Seoul Motor Show: Kia unveils KND-5 concept

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.

[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."

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