Click the image above for a high-res, albeit very red, gallery of the Kia KOUP.
Kia was kind enough to invite us (and the rest of the media types braving a monsoon in NYC) down to an art gallery this evening to check out this newest concept before its official unveiling tomorrow morning. The KOUP (we're unsure if it's pronounced "coupe" or "coup") is the next major step for Kia to evolve its current design language into something more palatable than what we've been endured in recent months (ahem, Kee Coupe Concept). From the details we saw in the awkwardly lit gallery, it looks like the designers could be on the right track, but we'll have to wait for the official reveal at 9:40 AM EST tomorrow to be sure.
James Garner recovering from mild stroke
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8
IIHS releases official results on the smart fortwo
Tragedy at LeMons: Send love and a little bit more
Officially Official: New Ferrari California exposed!
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Project Track Slut, Part One: Pick a weapon on the cheap
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent @ Mar 19th 2008 9:10PM
Make it!!!
Tinu @ Mar 19th 2008 10:36PM
So Kia is building a souped up Civic based upon the Hyundai Genesis platform?
ArchAngel @ Mar 19th 2008 9:12PM
That, sir, is a glorified Civic coupe.
SPF @ Mar 19th 2008 10:33PM
+1
Ted @ Mar 19th 2008 9:12PM
Looks hot!
Turbofrog @ Mar 19th 2008 9:30PM
I expect it will a be a competently executed traditional design, with maybe some fresh detailing. I think the Kee was more interesting, though this may be more conventionally attractive.
Eric Biran @ Mar 19th 2008 10:05PM
Agreed. The Kee was much more innovative. This one looks very traditional--and owes its nose to the Acura TSX/Euro Accord. I suspect it will look good, but the most conceptual thing about it will be the optics behind those lights. Good-to-great for a production car, not so interesting as a concept. I guess we'll know for sure tomorrow.
zoom_x2 @ Mar 19th 2008 9:30PM
Terrific!
Now make it FR and then we'll have a winner on our hands.
mk @ Mar 19th 2008 9:46PM
Considering the Maxima and Scion Coupe preview shots we've seen, and then seeing the actual vehicles completely...
Not going to pass judgement either way until I see the whole thing.
Even with those photos, it could end up very ugly. Or not.
PJ @ Mar 19th 2008 10:26PM
Psst. Scion. This is kinda what we had in mind for the Hako Coupe. Not, y'know, an orange barf bucket.
Jason @ Mar 20th 2008 1:16AM
Kia Spectra. Coupe and sedan versions. Hatchback presumably to be replaced by Soul.
Nes @ Mar 20th 2008 1:41AM
this thing is hot! i say if hyundai has the genesis coupe...i say to kia build this one! this will be their hallow car! ^_^
PhilP10 @ Mar 20th 2008 2:22AM
This is looking really good so far.
JaysonAych @ Mar 20th 2008 2:50AM
Please make a Hyundai version and call it the SKOUP :p
Seriously, I'm intrigued...looks pretty sharp so far...
cars1982 @ Mar 20th 2008 4:31AM
Hey fellas, keep in mind that this is a preview of the next gen Spectra that is due out for 2010 model year. Check out spy shots at http://www.kia-world.net/ for the sedan version. Looks promising so far, hopefully as dynamic as the Euro Kia Cee'd cars.
noah @ Mar 20th 2008 8:13AM
looks great. from the headlights it looks like a sedan version of a land rover LRX. looks like it should have a saab badge on it also. but if kia is serious to put this in production, there definantly pointing in the right direction
dildomassive @ Mar 20th 2008 8:21AM
Looks like a SAAB.
tech9 @ Mar 20th 2008 2:38PM
looks suprisingly good. we shall see its specs and build quality though..