The large headlamps and unique grille shape are part of Kia's new corporate look, which scores high on the curb-recognition meter. There's more than a hint of the new Soul in it, which isn't a surprise. The windshield extends into a panoramic glass roof, creating an airy cabin. Gloss white trim stands out against the titanium paint. Large 19-inch wheels, short overhangs and exaggerated wheel arches provide a sporty look. A high-tech, high-class interior is also in place, as is properly fitting of a concept car. The No 3's high style stands as a reminder that Kias don't necessarily look as inexpensive as they are any more.
Kia doesn't have much to say about the No 3's drivetrain. This is probably because it's a design concept of a production model. The production set will debut later this year, possibly at Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

Source : [Kia]
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