Kia Optima Koup

Kia introduced its redesigned 2011 Optima just last month at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and now Inside Line has photo illustrations of the new Optima sedan less two doors, a shape that could become the Optima coupe.

Built on a new platform, the 2011 Kia Optima sedan is longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, and its newly stretched dimensions look even more appealing in coupe form.

An Optima coupe (or Optima Koup, as Kia might choose to follow the same marketing direction established by its Forte Koup) would likely offer the same powertrain choices available for the Optima sedan. The midsize sedan presently comes equipped with either a 200-horsepower direct-injection, 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 274-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. The sedan comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The 2011 Optima sedan arrives in dealers later this fall. A coupe version would likely follow a year later.

(InsideLine's news)

Kia Magentis/Optima

Kia has revealed the first official pictures of the Optima/Magentis sedan that will debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The dynamic design is characterized by sculpted flanks, a coupé-like silhouette with a sweeping roof line and a high shoulder line.

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia Magentis design preview

Kia has unveiled a set of design sketches that preview the upcoming Magentis/Optima model, set to debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The D-segment sedan will be longer, larger and lower than its predecessor and will have a bold and sporty design.

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia Ray Concept

Kia Motors has unveiled its ‘Ray’ Plug-in Hybrid concept at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, show-casing its innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies.

Kia Motors has presented the Ray Concept, a futuristic hybrid sedan with an aerodynamic (cd of 0.25) aircraft-inspired design.

The powertrain is equipped with a 153-hp Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 1.4-litre engine coupled to a permanently-engaged fixed ratio Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), used in combination with a 78 kW electric motor.

Among the features are the use of lightweight and recycled materials, the hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass roof panel and the range of up to 1,200 km (746 miles).

Additional features include four individual seats, touch-screen controls, drive-by-wire steering and an energy-efficient audio system.

From the official Press Release Click Here!

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia Sportage preview

Kia has released the first images of the next-generation Sportage SUV model, which will debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and will showcase a completely new design with a more modern and dynamic formal language. It will go on sale later this year.

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia Cadenza

The new Kia Cadenza sedan is the production version of the KND-5 Concept unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show. The model, which will be named K7 in Korea and Amanti in the US market, maintains the dynamic and sculptural exterior design and features LED position lights.

The distinctive ‘tiger nose’ front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia’s new self-confidence, and the traditional three-box sedan shape was retained, but was morphed into a more flowing design with a drag coefficient Cd of just 0.29.

The innovative treatment of light is a constant design theme.

At the front, second-generation LED position lights are used to define the width of the car and the shape of the headlamps.

At the rear, the combination lamp clusters also feature LED position lights which, together with the dual mufflers integrated into the bumper, enhance the new Cadenza’s sporty appearance.

Although the new Cadenza is shorter than the Opirus, the extended wheelbase (up by 45 mm to 2,845 mm), additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension come together to ensure that the interior offers occupants more space than the old model.

Body & Chassis: Four-door, five-seater sedan, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Powered by transversely-mounted V6 gasoline engine driving the front wheels.

To see the full article Click Here!

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia K9 preview

The image was unveiled by Kia Design Director Peter Schreyer during a design conference held in Songdo, near Seoul, South Korea on last Friday, and first appeared on AboutCar.co.kr.

The model, codenamed K9, could preview the upcoming luxury sedan (BH), scheduled for launch in 2011, or the smaller CH.

Schreyer has compared the development process of the new premium model to that of the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.

The sedan could be based on the Equus or Genesis platform, and the range of engines could include a V8 unit for the US market.

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia Venga

The Kia Venga is a B-segment MPV model designed for the European market and focused on interior space and practicality. The design is based on the No3 Concept presented at Geneva 2009. It will go on sale within this year.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, the 4,068 mm long Kia Venga features an unusually long wheelbase for its class of 2,615 mm – and a 1600 mm high roofline to maximise cabin space.

The Venga offers levels of interior space typical of a larger C-segment vehicle, but within a B-segment footprint.

The rage of engines includes a choice of two 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines, generating between 75 and 115 ps.

All of them will be equipped with Stop and Go technology and will comply with Euro 5 emission standards.

The Venga will be equipped with a sliding 60/40 split rear seat that also folds flat into the floor to create a spacious cargo bay and, a twin-level boot floor and depending on model a tilt-and-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

B-segment MPVs have traditionally been a class of vehicle purchased out of necessity - they are cars of function and practicality," explains Kia Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

(Car Body Design's news)

Kia VG sedan

Kia Motors has released the first renderings of its new premium sedan - codenamed 'VG' - with an exterior design based on the new principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. It will go on sale at the end of the year and will replace the Opirus/Amanti model.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form (KND-5) at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model (known as Amanti in North America) in Korean, North American and European markets.

Hyoung Keun Lee (Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation) commented: “VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia’s design evolution and showcases our new design principle of ‘sophistication by simplicity’. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance.”

(Car Body Design news)