Autoblog

Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style, South Korea

Kia appears to have pulled a quick one on the world with its Cub Concept. As it turns out, the machine isn't the four-door coupe they promised at all. Instead, the little showcar is a five-door hatch with suicide rear doors. That's certainly fine by our reckoning, but it isn't quite what we were expecting to see on display at the Seoul Motor Show. The concept was penned at the company's design studio in Seoul with direction from Peter Schreyer, and it gets its thrust from a 204-horsepower, 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With 195 pound-feet of torque on hand, we suspect the Cub would have little trouble hustling down the road.

Indoors, the Cub serves up black leather seats with yellow accents as well as a new Driving Information System that uses a gesture camera to control various operations. Right now, there are apparently no plans to put the Cub into production anywhere in the world, but we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the hatchback's elements make their way to the show room floor.

Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia design chief Peter Schreyer named Hyundai-Kia President

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hyundai, Kia, South Korea

Automotive News reports Peter Schreyer has been appointed the first non-Korean president of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group. Schreyer is expected to retain his role as the chief designer for Kia, while also taking on new, high-level executive duties. He is now one of three presidents at the automaker.

The designer made a name for himself at Volkswagen, where he penned the 1998 New Beetle and lent his eye to the Audi TT. In 2006, Schreyer moved to Kia, where he quickly revised the brand's styling from bland, forgettable lines to bold, "tiger nose" creations. Analysts attribute much of the brand's recent sales success to Schreyer's influence.

Kia is expected to move 2.75 million units worldwide next year, while sister company Hyundai will likely beat its 2012 sales forecast of 4.29 million units, according to CFO Lee Won Hee.

Kia design chief Peter Schreyer named Hyundai-Kia President originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia's Peter Schreyer designs K Velo two-wheeler

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Kia, Design/Style, South Korea

Long before Kia made its first automobile, the company built bicycles. In 1944, Kia got its start as Kyungsung Precision Industries by manufacturing steel tubing and bicycle components. Now the Korean manufacturer is honoring those humble beginnings with the new K Velo City. Designed by Peter Schreyer, the bike features a few elements to tie it to the company's internal-combustion efforts. That includes a front basket with the same "tiger nosed" profile as many Kia vehicles. Schreyer decided to pen a mini velo for the project. With 20-inch wheels, an 11-speed set up and a compact frame, the bike is ideal for commuting in an urban environment.

The K Velo will also come in a speed variant, complete with a lightweight aluminum frame and lighter interrupters. These aren't just concepts, though. Kia fully plans to build both the City and the Speed to focus its customers' attention toward sustainable transportation. The bikes are only available in Korea at the moment, and start at $1,100. You can head over to the Kia official corporate blog for more information.

Kia's Peter Schreyer designs K Velo two-wheeler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferdinand Piëch regrets letting designer Schreyer leave for Kia

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo

Volkswagen Group Chairman Ferdinand Piëch has seen his fair share of executives leave the company's brands during his time at the helm, but according to Automotive News, he now openly regrets allowing Audi designer Peter Schreyer to go. During a rare interview - with an even rarer admission of fault - Piëch made it clear his company should not have let the talented designer head for Kia, saying plainly, "We should not have let him go." But that wasn't the only revelation. Piëch will remain in his current position for at least another five to seven years in order to usher in the next-generation Volkswagen Golf - this, despite the fact that he's 75 years old and has already been at the top of the company for 18 years.

More importantly, it appears as if VW isn't through snapping up brands. Piëch has mentioned his interest in Alfa Romeo in the past, and the chairman has said there's room in the stable for another nameplate that needs a little restructuring. Like most automakers, Alfa Romeo has struggled amidst the European recession, and its business picture wasn't exactly rosy before the economic downturn. Of course, that news runs contrary to reports we heard in September, when Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said his brand was done buying up other companies.

Ferdinand Piëch regrets letting designer Schreyer leave for Kia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Automobile names Audi A7 its car of the year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, Kia, Fisker, Design/Style, Luxury

It seems we at Autoblog are not the only group of enthusiasts who are ready to announce to the whole world their love for the Audi A7. The men and women from Automobile Magazine have named Audi's coupe-like five-door hatchback as their 2012 Automobile of the Year. There's a whole article worth of reasons why the A7 has won the coveted trophy, so if you're interested, we suggest clicking here to read all about it yourself.

In related news, Peter Schreyer, chief design officer for Kia, has garnered the magazine's 2012 Man of the Year award for the contributions he's made to the Korean company's overall design aesthetic. We wholeheartedly support that notion. 2012 Technology of the Year laurels go to the "Turbo Tech Trifecta," that being Automobile-speak for turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing. Finally, the 2012 Design of the Year has been awarded to the Fisker Karma. We're betting that last decision will be the most controversial.

Got an opinion? Feel free to voice your own choices for Automobile, Man, Technology and Design of the Year in Comments.

Automobile names Audi A7 its car of the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could the Kia GT be produced with something other than a V6?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Kia, Luxury

AutoExpress recently took the time to sit down with Kia design guru Peter Schreyer for a chat about the company's GT Concept that debuted at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Schreyer is understandably keen to bring the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan to market, though he isn't necessarily wedded to the 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 under the concept's hood. Schreyer said that any number of drivetrain options could conceivably work, including hybrid and smaller displacement powertrains. The designer believes that Kia could still produce an executive sedan with the performance that buyers want while still maintaining excellent fuel economy.

That would certainly help make a more solid business case for the range-topping model. Schreyer also made it clear that while the GT would likely be successful in the U.S. and Chinese markets, the design lends itself to global sales. This all sounds good to us, but it's worth noting that the ultimate fate of any production model based on the GT Concept rests in the hands of the decision makers at Kia.

Could the Kia GT be produced with something other than a V6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Kia design head "caves" to Korean influence with Naimo concept

Chris Shunk — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, Electric

Kia Naimo EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Korean-made cars of the 1990s and early 2000s looked very... Korean. Not exactly a bad thing, mind you, but it's tough to sell vehicles around the globe that cater to a specific region of the world. That's likely one of the reasons why Kia hired former Audi designer Peter Schreyer to inject some much needed style into its lineup.

Schreyer tells Automotive News that there is no "Koreaness" about the Kia lineup, adding "to be honest, we don't want the cars to look Korean." A quick look at the 2011 Optima and you can see Schreyer is succeeding, but what about the Naimo EV concept? AN tells us that the jade color is reminiscent of Celadon-style pottery. The interior is covered in Korean oak. Schreyer tells AN that, at least in this case, the Korean factor is strong, adding it has design cues inspired by art specific to that country.

While the Naimo concept is a definite change of pace versus the rest of the Kia lineup, we're thinking the little concept doesn't mean to reveal a new styling direction. The show car was, after all, designed with the Seoul Motor Show in mind. Besides, there's nothing wrong with playing to the home crowd.

Gallery: Kia Naimo Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Followup: Kia design head "caves" to Korean influence with Naimo concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia to get a sports car "sooner or later," says designer

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Kia

2007 Kia Kee concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has come a long way since arriving on these shores over fifteen years ago. Looking ahead, the Korean automaker still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, says Automotive News after an interview with the company's design chief, Peter Schreyer.

Having landed at Kia in 2006 after a 26-year stint at Volkswagen, Schreyer knows a thing or two about design. He's credited with styling the groundbreaking original Audi TT, and would like to do something similar for Kia... in time.

For the moment, Kia is focusing on its core products. But "sooner or later," says Schreyer, the Korean automaker will be ready for a sportier model to serve as a halo and help define the brand. When that time comes, we could see something along the lines of the Kee concept from 2007 (pictured) take form, and given Schreyer's experience, we don't doubt it'll be a looker. Just when that time will be, however, remains a big question mark.

Gallery: Kia Kee Coupe Concept

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Kia to get a sports car "sooner or later," says designer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hyundai, First Drives, New Car Reviews

2011 Kia Sportage - click above for high-res image gallery

The crossover is the high-fructose corn syrup of the automotive world. Think about it: Rather than using real sugar, Pepsi opts for a cheaper, highly refined and processed sweetener. Which, according to lots of studies, is pretty bad for us. Why would they do that? Higher profits, pure and simple. Likewise, CUVs offer all of the space of a comparably long station wagon or hatchback, get inferior mileage, don't handle as well, take longer to stop and in most cases offer none of the utility of a true off-roader. But guess what? They pull in fistfuls of greenbacks for auto companies.

Like high-fructose corn syrup then, car experts ("Hi, Mom!") can scream out their lungs until they're blue about the benefits of a more sensible, safer, smarter product (again, wagons). Yet consumers simply don't listen. The fastest growing automotive segment is - of course - the small CUV. Like the Snickers bar, the Twinkie and a twenty-piece Chicken McNuggets meal with BBQ sauce (all of which is mostly corn syrup), they are here to stay, forever. Buyers just seem to like the looks and the perceived safety that a high-riding vehicle affords them. Plus, for those with infant children, not having to stoop down to strap Junior into his car seat is the most luxurious feature on earth. With all that in mind, some CUVs are better than others - and not only in terms of looks, but also handling, packaging, content and value. Is the new 2011 Kia Sportage one of them? Read on to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction

First Drive: 2011 Kia Sportage keeps moving in the proper direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Kia, South Korea

2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a very well placed source deep within the South Korean manufacturing giant Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the sedan above is not the 2012 Hyundai Azera as reported yesterday. Not only is the car not an Azera, it's not even a Hyundai. You are in fact looking at the 2011 Kia Optima. Though there is a 25% chance that this might be the 2012 Kia Optima. Sadly, and regardless, we know next to nothing about this new Optima, other than the fact that the rest of the world will still probably know it as the Magentis.

However, we know what we can hope for. Judging by the position of the front wheels (they're almost at the door cut, totally FWD) we feel confident saying this here Optima will not be riding on any version of the RWD Hyundai Genesis platform. In other words, this is not the Kia K9. Still, we bet that Kia's new styling guru (and OG Audi TT designer) Peter Schreyer will ensure this is the best looking Optima yet. Not a large hill to climb, but one that needs summiting for sure. We'll give you more info when we get it.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Kia Optima

Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Design/Style, Luxury, South Korea

When the Volkswagen Phaeton launched here in the States, nobody liked it. Well, that's not true. Every journalist we know who drove the mighty VW went on and on about how it's probably actually the greatest car in the world (especially all decked out with a W12 engine) and how the HVAC system is a full generation ahead of the competition (you can't beat in-car radiators!) and how the seats so awesomely massaged their fat butts. That said, it was still a terrible car in terms of branding, marketing, etc. And now we have no Phaeton.

Then came the Hyundai Genesis. The big sedan version with the Tau (whatever that means) 4.6-liter V8. "Hmmm," our motor-mouthed brethren chimed. "Hyundai might just be on to something here." Lots of good ink got spilled in the Genesis's general direction and the Mercedes-Benz lookalike Korean luxury car got picked as the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It even appears to be selling. How things change.

Well guess what? Kia wants in. AboutCAR caught a glimpse of the proposed Kia K9 at a design conference in Seoul. Standing next to the proposed super sedan is Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the original Audi TT, he is now Kia's chief of design. Should the K9 show up, expect it to arrive in the U.S. with a Genesis-sourced chassis and a big fat V8. Other parts of the world will get other engines. Will it work? As Hyundai America CEO and President John Krafcik told us at the LA Auto Show when he was asked which he liked better, the new Sonata or Tucson, "I just really love my Genesis." And there you have it.

[Source: Aboutcar.co.kr]

Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA grads design eco-friendly concepts for the future

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green

Click above for more RCA Eco-Friendly Concepts

Whenever car design students tackle a project with as little direction as designing a "future eco-friendly automobile," you know that the designs will bear little resemblance to what's currently available. Still, when it's students from the Royal College of Art we're talking about, we should take note. After all, this is the same school that graduated the likes of Peter Horbury, Ian Callum, Martin Smith from Ford of Europe, Aston Martin's design director Marek Reichman and Peter Schreyer, Kia's current design head and the man behind the iconic shape of Audi's original TT.

The winner of the 2008 Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design award was Pierre Sabas with his Airflow concept (shown above). Although the looks of the vehicle, with its entire exterior made from glass, are pretty far fetched, the in-wheel electric motors specified by the designer may have a future as many automakers are already exploring this idea for production. In contrast, Arturo Peralta Nogueras's concept uses non-existent "solid hologram technology" for the exterior along with an interior that evolves with its surroundings. We're sure that one's coming right around the corner. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

Gallery: RCA Eco-Friendly Concepts

[Sources: Inhabitat, Wallpaper.com]

RCA grads design eco-friendly concepts for the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia nabs Volkswagen's advanced design boss

John Neff — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: Kia, Volkswagen

One thing Kia has never been accused of is being on the cutting edge of style. That may change with news that the Korean automaker has hired on Volkswagen's advanced design chief, Peter Schreyer, to head up its global design operation. Schreyer is the guy responsible for Audi's Bauhaus flava and has lately been laying low over at Volkswagen designing such shapes as the Concept-R roadster. Word has it that Schreyer has been unhappy at VW/Audi for some time due to differences with VW's design chief Murat Gunak. What does this mean for Kia? We can expect future designs from the automaker to include copious amounts of style along with their trademark value.

[Source: Inside Line]

Kia nabs Volkswagen's advanced design boss originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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