List Auto: New York Auto Show

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

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Continuing its long-term assault on the market, Kia blew the covers off the production version of the Koup concept that was unveiled during last year's New York Auto Show. The Korean automaker's first-ever two door coupe model is based on the new Forte Sedan with which it shares the mechanical hardware as well as the interior design. On the outside, it's another story as Kia has come up with a sharp looking design featuring a lower stance and a series of unique styling cues that differentiate the Koup from the sedan.

And while it's evident that the Kia's small coupe bears a few design similarities with Honda's European Civic hatchback (front) as well as from the Acura RSX (rear), overall, the 2010 Forte Koup looks pretty neat.

"On the heel of the introductions of the Soul and Forte sedan, Forte Koup represents the next exciting step in the transformation of Kia design and offers a blend of sporty and emotional appeal," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "We believe our new design evolution coupled with standard Kia value and safety features will continue to attract customers to the Kia brand."

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 its four-door counterpart.

Like the Forte sedan, the Koup will be offered with two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a 2.0-liter unit for the EX model producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque and a 2.4-liter unit for the SX that delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet 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 said that the 2.0-liter engine offers 25mpg city and 34 mpg highway with either tranmssion while the more powerful 2.4-liter engine is rated at 22mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the six-speed manual and 23/31 mpg when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission.