Kia – Page 10 – Automobiles Review

Kia Shows the Custom 2016 K900

Kia‘s Ambassador and the Fit For a King Campaign created K900. It comes with Custom Pear Red Metallic and it was driven by LeBron James inside the Madison Square especially for the NBA All-Star Game in NY. The designer team lowered the overall height and added incredible 22-inch custom wheels, tires, special headliner, audio system and many more features. But let us see what is really going on here.

Kia Motors and LeBron James teamed up to create the incredible K900 sedan, that includes all specifics, that personally LeBron James ordered. Mr. James himself says:“I’m excited to share this custom car with the winning bidder and even more proud that all of the proceeds are going to help my Foundation continue its amazing work.” LeBron James continues:“All of the proceeds raised will help us keep kids in school and give them an education that is extremely important for their futures.”

The K900 was first unveiled at the 2015 NBA All-Star game at Madison Square. Later the vehicle made appearance in Cleveland in April. The different personal customization include Alcantara Suede interior, headliner, color-matched diamond contrast stitching, Llumar Ceramic window tint, custom built audio system. Definitely interesting customizations have been done, thanks to the cooperative power of Kia and Fit For a King team.

April 24, 2015

Kia Sedona Comes With Full Force

2015 Kia Sedona Kia Motors America’s 2015 Sedona has earned 5-star overall safety rating, given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With a SUV like style and incredible high quality components Sedona endured the front-impact, side-impact and pole tests. The vehicle is built on redesigned components and brings not only a superior safety system, but also a pleasurable driving experience.

The 2015 Sedona comes with restyled chassis and stiffness, that is with 36-percent greater than any other competitor. Further upgrades include a body, built by Advanced High Strength Steel, that brings incredible durability and protection in every second.

The Sedona model comes in L, LX, EX, SX and SX Limited trim levels and a choice between seven- or eight-passenger seat cabin. All the models come with the trusty 3.3-Liter V-6 engine, capable of producing 276 hp (202 kW) and a six-speed auto transmission, connected to the front wheels.

The inside of the 2015 Sedona is spacious, geared with premium quality components and brings overall feel of comfort and luxury. Some of the technology gadgets include Surround View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection.

This is a vehicle, that is comfortable, reliable and definitely safe. Kia bravely shows that a vehicle can be both trustworthy and comfort to drive.

Source: Kia

April 16, 2015

Kia Premieres the Fresh New Looks and Styling of 2016 Optima

2016 Kia Optima

The redesigned Optima 2016 is definitely a symbol of the brand’s ever evolving successful model. The Optima is redesigned, yet recognizable and is geared with longer and wider chassis, three different engine models and the seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. At the start of the sale, the 2016 Optima will be available with five trim levels – LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo and SLX. As the previous model, Kia will be built at West Point, Georgia.

We all know how successful the Optima line is. And now, with even more confidence, the brand releases the Optima 2016: a well-known sedan with new-age capabilities. The wheelbase is extended to 110.4 inches, and the overall width of the vehicle is increased with 1.0 inch to bring you overall of 73.2 inch. The redesigned model comes with the first bi-functional HID headlights – you get the Dynamic Bending Lambs and the High Beam Assist.

Optima’s interior is larger and comfortable and precisely built for the redesigned cabin. The team paid special attention to the seats. Their distinctive frame and style make them more comfortable and soft. Driver’s board is simple and stylish and contains a wide central console. This time the brand uses simpler aesthetics, mixed with smooth and firm feel. All the control buttons are precisely grouped, you will get the feeling of wide and spacious cabin. And of course, a wide variety of technology units is included. Get ready to deal with a car, geared with the next-gen techs and tweaks.

When it comes to performance, the top priority for the engineer team was the handling. The results of precise work and fine tuning are light-speed stability, lower reaction time and overall light handling. The 2016 Optima comes with three engine choices, that balance between fuel consumption economy or the sporty variation. Generally you will be choosing between 2.4-Liter GDI four-cylinder, capable of producing 185 hp (136 kW) at a 6,000 rpm and the 2.0-Liter GDI turbo, which brings you 247 hp (182 kW) at 1,350 rpm. Both of the engines are specifically built to fit perfectly the six-speed automatic gearbox. The third engine, the 1.6Liter four-cylinder turbo, will be offered on the LX trim. It brings you 178 hp (131 kW) at 5,5000 rpm. It mates with a seven-speed DCT.

There is a lot coming out for the Optima, so stay tuned and don’t miss any facts!

Source: Kia

April 2, 2015

Kia Debuts Novo Concept Displaying new Design Direction

Kia Novo Concept Front and Side View If you think that this Kia was unveiled at the show in New York, you would be wrong. The car is actually making a premiere at the Seoul Motor Show, displaying its coupe proportions and minimalist interior. I actually wish that it was on display in NY instead of the Optima, which has nothing surprisingly new in it. By the way, do expect a review on the Optima in the upcoming hours.

The concept carries the name “Novo”, inspired by the Latin word “novatus”, literally meaning “innovation”. This signifies that the car comes to show us something fresh and new. Let’s see about that.

As we can tell from the pictures, the exterior design is typical for Kia. The car is built on company’s C-segment global platform that was specifically adapted for this. The sporty stance pf the car is strengthened via the low front overhangs, the longer rear overhangs and fastback roofline.

Kia’s trade mark, the “tiger nose”, was made wider and more deeply embedded. On its both sides we see slim laser headlamps. Large front wheel arches, consistent shoulder, low triangular exhausts at the back and crisp lines at the rear are features that characterize this car.

Inside, the concept is spacious and focuses on the driver via the long and wide dashboard. A very cool feature is the instrument binnacle that displays important information via a three-dimensional hologram display. There is also a touch pad with fingerprint scanner as well as a wide touchscreen in the centre of the dash.

At last, let’s talks about the engine. It is the 1.6-litre T-GDI unit and it is linked to the new seven-speed DCT that transmits the power to the front wheels. What we have as an effect? Great sports performance combined with stunning fuel economy. Or at least Kia says so, since there are no production plans for the Novo Concept. However, this car is definitely an example of the future development directions of the company.

Source: Kia

April 2, 2015

New York Auto Show at a Glance. What to Expect?

2016 Jaguar XF Debuting in New York Some of the most anticipated automobile brands have recently announced their participation in New York International Auto Show. Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Ford, Kia, Scion, Aston Martin and Smart disclose new models and features, that are definately a must see. We told you about most of them, but let us remind why you should be exited. There are many things, that woud be on the world’s press.

The striking and crushing Vulcan debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. Definately a honorable addition to the luxorious hi-end line, that already includes the Vanquish Carbon, Rapide S, DB9, V12 Vantage S and the V8 Vantage GT Roadster. “The Vulcan” erupts with stunning 800 plus hp (500kW) and a special driver program for owners, who want to get more experienced on a sports track. Definately a beast, that deserves it’s place on the show.

The well-known for quality and style Mercedes-Benz brand decided to debut its high-performance SUV machines. Yes, we are talking about the AMG GLE63 4MATIC and GLE63 S 4MATIC. The revised models include serious changes, that modify the front and tail ends to bring you even better overall performance and new standard for emission wastes.

Next, Kia team decided to premiere the 2016 Optima. It will come with numerous powerplant options, a bigger interior, some new premium features and complete pack of technology tweaks. The best selling and award-winning Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is also making its debut in New York. Don’t miss your chance to witness such a vehicle. And speaking of exclusivity, a V8, carbon fibre two seater is coming your way and it is named McLaren 570S Coupe. Actually this is the first model, that will be launched in the Sports Series trilogy.

Ford Focus RS is the chosen one. The debut is the first in North America and the car will bring us overall performance tweaks, advanced torque vectoring, different driving modes, including the first for the brand drift mode. This beast comes geared with 2.3-liter Eco boost engine, that produces 315hp (231kW). The most powerful RS brakes and Brembo front calipers are also included.

Jaguar FX will make a worl debut and will reveal a new interior and exterior changes, while Scion’s team will unveil the iM and iA for the first time. iM is hatchback with 5 doors, that combines flexibility with a sport design. The iA is sedan is designed for practical people with incredible style and increased driving dynamics. At last, smart fortwo is coming to NY with revised powerplant, a three-cylinder engine with 89hp (65kW), a power transmission with a five-speed manual or a twinamic auto clutch transmission.

The Show starts from 3rd of April where we will get more details. Stay tuned!

Source: New York International Auto Show

March 30, 2015

Kia Reveals First Image of 2016 Optima Prior New York Premiere

2016 Kia Optima SX Front View So, this is the first image of the future 2016 Kia Optima that was just revealed. And I am a little bit disappointed. The car in the photograph above has little to do with what we have seen from the beautiful design studies previewed by the brand a week ago. The sketches showed an elongated vehicle with flowing forms, and close-to-the-ground stance. The wheel arches were more pronounced and the sides were more sculpted.

Judging by the photo, the fourth generation Optima has retained its classical forms, but has added some accents like the more flashy tiger nose grille, the new gills on the front bumper and the chrome accents all over the face of the car. Double multispoke wheels are not what this car needs when it comes to surprising the public, although they fit perfectly its mediocre stance.

Kia also officially announced that the new Optima will be powered by many powerplan options. Given the fact, that it will be based on Hyundai‘s Sonata platform, I do expect to see in the engine range the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged units as well as the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated one. And this is where I pray that Kia will somehow surprise me.

The other data announced by the company includes confirmation on a more spacious interior, additional luxury features and never-seen-before technologies, at least on a Kia … Unfortunately I do not anticipate to see anything surprisingly more different than the previous generation Optima. Whether this proves right or not, we’ll see on 1^st of April, when the car debuts at the New York Auto Show.

Source: Kia

March 26, 2015

This is the Next Generation Kia Optima

Next Generation Kia Optima Sketch We have exclusively received the first sketches previewing the future Optima and you should admit that this car is simply beautiful. Like its predecessor, the first generation Optima that has debuted at the New York auto show in 2010, this Kia will be revealed at the same event, so we do expect to see it revealed on 1^st of April.

This model has done so much for the brand. First, it is the reason why Kia Motors became so popular, and secondly it has been company’s best-selling vehicle in the United States for three years in a row.

The design sketches reveal passionate forms and somehow obsessive remake of the famous sedan. But, what we have forgotten so far is the Sportspace concept that we have seen in Geneva. It definitely links to these teasers, although they represent a more aggressive and sporty car. The question is whether the new Optima will be a production version of this concept.

Well, what is visible from these sketches is pretty much the same as the Sportspace with the exception of the wheel arches that are more pronounced and it looks like that the sides are more sculpted. At last, also known for sure is that the future midsize sedan will be based on Hyundai’s Sonata platform, so it is possible that it will be equipped with the same engine range, the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged units as well as the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated one.

Source: Kia

March 19, 2015

Kia cee’d GT Line with Improved Turbo Engine

Kia is introducing the new Cee’d which is set to premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, along with a new turbocharged engine and seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The car benefits from a number of visual enhancements as well. Conventional Cee’d GT, Kia Pro_cee’d GT and Cee’d SW can take advantage of theses sporty specifications, too.

For the GT Line, the company is presenting its all-new 1.0-litre ‘T-GDi’ power unit. This is a downsized, three-cylinder engine designed to provide better fuel consumption and emissions while offering willing performance and excellent responses to driver input. Making its premiere in Europe, this is the first representative of the upcoming range of Kia’s downsized engines.

Exact figures? The 1.0-litre T-GDi unit generates 120 hp (88 kW) and a maximum torque of 172 Nm (127 lb-ft). Additionally, the 1.0-litre cee’d GT Line comes with Kia’s fuel-saving ISG system as standard, available with the six-speed manual transmission.

A more powerful variant is the cee’d’s 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine. Thanks to some notable alterations this one gets a power increase from 128 to 133 hp (98 kW) and torque from 265 to 285 Nm (210 lb-ft).

Finally, the cee’d GT Line also comes with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox which was seen for the first time on the facelifted Hyundai i30. This model will be offered with the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, generating 133 hp. The DCT is capable of handling torque outputs up to 300 Nm which is more than the capacity of the replaced six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Regarding the styling, the cee’d GT Line is refreshed by 17-inch alloy wheels, ice cube LED daytime running lights, angrier front and rear bumpers and dual exhaust setup. Moreover, there are also GT side sill moldings and LED taillights.

Inside, the cabin is said to have received a more stylish upholstery in gray, white and black that includes eye-catching grey stitching, GT Line logos, piano black accents, aluminum pedals and GT-developed leather steering wheel.

The impressive Kia cee’d GT Line will be available in the European dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2015.

$2015 KIA cee\'d GT Line$

Source: Kia

February 20, 2015

Kia’s Mysterious Concept is Called Sportspace and Looks Like a new Charger

Kia’s mysterious concept is dubbed Sportspace and although we thought it will be more like the Optima model, it actually has nothing to do with it. As a matter of fact, to me it looks more like a “Shooting Brake” version of the Dodge Charger Hellcat. The new concept has been designed by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, and will have its official premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in two weeks.

It is visible that the car was created for long distance driving, and at the same time for fast and efficient traveling. We haven’t seen the interior in person, but Kia suggests that the car will offer maximum comfort and minimal stress.

Sportspace Concept features one-of-a-kind body shape, which isn’t typical for the brand. The car is dedicated to those who seek stylish and exciting transportation for four, which is also spacious and functional. At the same time, the concept does not sacrifice on performance, sustainability and economy.

The car can be recognized as a Kia model due to its signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, finely judged proportions and simple, clean surfaces. The car also has a bold and dynamic shape with wide road presence. The high level of interior comfort and substantial practical load space are two characteristics that must be highlighted.

At last, we should remind you that it is rumored for a future production version based on this concept. It is expected to be shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Kia will also offer several engine choices including a plug-in hybrid option.

Source: Kia

February 17, 2015

Kia Trail’ster e-AWD Concept Makes Chicago Debut [VIDEO]

Kia Trail’ster e-AWD Concept has been officially revealed at the Chicago Auto Show. The Soul-Based Off-Roader is a mix of the essence of the “Go Anywhere” city CUV and one that is ready for mountain adventures. The new concept has design based on the Soul, but has some captivating highlights like the round front- and headlights, and the fully retractable canvas roof. Not to mention the smartly integrated electric all-wheel-drive system.

The turbocharged Trail’ster is covered with its Polar Pearl Snowdrift/Terra Bronze Metallic paint. In addition, it is armored with aluminum skid plates, and shows promising efficiency as well as capability to support wide variety of mountain activities. This is possible thanks to its rear axle-mounted electric all-wheel-drive system of the Trail’ster.

The Polar Pearl Snowdrift exterior paint is contrasted via fire-red wheel accents and polished billet aluminum sections. Other stylish features include the weatherproof rollback canvas roof, advanced LED technology at the front and back, Kia’s signature grille bars, and K900-style projector headlamps below which we see expressive fog light elements.

Inside, the vehicle features a color and trim palette which brown leather and aluminum accents. These cabin materials are inspired by snow sports gear and equipment. The focal point of this interior is a tactile and sturdy center console which has a thickset gear shifter, AWD controls and a bright red ignition button. The seats are trimmed in brown leather and feature pillow-embossed textile inserts.

Really interesting is the drivetrain system of this concept. It is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produces 185 horsepower (136 kW) and 251 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The unit is matched to an electric all-wheel-drive system on the rear axle, which improves fuel economy.

Trail’ster has two power sources: a front petrol engine and a rear electric motor, making it a hybrid vehicle. Its electric propulsion system draws energy from a 1.2 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery powering a 27 kW, 270 volt AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. It generates 35 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.

In summary, the total output is 220 horsepower (162 kW) and 386 Nm (285 lb-ft) of torque. To further improve fuel efficiency, the system also utilizes a Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG) to start/stop the engine as well as an electrically driven A/C compressor.

For driving in tough terrain, the Trail’ster has been raised more than two-and-a-half inches over the production Soul. In addition, its rubbers are the Pirelli Winter Carving 245/45-19 snow tires for enhanced traction. The KSport coilover shocks absorb the effect of the rough and uneven surfaces.

httpv://youtu.be/X6sP-hOHeyk

Video Source: YouTube

Source: Kia

February 13, 2015

Kia K900 King James Edition Slowly Metamorphosing Into Finality

As it seems the collaborative work between Kia and LeBron James is going pretty well since the most – recently released teaser image promises us to see something really special. Unfortunately, the picture does not say a lot and all we can see is just a body panel. It is precisely the front wing that is teased, featuring a “King James Edition” emblem.

Little else is known about the Kia K900 King James Edition but it has been confirmed that the K900 will be priced at $54,500 and will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine. The power unit will be capable of generating 420 bhp (313 kW) and 509 Nm (376 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

Since LeBron has been involved in almost all of the phases of the creation of this car, the color of the exterior and the color combinations on the inside are expected to be selected by him as well. The saturated redness adorned with the black badge, which can be seen from the picture, might be further complimented by black rims and other inserts. Why not?

There isn’t any official information when the wraps will be finally taken off from the Kia King James Edition but there is a hint that the model’s premiere will occur during the same time as the NBA All Star game later this week. Hopefully the quiet first steps towards the introduction of the new Kia will metamorphose into a presentation of a product that won’t disappoint those who have been waiting for so long to finally see it.

Source: LeBron James via Facebook

February 11, 2015

Kia’s New Geneva Concept is Optima Based Plug-in Hybrid?

Kia Optima Concept On 3rd of March Kia will reveal a mysterious stylish new concept vehicle at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile or the so called Geneva Motor Show. The company announced that the car will be a D-segment model, which is actually the 11th concept car created by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. As we can see it has a sporty “nose” and is painted in red color that suggests activity and dynamism.

The concept is definitely created for those looking for the perfect vehicle that complements their active lifestyle. Kia also said that the concept is spacious and filled with versatile accessories.

You can also see that the car has confident and powerful lines. They elegantly sweep from Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille towards the rear of the vehicle.

And if you take a closer look at the teaser image, you’ll be definitely confused, whether you are seeing Kia’s new concept or the Optima model. This is probably a clear sign that the car will be based on it, but will carry with sharper looks and more sporting.

Some of the other details of the concept that need attention are the vents in the wings and sleek look of the side profile. The concept embodies modern design and dramatic energy. It is purposeful and style-conscious, and it seems as it can deliver a sanctuary from the stresses of the modern world.

It is rumored that there will also be a production version of this concept which is expected to be shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Kia will also offer several engine choices including a plug-in hybrid option.

Source: Kia

February 10, 2015

Tag: Kia