Autoblog

Kia Track'ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul "family"

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Kia

Expect the next Soul to look something like the Track'ster, with Kia deploying more than one variant.

Kia's Track'ster Concept is one of the big hits of the Chicago Auto Show, one of the rare concepts that just screams, "Build me!" But after a thorough interrogation of Kia's PR team and an interview with design chief Peter Schreyer, we realize that's just wishful thinking. We do, however, expect the next Soul to look something like the Track'ster, with Kia deploying more than one variant when the second generation appears in a few years.

"If the Soul were to evolve into a family, it would be nice," Schreyer told us.

Kia spokesman Scott McKee repeatedly said the Track'ster was just a concept and not intended to be production feasible, all the while issuing the standard auto company disclaimer, "Every concept car we do is about gathering information from consumers and media."

One of the big pieces of information Kia is likely looking for is whether performance cars from Kia would play with the notoriously cliquish enthusiast community. Even more importantly, however, Kia will be gauging interest in additional body styles for the Soul. Schreyer said he thinks the Soul would be "more substantial" if it were also offered in a two-door version, or in a more performance-oriented flavor. All-wheel drive is a feature Schreyer also specifically mentioned as being on his wish list.

Continue reading Kia Track'ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul "family"

Kia Track'ster unlikely for production, but hints at next-generation Soul "family" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia GT Concept puts a familiar face on a rear-wheel-drive platform

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Kia

Now that Kia has proven itself to be a true leader in terms of automotive design (thanks for that, Peter Schreyer), it's time for the Korean automaker to evolve its styling language to new types of vehicles. Every new Kia design has been created for a front-wheel-drive platform, but now, Schreyer and his team have expanded to the world of the rear-wheel-drive architecture, previewed here with the GT concept, making its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

"We wanted to create something similarly graceful, athletic and confident, but not aggressive or overbearing," says Gregory Guillaume, Kia's European design chief. Those of you with keen eyes will note that the GT concept is a sort of evolution from Kia's Kee concept, first seen in Frankfurt back in 2007. The swoopy, four-door coupe shape works well with the Kee's original design direction, though we must admit, we feel like we've seen that front fascia before. (Aston Martin One-77, anyone? Or how about the GT by Citroën race car?)

We're not quite sure if we love the exterior design, but one thing's for sure - what's under the hood is sure to impress. The GT concept is powered by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6, producing 389 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the GT concept uses single-piece seats floating on arched supports, as well as a glass instrument panel with three layers of organic LED lights. This glass panel not only gives an interesting, 3D view of the information display, but allows the center console to be freed up of its usual buttons and displays, allowing for a cleaner, more spacious feel.

Hit the jump for Kia's own words about the GT concept, and stay tuned for live shots direct from the Frankfurt Messe.

Continue reading Kia GT Concept puts a familiar face on a rear-wheel-drive platform

Kia GT Concept puts a familiar face on a rear-wheel-drive platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia confirms RWD "coupe-like" concept, powertrain updates

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Kia

Kia has its bags packed for Germany, because the automaker is reportedly planning to unveil a new concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Ward's Auto, Kia officials aren't calling it a coupe, but state the car will have "coupe-like" styling. Does that mean the Korean automaker is taking aim at the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi A7? Judging by the styling direction of its latest vehicles - the Optima, namely - we wouldn't be surprised.

Mum's the word on this Kia concept, but the report suggests that it will have rear-wheel-drive architecture and slot in size between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus. Our best guess? This is further confirmation that the Kia K9 is getting ready to meet the world. The V8-powered, Peter Schreyer-designed four-door is expected to take the auto show stage in Germany, and we'll be there to bring you live photos if and when it does.

Besides word of a new model, Kia also has updates in store for its engines and transmissions. The 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder unit making its way into the 2012 Soul is already being reworked. Engineers are squeezing more power while improving fuel efficiency thanks to a continuously variable valve timing system. Additionally, while automotive kissing cousin Hyundai is set to launch the Veloster with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, Kia insiders say more gears are already on the immediate horizon. A seven-speed DCT isn't far behind the six, with launch estimates pegged at two years time.

Kia confirms RWD "coupe-like" concept, powertrain updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia not slowing down 2009 Auto show plans, lots of debuts coming

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Kia

Click above for more detail shots of the Kia Forte

Despite the downbeat news out of Motown, good things are on the way from some of the transplants. Kia, in particular, is feeling pretty upbeat these days and is the only automaker that's decided to throw a holiday shin-dig in Detroit (so far) this year. While Honda and Nissan have cancelled plans for press conferences at the Detroit Auto Show, Kia will have debut new models in the Motor City, as well as in Chicago and New York. Fedorak told us that a brand new concept would be unveiled in Detroit while the US version of the compact Forte sedan will be shown in Chicago. Fedorak also promised something new for New York, but didn't give up any hints.

But one no show to the party was the Kia Soul. Immediately after the LA Auto Show, the Soul was packed on a truck and sent off in the general direction of Detroit. Unfortunately, a large snow bank ambushed the truck somewhere in the western states, causing it to run late and miss the party.

Gallery: Kia Forte leaked detail shots

[Source: Kia]

Kia not slowing down 2009 Auto show plans, lots of debuts coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia gives its blessing to U.S. Soul

Chris Tutor — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Kia unveiled its Soul to the world, or at least its Soul concept (photo above). Now the Korean automaker says it's ready to put its Soul up for sale in the U.S.

In show car form, the Soul was a four-door crossover powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder with dimensions very near both Honda's Fit and Scion's xB. Not coincidentally, those will be the Soul's two main competitors when it goes on sale early in 2008. That means the Soul would need to come in priced somewhere in the $14k - $17k range.

By the time Kia's crossover gets here, Ford and Chrysler both are expected to be entering the same segment. Kia has proven to be stiff competition on price, warranty and content, and there's no reason to the the Soul won't up a similarly good fight.

Click here for photos of the Soul from the 2006 Detroit show as well as from Kia.

[Source: Brandweek]

Kia gives its blessing to U.S. Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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