Rumormill: Kia Amanti making switch to Genesis RWD platform?
From its divisive baroque styling to its status as the court jester of the rental car circuit, the Kia Amanti has so far lived a less than charmed life. The Amanti's tough luck story could change in a big hurry, however, if a new story from Motor Trend is true. MT is reporting that the Amanti is will be going rear-wheel drive as soon as late 2011 on a smaller version of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan platform.
Since Kia is more value-oriented as a brand than Hyundai, most expect the new Amanti to be a few thousand dollars cheaper than the Genesis Sedan. The current Amanti has a lofty starting price of $26,045, but boatloads of incentives are needed to move them off dealer lots.
Motor Trend speculates that the 375-hp Tau V8 engine probably won't make its way under the hood of the next Amanti, with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.8-liter V6 being the more likely powertrains. We're thinking that a range of four- and six-cylinder engines would be sufficient, especially when considering tough new fuel economy laws scheduled for 2011 and beyond.
We do have one question, however. With such a radical rethink apparently in store and not having a great deal of brand equity tied up in the Amanti brand, wouldn't Kia be better off finding a new name? They haven't seemed too reluctant to change model names in recent years when bringing out new models, so perhaps they'll consider a change in designations.
Either way, with its hip and stylish Soul, the surprisingly competent Optima, along with the pretty new Forte and Koup models, Kia's lineup has gotten a radical overhaul for the better. If the next-gen Amanti is anywhere near as good as Hyundai's Genesis Sedan, the competition should keep a very close eye on boys from South Korea.
[Source: Motor Trend]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Motor_Yakuza 2:33PM (7/10/2009)
That Kia sure is ugly.
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joe23521 4:31PM (7/10/2009)
No kidding. I don't get the appeal of this vehicle, nor its reasons for existence.
Wakka 12:06AM (7/11/2009)
Reminds me of my late grandfather's Grand Marquis.
tankd0g 10:36AM (7/11/2009)
Kia cop cars, here we come!
renshcp 2:35PM (7/10/2009)
Man that car is sexy! Definitely would have relations if I was reincarnated as a male car.
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andrewtheboss 2:48PM (7/10/2009)
Amanti = Lovers in italian
But this car is ugly
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Bloke 3:49PM (7/10/2009)
Interesting isn't it that when it was on sale in Italy, it was known by its international name of Opirus.
John R 2:54PM (7/10/2009)
I'm really beginning to think Hyundai doesn't know exactly what it wants to do with Kia. If they can re-style it and make it a shorter wheel base (3-series size); it could be interesting, though.
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gslippy 2:58PM (7/10/2009)
The Amanti styling is ugly and dated; I can't believe that car sells as well as it does.
If they made it look like a bigger Forte with some luxury performance, they'd have a winner.
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hypermiler 3:10PM (7/10/2009)
This may sound strange, but KDM Amanti was positioned more "upscale" than the car Genesis replaced, called Dynasty. It was a favorite Korean corporate executive sedan catering to high-end market as Equus was considered a ganster's car.
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Bill 6:25PM (7/10/2009)
Interesting.
Before I saw this post, I was thinking to myself, if there was a such thing as a 2009 Dodge Dynasty, it would probably be a lot like this.
p.s. this car is not for the types who frequent this site, so it's natural that you don't "get it"
MikeW 4:12PM (7/10/2009)
If KIA is going to play second fiddle to Hyundai, wouldn't they get the current crop of engines, say the 3.3 & 3.8 V6s.
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jsjs 3:18PM (7/10/2009)
It appears that this the long-rumored CH Amanti replacement.
If it is true that the Amanti replacement is going to be based on a shorter version of the Genesis platform, then it will be smaller than the large VG sedan (which is nearing production), which had originally been slotted beneath the CH.
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Thunderbuck 3:21PM (7/10/2009)
The Amanti isn't ugly from most angles, but the front end is a dealbreaker; looks like a MB E-class had a drunken interlude with a Jaguar S-Type.
Moving to the Genesis platform is an interesting move, especially if they can give the body the crisp angles of the Forte. I have an '07 Sedona, and I'm a believer in Kia's stuff now.
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Andrew L 3:26PM (7/10/2009)
What does this mean for the Azera? They are platform mates, the Azera already is a full sized car along with the Genesis minus the fact that its FWD.... does that mean they are going to cut it completely?
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hypermiler 3:34PM (7/10/2009)
@ Andrew L
Contrary to stereotype, Hyundai is good at making full-size gas-guzzling cars while sucking at fuel-efficient small cars.
This is why Hyundai Genesis trashes Honda RL, while Honda Fit trashes Hyundai Accent.
Anyhow, Azera isn't going anywhere, it is Hyundai's ES350, a luxuriated Sonata. Azera used to be Hyundai's best-seller and biggest profit generator before the current financial crisis.
jsjs 4:37PM (7/10/2009)
@hypermiler
You are forgetting about the i10, i20 and i30, much less the Kia cee'd/pro cee'd.
The Accent is an old, tired model that is long overdue for a replacement.
The Azera isn't going anywhere since it is still a large seller in SKorea.
Aaron 8:55PM (7/10/2009)
hypermiler, you must have different a different definition of "gas guzzling" since most Hyundais are among the most efficient cars in their respective classes.
Other Man 3:45PM (7/10/2009)
Why not merge the Amanti and the Azera into one car for Kia in the next generation? Let Kia have the value-oriented Optima while Hyundai's next Sonata can be a bit more upmarket with more tech options and more powerful engine choices, much as it is today. Their top range would be the Genesis while those who want something more affordable and FWD could opt for the Amanti, which would compete with the new Taurus and upcoming Impala.
That way the brands cover two bases. Otherwise I don't see room for both brands together in the North American marketplace.
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Matt 3:51PM (7/10/2009)
Looks like the rear of an older 2000's bentley.
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