Bummer... Kia Kee Concept Crashes On Its Way To The L.A. Show

This must be a carmaker’s worst nightmare. Kia’s European penned Kee Coupe Concept was seriously damaged when it broke free of its cargo restraints inside the car transporter and smashed its front end. Important detail: the Kee Coupe Concept was on its way to the 2007 L.A. Auto Show (Nov. 13) were it would have made its North American debut. Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak said, "We had to send the car back to Italy to get repaired and there is no way it's going to make it back to the States in time for the LA show." The Kee Coupe Concept made its premier at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. You can see the image gallery along with the official press release right after the jump. -Continued

All-new Kia Kee 2+2 sports coupe concept unveiled

• New Kia Kee sports coupe concept heralds a ´new-look´ for Kia
• Uncluttered, pure and timeless execution represents new Kia ethos
• 4.3-metre long coupe powered by 200 ps V6 gasoline engine

The World Premiere of the all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany today 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 - 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

[Via: egmCarTech]

-->Read More...

Kia Koup Concept with 290Hp 2.0 Turbo Debuts in New York, Previews FWD Cee’d Based Coupe

Following the so-and-so received Kee coupe concept that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Show last September, Kia revealed a new 2door prototype at the New York Show today, called the “KOUP”. Even if the Korean automaker doesn’t say it in its official press release, a quick look at the KOUP’s specifications reveals that it is based on Euro-designed Cee’d hatch platform, with which it shares the exact same wheelbase length. Additionally, the realistically designed interior share many styling cues with Kia’s euro hatch.

The KOUP’s exterior design on the other hand looks like it was heavily inspired from… a variety of Honda and Acura models - for example the front-end is rip-off from the Euro Honda Civic hatch. It’s not that we don’t like it, but we would have appreciated a bit more of originality from Kia’s America Design Center in Irvine, California.

Under the hood, Kia has fitted the KOUP with a 2.0-liter Theta II engine paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger that delivers 290 Hp and 289 lb-ft of maximum torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed, automatic with steering-column mounted paddle shifters. Judging from the styling, platform and mechanic solutions, we’d say that the KOUP isn't too far from production… -Details and high-res image gallery after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

KIA DEBUTS KOUP CONCEPT AT 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Design Cues, Indicative of an Emotional and
Powerful Driving Experience, Reflect Brand Evolution

Distinctive "check mark" shape furthers the performance-inspired appearance

Realistic interior design makes KOUP a true driver's car

NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – 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, 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.

"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 fiber 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 fiber 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 fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers 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 fiber 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 harmonizing the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth®-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services.

The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver's car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors 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-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. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behavior 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 stabilizer 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 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC helps to stabilize the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. 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.

08 KIA KOUP CONCEPT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION/INSPIRATION

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, 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.

GENERAL

Vehicle Type	Concept vehicle
Powertrain Layout	Front engine, transverse mount
Seating Capacity	Four
Brakes	Four-wheel disc with Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors
Suspension	Front: Four-wheel independent with MacPherson struts; Rear: Independent dual link

WHEELS

Wheel Type	19-inch, twin five-spoke polished aluminum, with carbon fiber enhancements
Tire Size	245/40ZR19

ENGINE

Type	Theta II four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, twin scroll turbocharger with GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine
Horsepower	290
Torque	289 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – 4,000 rpm
Block Material	Aluminum

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission Type

Six-speed, automatic with steering-column mounted paddle shifters

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS/COLOR

Overall Length	176.5 inches/4485mm
Overall Width	72.6 inches/1845mm
Overall Height	56.2 inches/1428mm
Wheelbase	104.3 inches/2650mm
Track Width	60.5 inches/1536mm
Color	Ceramic Red

UNIQUE FEATURES

Exterior

 Smart key with push button start ignition  Prominent front- and rear-wheel arches for a strong, lowered stance. Large-diameter 19-inch wheelsLED lamp lenses  Dual-chrome exhaust tips with rear bumper diffuser  Carbon fiber enhanced headlamp lenses, chin spoiler, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, lower valence, rear bumper insert and functional diffuser

Interior

 Sophisticated interior featuring contrasting front and rear seats with Ultrasuede® and opposing colors/patterning  Horizontal, raised silicone bars occupy seat backs  Carbon fiber enhancement tilt-adjust mechanism and shifter plate  Automatic climate control air-conditioning system  Three-spoke steering wheel with audio, mobile phone and cruise controls  Steering column-integrated paddle shifters  Juke box audio system with eight speakers, including two large rear deck speakers  Built-in Bluetooth®-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD)  Leather material center console with armrest and storage compartment  Neoprene flooring

Safety

 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)  Continuous Damping Control (CDC)  ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)  Traction Control System (TCS)  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)  Adaptive front lighting

-->Read More...

Live Photos of Kia's KND-5 Mid-Size Sedan Concept from Seoul Show

This near-production concept car is the Kia KND-5 and it made its world premiere alongside the new 7-seater Sorento CUV at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. Boasting an aggressive four-door coupe styling in the likes of Volkswagen's Passat CC (the reference to VW's model was not by chance...), the KND-5 give us a pretty good idea of what the production version that's scheduled to debut in Korea in late 2009, and most likely, in other markets including North America and Europe, in 2010, will look like.

The KND-5 measures 4,945mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,475mm high with a wheelbase of 2,845mm, meaning that it is roughly the same size as the firm's Amanti sedan which is known in many markets as the Opirus. Power is provided by Hyundai group's 3.5-liter V6 Lambda gasoline engine that produces, depending on the model, between 275 and 310HP.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, International Business Division, said, "The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia's futuristic design and values. As a concept car that presents the new direction of luxury sedan design, KND-5 will likely generate a lot of buzz at the Seoul Motor Show."

Our take? It appears that Kia has began reaping fruits of Peter Schreyers labor as the company's head designer.

[Live pics courtesy of Kia World]

-->Read More...