Autoblog

Seoul Motor Show: 2010 Kia Sorento crosses over for Korea debut

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

2010 Kia Sorento - Click above for high-res image gallery

After enough leaks to founder the Titanic, the 2010 Kia Sorento has finally made its debut at the Seoul Motor Show. The latest incarnation follows up on the company's original 2002 SUV, but Kia has seen the consumer light and ditched that vehicle's body-on-frame architecture in favor of unibody construction. In true CUV fashion, the new Sorento is at once lower and longer, seats up to seven people, and has a fresh new look thanks chief design officer Pete Schreyer's team.

The new model features a range of engines for Korea, at least one of which figures to be available stateside. The family consists of a 2.7-liter V6 that runs on LPG - liquefied petroleum gas - giving 163 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque, as well as a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel (194 hp and 320 lb/ft) and a conventional 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine yielding 173 hp and 166 pound-feet, a variant of which figures to come to America, along with a more powerful V6 option. Kia will pair these engines with a range of five- and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, depending on the market.

Interestingly, despite being more tarmac-centric, the new model will also include DBC, Kia-speak for Down-hill Brake Control, technology we know as hill-descent control. When activated, the hardware will limit vehicle speeds to a 5 mph crawl on steep descents. Conversely, the vehicle also has an anti-rollback measure for uphill starts called HAC, Hill-start Assist Control.

The company expects its new Sorento to "significantly increase [Kia's] share of the utility vehicle market," setting an ambitious global sales target for itself of 140,000 units from 2010 (the outgoing model sold 900,000 worldwide over seven years). It is not clear, however, if the CUV will be simultaneously be entering new markets in order to reach that goal. We'll keep our eyes out for more images and info, but in the meantime, click on the jump to read more in the official press release, and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Sorento

Continue reading Seoul Motor Show: 2010 Kia Sorento crosses over for Korea debut

Seoul Motor Show: 2010 Kia Sorento crosses over for Korea debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Motor Show: Kia unveils KND-5 concept

John Neff — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

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]

Continue reading Seoul Motor Show: Kia unveils KND-5 concept

Seoul Motor Show: Kia unveils KND-5 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kiazera: Kia VG concept leaked

Alex Nunez — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:25:00 EST

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

Click on the Kia VG concept to enlarge

So, what happens when you build a Kia based on the Azera's architecture? You get Kia's upcoming flagship sedan. The Kia VG concept has leaked onto the web and will debut at the Seoul Motor Show later this week. It's one of these concept-in-name-only deals, so look for the production version to hit South Korean showrooms in September, with a North American arrival in Spring, 2010. Power for the front-driver will range from the 2.4-liter four we'll be seeing a lot of in the coming months, to the 3.8-liter Lambda V6 in what's likely to be the range-topping torque-steer special. Looks nice, too. Kia's increasingly-formidable, value-priced lineup gets better with each new announcement. We've gone from the likes of the Sephia to this? Impressive. We'll have more on the VG concept once it makes its debut this week.

[Source: The Car Blogger]

Kiazera: Kia VG concept leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul

John Neff — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

Hyundai BLUE-WILL Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has just released info on its plug-in hybrid concept for the upcoming Seoul Motor Show. Called the BLUE-WILL, the concept features a direct-inject 1.6-liter gas engine mated to a CVT transmission and 100kw electric motor. The car features a state of the art lithium ion polymer batter pack that's packaged with the fuel tank below the rear seats, as well as a trick panoramic roof that integrates solar cells while still being able to see through. The BLUE-WILL also features eco-friendly plastics, with some components, like the headlamp bezels, made out of recycled plastic bottles and other plastics derived from plant extracts. We're not sure where the plug goes, but Hyundai claims the parallel hybrid can be tethered to a wall socket for extra amps.

The concept's five-door hatchback body style is striking with criss-crossing character lines on the body sides and a high rear deck lid. The thick C-pillars also turn into the center of the roof, leaving a window above each pair of doors. The BLUE-WILL's face has an angry look with its forward canted fascia that bends around on each side to blue-tinted headlights sweeping back up the fender. Koreans will get their first look at the BLUE-WILL when the Seoul Motor Show opens on April 2nd, and Hyundai will begin selling its first hybrid, the Elantra LPI Hybrid, in July in South Korea.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul

Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More 2010 Kia Sorento shots hit the web

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for an image gallery of the 2010 Kia Sorento

Kia World has once again scored a series of spy shots of the upcoming 2010 Kia Sorento. Unlike the first generation of Kia's midsize 'ute, the new Sorento will eschew the body-on-frame underpinnings of traditional sport utility vehicles in favor of the unibody architecture that's currently all the rage. Engine choices should include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.8-liter V6 borrowed from parent company Hyundai with over 270 horsepower. Automatic and manual transmissions will reportedly be available, both with six speeds. Markets outside the U.S. will also get diesel and LPG variants.

Styling is vastly different from the current Sorento, which is a pretty good looking vehicle in its own right. We detect at least a hint of Ford's current Kinetic design language, which is no bad thing. The 2010 Sorento is scheduled to make its formal debut at the Seoul Motor Show in early April, followed by its U.S. introduction at the New York Auto Show a few weeks later.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Sorento

[Source: Kia World]

More 2010 Kia Sorento shots hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Chris Paukert — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

SsangYong first unveiled its C200 concept crossover at the Paris Motor Show last autumn, and it will release a toned-down version that's nearly production-ready at next month's Seoul Motor Show. The financially battered Korean automaker says its less aggressively-styled C200 is similar in size to the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4, a class of vehicle that's growing quickly in SsangYong's home market.

The ItalDesign-penned CUV concept is powered by a new 175-horsepower, 2.0-liter diesel engine (torque figures have not yet been released), and four-wheel drive is expected to be available when the C200 reaches showrooms later this year.

SsangYong also expects to show off a new diesel-hybrid version of its oddly styled Kyron, which it says will result in at least 30% better fuel efficiency and at least 50% fewer emissions. Details remain scarce on the powertrain, but SsangYong says the system will involve a direct-injection diesel engine along with a proprietary Torque Split Device that governs use of the electric motor, as well as the usual tricks like regenerative braking and start-stop technology. Official press release available after the jump, gallery of the original 2008 C200 concept below.

Gallery: París 2008: SsangYong C200

Continue reading Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea

Seoul Preview: SsangYong to show C200 Eco crossover concept in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Kia Sorento revealed!

Alex Nunez — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a gallery of the 2010 Kia Sorento

Kia World has scored the first official photos of the 2010 Kia Sorento, and from the looks of things, it's in keeping with the other marked improvements the automaker has been making to its lineup. In fairness, the current Sorento is no ugly duckling, with a shape that's evocative of the Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee and last-gen Lexus RX. Kia retains a traditional SUV profile with the latest version, but you can see that a thick D-pillar now resides aft of the side glass. In its report, OmniAuto notes that new, larger Sorento will have seven-passenger capability.

The new Sorento doesn't appear to mess with success, retaining the same basic shape while incorporating Kia's new, handsome corporate face and a clamshell hood. Its public debut is slated for the Seoul Motor Show next month, and Kia World reports that the the new SUV will be available with a Euro 5-compliant 2.0-liter clean diesel making 200 horsepower and 295-lb-ft of torque. Stateside, expect a 170-horsepower 2.4-liter four and and a 3.8-liter, 260-horse Lambda V6. Koreans also get a 2.7-liter LPG-powered engine. After its Seoul debut, we'd expect to see the Sorento pop up in Manhattan for the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Sorento

[Sources: Kia World, Omni Auto]

2010 Kia Sorento revealed! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Kia Sorento teased ahead of Seoul Motor Show

Michael Harley — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

There isn't a ton of new information since we first spoke about it last July, but Kia has released the first "official" image of the upcoming 2010 Kia Sorento. As reported earlier, the SUV's body-on-frame platform has been dumped in favor of a unibody platform. This will improve the ride at the expense of towing capacity and off-road ruggedness, but should pay dividends in terms of ride, handling and fuel economy. Expect the crossover to arrive with Kia's next-generation six-cylinder engines, and an efficient 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel powerplant for Europe pumping out an expected 200 hp with class-leading fuel economy. The 2010 Kia Sorento will debut at the Seoul Motor Show in April.

[Source: Kia World]

2010 Kia Sorento teased ahead of Seoul Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's Kappa platform spawns GM Daewoo G2X in Seoul

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 11:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, GM

The cross-pollination among General Motors worldwide operations continues. The Seoul Motor Show features the fourth variant of General Motors' Kappa platform and the third based on the Saturn Sky. The new GM Daewoo G2X is a rebadged edition of the Sky and Opel Speedster. The car being shown in Seoul uses the turbocharged 2.0L direct injected engine from the Sky Red Line. So far, there's no word from GM on when the G2X will be available in South Korean showrooms.

[Source: GM Daewoo]

Gallery: GM Daewoo G2X

Continue reading GM's Kappa platform spawns GM Daewoo G2X in Seoul

GM's Kappa platform spawns GM Daewoo G2X in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Apr 2007 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Motor Show: Hyundai Veloster Concept swoops in

Alex Nunez — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 16:50:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for photo gallery

Hyundai unveiled three new vehicles at the Seoul Motor Show, and the first we'll talk about is the sporty-looking Veloster coupe concept. According to the PR materials, the Veloster has potential Gen-Y shoppers in its sights, and to be sure, it's an attractive little coupe. The trapezoidal grille opening reminds us a lot of the new Mitsubishi Lancer / Evo X, and the overall shape is similar to a number of other vehicles in this class. The roof is mostly glass, with a metal, bodywork-colored "mohawk" running through the middle. The CHMSL that's integrated into the tail end of the "mohawk" behind the rear glass is a slick touch. The triangular, shoulder-mounted taillamps and single, center exhaust outlet add some flair to the car's posterior.

Inside, a terrific-looking retro/modern interior incorporates neat features such as an iPod dock in the center console and an Engine Start button on the top of the shift knob. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder that drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual. Whether or not the study will eventually amount to anything on the consumer side is anyone's guess, but as concepts go, it's fun without being totally outlandish.

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Continue reading Seoul Motor Show: Hyundai Veloster Concept swoops in

Seoul Motor Show: Hyundai Veloster Concept swoops in originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Apr 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul Motor Show: Kia reveals KND-4 concept

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, China, Kia, Misc. Auto Shows

click the above image to view a gallery of the Kia KND-4 Concept

Today at the Seoul Motor Show, Kia unveiled the KND-4 SUV concept that will influence the design of the automaker's future products.

As with any concept, it's more of a styling exercise than a production-bound vehicle, with all the far-reaching elements one would expect. The three-door SUV gets a very Euro-Accord/TSX-like snout, complete with wrap around headlamps and pointy grille. The high beltline and C-pillar give it a compact appearance, while the rear gets a starkly upright hatch.

Inside, you'll find your standard pseudo-science fiction trappings, including a display screen sporting "Active-Matrix, Organic Light Emitting Diodes" or AMOLEDs, along with a (not so far out there) Blu-ray DVD-equipped entertainment system.

Power comes from a 2.2-liter diesel that sends power to all four wheels via Kia's Active Torque Transfer system that shuffles power to the wheels afforded with the best traction.

You can read more about the KND-4 in the press release after the jump, along with a few more images of the concept.

[Source: Kia]

Gallery: Kia KND-4 Concept

Continue reading Seoul Motor Show: Kia reveals KND-4 concept

Seoul Motor Show: Kia reveals KND-4 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seoul promises fewer sexy models at auto show

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:06:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows

In the not-too-distant past, many of the Korean automaker designs were so lame that you had to put a pretty girl in the foreground for most people to even look at them. Times have changed, and Korean design has advanced to the point where the need has waned to employ hundreds of pretty models at the upcoming Seoul Motor Show in South Korea.

For fans of auto show models, these gals aren't going away altogether, but their numbers are going down. Hyundai models will drop in number from 46 to 36, Kia is going from 44 to 36, and GM Daewoo and Renault Samsung Motors are also following suit. And while the models are shrinking in numbers, the amount of fabric they'll be sporting will grow. Miniskirts and "sleeveless shirts" will be less prevalent in an effort to put more emphasis on the cars (how novel!).

Some of the Korean carmakers will utilize more college students and/or "car experts" whocan answer the auto-related questions of potential customers. We agree that the vehicles should have the lion's share of attention at the Seoul Motor Show, but we just wish all those upstanding young ladies didn't have to lose out on a payday (and a photo op) to keep cars in the spotlight.

Thanks for the tip, Jennifer!

[Source: The Korea Times]

Seoul promises fewer sexy models at auto show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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