First seen as a concept at the 2010 SEMA Show, the Hamstar Soul builds on the success and consumer interest in the previous five special edition models and expands upon the funky urban passenger vehicle’s personalization options while maintaining its appealing combination of value, safety, technology and long list of standard equipment.

The limited-run, Molten Red Hamstar Soul is based on the Soul+ trim and is dressed in custom Hamstar artwork, highlighted by a black star graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the vehicle’s sides. The exterior also features body colored bumpers with a rear bumper applique, power sunroof, fog lights, a rear sport spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black fender vents with turn signal indicator and a matte black alloy fuel door.

Interior appointments include unique Hamstar floor mats, black leather trimmed seats with heated front seats, push button start with smart key, automatic climate control and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Hamstar Soul also takes music enjoyment to the next level with an Audio Upgrade Package that includes a center speaker, subwoofer, 315-watt external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music or simply add mood lighting.

The Hamstar Soul is now arriving at Kia dealerships with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,295 (2) with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia KV7′s design stands in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses found throughout the van segment, and builds on the philosophy of “embracing the box” established by Kia’s funky Soul urban passenger vehicle to create a unique and alluring design language that brings SUV-like qualities to the segment.

Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has infused emotion and passion into the brand’s lineup of new and recently introduced vehicles, and the inspiration for the KV7 concept was found in the simplicity of elegant box shapes such as sleek smartphones and classic pieces of luggage. The KV7′s wide stance is paired with an A-pillar and windshield design that is more vertical than traditional minivans and its smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels exude a modern appearance while projecting the confidence and strength of an SUV.

The KV7 concept’s most striking feature is its passenger-side gullwing door, which creates a massive point-of-entry to the lounge-like interior when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door.

The KV7 concept’s inviting face is highlighted by an interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design to create a clean, smooth look. The KV7 features several LED lighting elements that Kia’s design team is evaluating for future production vehicles, including a continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle and directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled.

The KV7 concept’s distinctive windshield follows the unique designs found on the new Sportage CUV and Optima midsize sedan, and a series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar provide uninterrupted views of a day at the beach or a night out on the town. And despite its non-traditional look, the KV7′s length (191.85 in.), width (80.0 in.) and wheelbase (122.0 in.) are consistent with the van segment and allow flexible seating configurations and a multitude of storage options.

In the process of rethinking what a van’s exterior appearance and image could be, Kia’s Southern California design team also envisioned an interior to meet the needs of an entirely new group of consumers – a group of people referred to as “Ringleaders.” Rather than using a van to transport children and their accompaniments, Ringleaders are busy organizing road trips, social outings and new adventures for themselves and their friends to experience together. As such, the KV7 concept’s interior employs four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver’s seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three and integrated storage compartments to promote interaction in an open social environment.

The simple yet sophisticated theme is brought to life inside the KV7 concept through its modern color palette featuring soft beige and green tones and the use of unique seat and surface materials. The KV7 utilizes a variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials help to foster a warm and inviting atmosphere.

When the KV7 concept’s push button start is engaged, the entire front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach, including the large multi-use display, which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface in the form of a floating tabletop touch-screen computer display. The KV7 is Wi-Fi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with Internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smartphones to the vehicle at one time and sign on to social networking sites.

Building on the experimental use of LED lighting elements found on the exterior, the KV7′s concept’s interior also features multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area to compliment the vehicle’s color palette.

The final element that separates the KV7 concept from the rest of the minivan crowd can be found under the hood – the concept is powered by Kia’s new Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine, which is capable of delivering up to 285 horsepower, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver V6-type power and performance while achieving better than 30 miles per gallon on the highway(1).

Kia try to resurrect car industry with some KITT like feature… Michael Knight look and be jealous!

Kia Motors Debuts Kia UVO Powered by Microsoft, an Advanced Infotainment System. Short for “Your Voice,” Kia UVO powered by Microsoft is an innovative and intelligent in-vehicle infotainment system that features a breakthrough user interface, providing simple and quick access to vehicle audio systems, music media in various formats and mobile phone content

UVO is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft intelligent speech engine technology.

Kia Motors America (KMA) continues to broaden its product line-up with the arrival of the all-new seven-passenger Borrego midsize SUV. Proving you don’t have to sacrifice sophistication, convenience, quality or size for impressive value, Borrego enters the North American market offering unmatched power capabilities and luxury at an unbeatable price.

Representing what a midsize SUV is capable of offering, Borrego is poised to become a powerful contender in its segment. While some competitor vehicles require premium unleaded gasoline, Borrego runs on regular unleaded and achieves class-leading fuel economy of 15/22 city/highway for its V8 with two-wheel drive, and a respectable 15/20 city/highway for the four-wheel drive.

continue reading "Kia Borrego"

Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally unveiled the 2009 Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto Show. For 2009, Optima also is larger than its predecessors, complementing its distinctive new styling and separating itself from other vehicles in the midsize segment.

The 2009 Optima is presented with new front, side and rear styling cues, building upon Kia’s philosophy of creating dynamic vehicles that evoke passion. The fog lamps and lower front grille have been enlarged and the headlamps narrowed to create a sharper look. Wider side garnishes add sportiness while acute front lines continue toward the back, ending on an edged trunk lid. To complete the redesigned rear fascia, taillights are narrowed to enhance Optima’s sleeker cosmetic appearance.

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The Kia KOUP concept features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED headlamp lenses.

Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.

continue reading "Kia KOUP Concept"

The all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept vehicle today made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Previously introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, the Kee is an expression of the company’s emphasis on design and incorporates styling cues that will establish a design language and identity for the brand.

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.”

continue reading "New Sports Coupe Concept Holds the ‘Kee’ to Kia’s Future"

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the world debut of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its product offerings in the United States. Inspired by Kia’s “less is more” design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia’s versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, Borrego houses Kia’s first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date.

Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego’s body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities.

continue reading "Kia Motors America Introduces All-New Borrego SUV"

Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the all-new KND-4 compact SUV concept vehicle at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Having made its world debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April, the KND-4 concept was specifically designed to provide an idea of what next-generation Kia compact SUVs will be like. Conceived at the Kia Design Center in Korea, the new concept exhibits a powerful and strong character that corresponds with Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling.”

“The KND-4 compact SUV is a vital vehicle because it showcases dynamic and sophisticated styling cues that are strongly indicative of future Kia SUV models,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. “Designed with active and independent consumers in mind, KND-4 demonstrates Kia’s ongoing commitment to making vehicles that are both stylish and technologically advanced.”
Athletic and Sleek Exterior

KND-4 appeals to consumers who crave freedom and an active lifestyle, while removing the boundary between the city and outdoors to allow the driver to express his or her unique personality. The swift, rounded front end features LED headlamps and a sleek radiator grille, which flows smoothly into flared wheel arches that wrap around 20-inch, low-profile tires.

The pronounced shoulder line and sweeping C-pillar give a dynamic flare to the compact SUV, while the large rear window highlighting the interior volume and uniquely-styled rear cluster lamps emphasize the overall sporty stance. Short overhangs and a high ground clearance ensure excellent off-road capabilities.

Future-Oriented Interior

KND-4′s interior provides a unique contrast to the strong character of the exterior. Designed to seat four passengers in individual, independent seats, future-oriented accents include floor, dash and door trim panels in a metallic finish, highlighted by indirect lighting that reflects in the metallic material and creates an exciting cabin ambience that will appeal to a passenger’s sentimental side. The cargo room in the back of the vehicle not only provides room for storage, but also is outfitted with a mobile hard case used for storage, as well as an emergency kit.

Equipped with the most advanced technology, KND-4 enables the driver to obtain information from both inside and outside the vehicle and use entertainment features conveniently. AMOLED (Active-Matrix, Organic, Light Omitting Diode), the next-generation high-quality display, has been applied to the top and bottom of the cluster and center fascia to provide a clear image regardless of the visual angle. This way, the driver can receive moving images from the navigation system, vehicle information, as well as mobile phones. KND-4 also offers the driver both Bluetooth and Blu-ray technologies, controlled by multi-function buttons on the steering wheel, plus a built-in hard disc for the audio player.
Efficient Power

KND-4 is powered by a 2.2-liter Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) diesel engine featuring Kia’s Active Torque Transfer (ATT) system, which, in severely slippery conditions, automatically distributes torque to the wheel or wheels with the best traction.

Kia Motors America (KMA) displayed its sporty new concept vehicle, the Spectra5 SX concept, at this year’s SEMA Show today in Las Vegas. A product with influences from KMA’s design team, the Spectra5 SX sets the stage for future concept and production vehicles to be shown throughout the upcoming auto show season by putting into action some of the styling cues that will soon become part of Kia’s new overall design language.

“Spectra5 SX concept hints at some subtleties of Kia’s new design language,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. “This concept vehicle is only the tip of the iceberg of what is to come from Kia in the near future.”

The Spectra5 SX concept is finished in an edgy three-stage Amped Amber exterior color that changes shades and color depending on the vantage point. Based off of the production Spectra5 SX, the Spectra5 SX concept displays a more aggressive stance — dropped 1.4 inches in front and 1.2 inches in the rear — further accentuated by a unique front fascia with an expanded opening and mesh inserts, which also hints Kia’s new design philosophy. A similarly- styled rear fascia and rear diffuser round out the back end of the vehicle, atop a catback exhaust with a 2.25-inch outlet. The headlamps and tail lamps are also tinted to complete the look.

This spry Kia ride sits on 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/45R18 performance tires with a twin-spoke wheel design and black chrome finish. To demonstrate its abilities, the Spectra5 SX concept is outfitted with high- performance cross-drilled and slotted four-wheel disc brakes with front Rotora four-piston aluminum calipers and rides on a performance suspension with high- performance Eibach springs.