Seoul Motor Show: Kia unveils KND-5 concept
Kia KND-5 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia debuted its "near-luxury sedan" concept called the KND-5 at the Seoul Motor Show today. Known internally as the VG, which is what we've been calling it when spy shots and leaks have occurred, the KND-5 is a thinly veiled representation of Kia's own version of the Hyundai Azera. It will top the Kia range of cars when it goes on sale in South Korea later this year, with availability in other markets like the U.S. coming soon after. The concept is powered by a 3.5-liter Lamda V6, though we expect each market will get its own suite of engines, with the U.S. likely being offered a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.8-liter V6.
As you can see, the concept doesn't look far from production ready except for its panoramic roof that extends back directly from the windshield. The concept interior also likely needs to be toned down before entering production, but otherwise the KND-5 might be exactly what we find in our local Kia dealerships next year. Check out the full press release from Kia after the jump and official high-res images in our gallery below.
Gallery: Kia KND-5 Concept
[Source: Kia]
PRESS RELEASE
Kia takes wraps off KND-5 concept car
Kia Motors has taken the wraps off its KND-5 concept car.
Kia released the first official images of the near-luxury sedan concept car, code-named KND-5, ahead of its debut at the Seoul Motor Show 2009 which opens to the press on April 2.
KND-5 boasts a dynamic and balanced appearance that reflects the style of the near-luxury sedan VG (code name) which is scheduled to debut in Korea in late 2009.
VG will be Kia's first near-luxury sedan and complete the automaker's passenger car lineup along with the Lotze mid-sized sedan (known as 'Optima' or 'Magentis' in overseas markets) and Opirus luxury sedan (known as 'Amanti' in North America).
Based on the VG, the KND-5 features an exterior with a newly interpreted line and the striking LED headlamps of a luxury sedan.
The front of the car sports Kia's family-look radiator grille which is based on a symbolic representation of a tiger's roaring countenance. The 20-inch large-diameter alloy wheels enhance its aggressive yet refined image.
KND-5 employs the same color for its body on the door handles and has a powerful, muscular profile. The panorama sunroof extends seamlessly from the front windshield to contribute to its open and sleek facade.
The KND-5 measures 4,945mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,475mm high with a wheelbase of 2,845mm.
The concept car is outfitted with a 3.5L V6 Lambda engine.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, International Business Division, said, "The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia's futuristic design and values. As a concept car that presents the new direction of luxury sedan design, KND-5 will likely generate a lot of buzz at the Seoul Motor Show."
---ends---
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Assass1n 10:35AM (4/02/2009)
So is the Hyundai hierarchy supposed to be similar to Volkswagen? As in- Hyundai~Audi, and Kia~VW?
Reply
Hank Fidel 11:04AM (4/02/2009)
I thought it was the other way around, like Hyundai is to VW as Kia is to Audi..and Porsche is to..ehh I dunno
ugg.tryptophan 11:22PM (4/02/2009)
...then that makes this competition for the Volkswagen CC
Marko 10:35AM (4/02/2009)
It looks just like ***-5
Reply
neozune 10:36AM (4/02/2009)
http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2009/04/02/kia-vg-concept-unveiled-at-seoul-auto-show-3/
Reply
Taglane 10:57AM (4/02/2009)
Not hating, but the taillights are just too Audi.
Samurai Jack 10:50AM (4/02/2009)
Man, that 2 X 4 technology is good! I hope there's room in the treehouse for Numbah 5's new ride.
Reply
Sal Collaziano 10:55AM (4/02/2009)
I'm not too crazy about the interior - it doesn't look luxurious to me.. The Amanti looks better inside. But the exterior is quite nice. I'm sure the inside will go through a lot of changes before it reaches production. However, the exterior looks good as is - and nothing about it "needs" to be changed - as far as I can tell..
Sal Collaziano
http://www.genesisowners.com
Reply
Sektor 10:57AM (4/02/2009)
It looks Lexus-esque.
Reply
geo.stewart 10:59AM (4/02/2009)
keep the gist of the interior and give it better handling than the Azera and it will be a winner.
I think Hyndai is GM's biggest headache right now. Tell me this doesnt go head to head with an Insignia/ Malibu/Aura/ Buick...
For all that GM is doing right with product, Hyundai (and subsequently Kia) are doing just as well. And Toyota has to be quaking in its boots. If/when Hyundai has a Tacoma competitor, its all over.
Reply
R. 11:39AM (4/02/2009)
That's why US is reluctant and is still holding the Korea-US FTA for fear that Korean car manufacturers sweep American market.
Epyx 11:00AM (4/02/2009)
Car looks amazing but I hope Kia revises the name.
I know it is supper juvenile but every time I read VG i think Kia Vage.
Reply
ronEbear 11:01AM (4/02/2009)
Texas Lexus, can you do anything with that?
(Guess the show it`s from)
Reply
Aaron 11:08AM (4/02/2009)
Well, it was designed by Audi's former head of design of, Peter Schreyer. Designers don't just drop all their ideas and habits when they switch jobs. It should also be noted that Schreyer is one of only three auto designers to be awarded by the Royal College of Art. The other two were Pininfarina and Giugiaro.
Reply
EU_reader 11:37AM (4/02/2009)
This is the kind of well thought out comments i want to read on a blog.
Thanks, easy +1 vote here. I learned something i didn't know before, and it sure beats all the "hey this part x looks like part y on car z" whining.
Every blog you go to, it's the same. They're all cars with for wheels. There's bound to be some similarity. There's not an endless bag of design tricks to keep doing headlights/taillights/fenders/... different all over again. Unless someone comes up with a radically new design for an automobile.
If the 'audi taillights' look good, then what's the problem?
Iridium 11:26AM (4/02/2009)
If they put that out at Accord/Camry territory the rest of the automotive world had better look out.
Right now the Korean car companies are at the top of thier game. They give you far more for the money than any other company. The cars are also built well now.
The Soul, Forte and VG make and incredible lineup of distinctive cars.
Reply
EU_reader 11:40AM (4/02/2009)
I hope korea will not forget the Euro consumers. They focus all their attention on the US market. Which makes a lot of sense, considering the current situation and how they can advance their own brands at the expense of the dying brands.
But we don't have a genesis sedan/genesis coupé/...
And i like how this looks, bigtime.
I also like sunroofs, a lot! Provides so much light and space on the inside. Every car should offer them. And it will be a deciding factor in my next car, i think.
Reply
wolverinejoe80 11:50AM (4/02/2009)
peter schreyer has changed Kia completely. Kia now offers great looking cars! seriously just think about Kia 3 years ago. wow.
Reply
I am Rich 11:58AM (4/02/2009)
Wow. Them Koreans and Chinese are just copying everything. Not a bad looking car, but it has been done already.
Reply
R. 12:07PM (4/02/2009)
You must be really stupid to be comparing Koreans with the qinese. Wow, impressive.