Kia reveals Kue concept ahead of Detroit
by John Neff on Dec 7th 2006 at 12:22PM 
Kia released a sketch today of the Kue concept that will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early January. In the great tradition of concept vehicles that come before it, the Kue supposedly foretells what future Kia vehicles will look like. Showing that the Kue is not so pie-in-the-sky as we might think, however, Kia told Automotive News that it's built on a unibody platform, which makes it a candidate for an upcoming redesign of the Sorento that is supposedly being moved to a unibody platform for its next redesign in 2008. The Kue's wheelbase is a 114 inches and its overall length 186 inches, most of the difference being consumed by a set of massive 22-inch wheels that we doubt the Sorento will ever see. While it's difficult to form an opinion of the Kue based on this rear, 3/4-angle sketch, we do like the converging point made by the edges of the roof at the rear of vehicle that's matched by a similar shape in the rear bumper. We'll have to wait until we can bring you live shots of the Kue from the floor of the Detroit auto show before we can pass judgment, however.
[Source: Automotive News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brad 12:37PM (12/07/2006)
I realize this is a concept, but why are beltlines steadily moving so that they're higher than the driver's head? It looks cool and all, but how are you supposed to see anything in one of these?
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Roanoke 12:58PM (12/07/2006)
Hit this thing in the rear with a Dodge Intrepid and the ass end will be sent skyward! This design looks cool, but the rear bumper would never pass regulations, and I am in agreement with #1, the beltline would be impossible to see out of. Cameras wouldn't work either. I just got my new SUV with a rear camera and while helpful for parallel parking, it couldn't be counted on for much else.
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Merkidemis 12:59PM (12/07/2006)
Don't worry, they'll never put it into production anyway. Neat, but pointless.
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pow 12:57PM (12/07/2006)
huh, a chopped Golf with 30" wheels - doesn't look that appealing at all
and I agree about the beltlines,
but, I don't think high beltlines look cool, just imagine a pair of pants that went up to your armpits
- high beltlines look just as stupid as that.
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John P. 1:21PM (12/07/2006)
reminds me of the beltlines so high on women's clothing these days, you know, the ones just under their yumyums that makes them look pregnant. This one looks about 8 months along to me.
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existonfile 1:44PM (12/07/2006)
Wow, even Kia's concepts are starting to emulate Mazda! I just thought it was their production cars!
I.E. Spectra5/Protege5 + C'eed/Mazda3
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Kowell 2:34PM (12/07/2006)
So.... Kia's futur is...a tank?
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Grant T 10:37PM (12/10/2006)
This kia concept reminds me of my matchbox car collection. Also, could you imagine getting a supersized coke and side of chili cheese fries from a fast food drive through, then trying to get them through the car window.
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So 3:18PM (12/07/2006)
Neo futuristic design.
I like kia soul.(concept car)
According to my knowledge, Kia has a brilliant car designer.
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drew3000 3:58PM (12/07/2006)
What's up with all these concept sketches having huge wheels and ridiculous exagerrated proportions? Who told all the designers to draw like this?
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mitsu 3:24PM (12/07/2006)
@existonfile
You japanese guy blame korean car.
but I don't think so.
This design is very unique.
but is it tank...?
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aaron 3:32PM (12/07/2006)
i can't believe i just read all these useless posts here... i mean this is a sketch for christ sake. it is not meant to be the real thing. it is just to express the overall theme! it is absolutely POINTLESS when people look at a sketch and go, "oh, that is impossible, oh tires too big, oh the door won't open, oh how do you see anything out....." i just cannot wait to see the real thing to find out how they translated the sketch into 3d model...
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Spider 4:34PM (12/07/2006)
You are all idiots, this thing looks sweet.
Who needs a back window?! NOT ME, I JUST SPEED!!!
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Humbert Humbert 4:38PM (12/07/2006)
Wow....Korean car designs have something the Japs don't: Seoul
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Seto 11:18PM (12/07/2006)
sigh. they make ALLLLLLL these concepts... hyundai has one in every major autoshow, yet i don't see a lot of them are reflected in their production models. these concepts show that they are CAPABLE of doing great things, but just won't do them
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fletchette 11:26PM (12/07/2006)
This concept looks like something that Acura just put out-- the new concept for the RL... a lot like it... or at least the back does.
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existonfile 10:40AM (12/08/2006)
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingNagare
Sorry, but if you don't see the similarity you are blind. Also, I agree that the "far-out" concepts are cool, but I doubt we'll see much of either of these designs come out in a production model.
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Mr 12:20PM (12/10/2006)
to 16 existonfile
No, Do not similar.
you are blind.
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