Kia Koup - What a Concept!
Kia has an image problem. Well, not really. The South Korean automaker is often found in the shadow of Hyundai, the automotive giant which owns a significant chunk of the company. Kia is actually part of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, which is based in Seoul and the two automakers share several platforms for various models.
In North America, we're familiar with the many different economically priced models including the Sorento, Optima, Rio, and Spectra, to name a few. Kia is also big on building concept cars, including the KOUP which made its debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
The KOUP is an attractive sport coupe, reminding me of the Nissan SX cars and including expressive lines you see on today's iteration of the muscle car. Clearly, if the KOUP comes out as shown (please, toss the name!) it could be a landmark model for Kia.
A 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger designed to deliver superior power and fuel efficiency. By means of 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. Kia claims that the KOUP delivers torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm.
Kia says this about the the car: utilizing a FWD 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. 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.
Will the KOUP go into production? Time will tell, but if the car is produced it could significantly improve Kia's budget image.
By Matthew Keegan
Visit the Blog about kia pittsburghKia Amanti: Worth Every Cent
A carryover from 2004, the most recent Kia Amanti is a family sedan made available in one trim level which is the Base. It can take up a maximum capacity of five passengers along with an easier entry and exit with its four doors. It can up 17 mpg during city driving and a 25 mpg while on the highway.
Although the Kia Amanti bears quite a resemblance to a Mercedes, it is quite different overall. This vehicle invokes luxury from its overall appearance. The interior has seat adjustment buttons mounted on its doors so as to help facilitate a Mercedes illusion. This vehicle is the most expensive among Kia’s model line up, however this vehicle is worth every cent for it provides an enormous interior, excellent performance with its quiet yet strong V6 engine, and its comfortable and quiet ride due to the Kia Amanti’s good sound isolation techniques. Something that the Kia Amanti is proud of is its seemingly endless allocation for space.
When Kia has designed the Kia Amanti, the automobile manufacturer has certainly made sure that the safety of the driver and the vehicle’s passengers would not looked over and missed out on. And for sure, even the previous generations of this vehicle holds safety intact. The Kia Amanti offers more standard airbags than any other car in its class. It also holds airbags that provides the utmost protection during inevitable accidents along with the vehicle’s front active headrests. Each and every Kia Amanti has front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and also has reinforced pillars. Even if it has children for passengers, the little ones are carefully protected by the vehicle’s rear child safety door locks, the internal emergency trunk release, and the specially designed anchorage system that excels in providing an extra secure hold on the child safety seats.
The Kia Amanti owns up to an excellent performance which is all due to its 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine. This family sedan has a wheelbase of 110.2 inches, a length of 196 inches, a total width of 72.8 inches, and an overall height of 58.5 inches. The Kia Amanti has features and additional options like a multi-port fuel injection, electronic power steering, a double wishbone front suspension, gas shock absorbers, alloy wheels, clear-lens halogen headlights, side markup lamp, in-glass antenna, dual body color power heated mirrors, a windshield de-icer, a solar glass windshield, one-touch auto up/down power windows, power door locks, a remote keyless entry system along with an alarm with panic button, an AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system, four door mounted tweeter speakers and dual front airbags.
By Jenny McLane
