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It is based on the South Korean market Forte LPI Hybrid, which utilizes a 1.6-liter LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) engine coupled to an electric motor with 15kW and 105Nm and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The SEMA Show tune comes courtesy of Kinetic Motorsports and it includes a subtle aero kit, new alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered suspension.
The first concept study, the Soul White Tiger, is actually a teaser to one of two all-new special edition models that the company is planning to launch before the end of the year. Following in the footsteps of the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the White Tiger model features some unique styling cues and added content.
The concept was developed by Kia's racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports, who built and campaigns the Forte Koup race cars. Performance upgrades are limited to a set of BBS RG 18-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, race-inspired tires and suspension components, a short throw gaearshift and dampened composite fiber disc clutch.
Boasting an impressive lineup for the magnitude of the Seoul Motor Show, Kia performed the world debut of three new vehicles at the South Korean capital including the firm's first ever hybrid model, the Forte LPI Hybrid that will go on sale in Korea this August. Also on stand were the second generation Sorento that will make its European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this fall and the KND-5 concept sedan that has gathered a lot of positive reviews for its tasteful exterior design.
This near-production concept car is the Kia KND-5 and it made its world premiere alongside the new 7-seater Sorento CUV at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. Boasting an aggressive four-door coupe styling in the likes of Volkswagen's Passat CC (the reference to VW's model was not by chance...), the KND-5 give us a pretty good idea of what the production version that's scheduled to debut in Korea in late 2009, and most likely, in other markets including North America and Europe, in 2010, will look like.
The KND-5 measures 4,945mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,475mm high with a wheelbase of 2,845mm, meaning that it is roughly the same size as the firm's Amanti sedan which is known in many markets as the Opirus. Power is provided by Hyundai group's 3.5-liter V6 Lambda gasoline engine that produces, depending on the model, between 275 and 310HP.
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."
Our take? It appears that Kia has began reaping fruits of Peter Schreyers labor as the company's head designer.
Live pics courtesy of Kia World
Following an online leak this past weekend, Kia released a high-resolution photo as well as initial details on its KND-5 concept sedan that will make its world debut at the Seoul Motor Show (April 3-12, 2009). While Kia revealed that the concept study previews a production model that will be revealed at the end of the year, the Korean automaker did not make it clear whether or not the KND-5 will replace the Amanti otherwise known as the Opirus.However, the KND-5's exterior dimensions bring it closer to the Amanti than to the Optima (Magentis in Europe) measuring in at 4,950 mm or 194.9 in. in length (Amanti: 5,001 mm or 196.9 in.) with a wheelbase of 2,845mm or 112 in. (Amanti: 110.2 in.).
The medium-size concept sedan that will be on display at Kia's Seoul stand will be powered by the Hyundai group's 3.5-liter V6 engine.
A photograph depicting what looks to be a near-production concept study of a mid-size Kia sedan has found its way into the web. Word is that the so-called VG Concept most likely previews the next-generation Amanti sedan, but since we do not have any official information, it would be better if we left a question mark until we hear something from Kia. The VG Concept is slated to make its world premiere along with the all-new Sorento SUV and Kia's first production hybrid model, the Forte LPI, at next week's 2009 Seoul Motor Show that runs from April 3 to 12.Source: TheCarBlogger , Via: Autoblog.com
When the curtain rises on the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week, Kia will reveal its strangely named 'No 3' concept car that will lead to a production model (see scoop photos here) in the beginning of 2010. Designed by Kia's European design team, led by Peter Schreyer, the No 3 is a Ford Fiesta-sized mini MPV developed to rival cars such as the Opel / Vauxhall Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. Finished in a matt Titanium Grey, the 4045 mm long concept features the new 'face of Kia' with the front grille, head lamps and brand logo in a new constellation arrangement.
Even though we see a bit of the new Fiesta in the mini-MPV's front-end design, overall, we must say that the No 3 looks the part. One of the most prominent features of the car, but one that we doubt will find its way into production, is the diagonal supporting bar on the roof that joins the extended windscreen and panoramic glass top.
The production version of the No 3 will be based on the underpinnings of the Kia Soul and Hyundai i20, meaning that powertrain options will most likely include 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, both producing an output of 126HP, while some markets will also get a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel and a 142HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
The undisputed star of Kia's display at the 2009 Salon de l'Automobile in Geneva at the beginning of March will be a new mini MPV concept which previews a forthcoming production model that's expected to be revealed at the end of 2009 or early 2010. We've already shown you spy shots of the production model (click here for photos) that will compete against mini multi-purpose-vehicles (MPV) like the Opel Meriva and Nissan Note - and not the larger Opel Zafira or Grande Scenic for example. Kia is being high and mighty about its new concept stating that it is "bringing style and cool to what is currently a bland segment of the new car market." The Korean automaker also said that the mini MPV will feature a dramatic glass-roof treatment and will provide "astounding spaciousness in a compact package".
One of the most interesting and realistic concept studies at this year's Detroit Show is the Kia Soulster, or as the Korean automaker calls it, the Soul'ster. Derived from the just introduced Soul crossover, the two-door concept blends elements of a mini-pickup and a roadster, in a rather convincing and funky way. The front-wheel drive four seater features a shortened windshield for a more low-slung appearance as well as a two-piece top that enables passengers to expose the front and back seating areas independently.
The tops slide on a black roll bar that extends to the back of the vehicle providing extra protection. Other unique features include the restyled fascia, new LED headlamps and 19-inch, five-spoke aluminum alloys.
Inside, Kia's designers went for a more distinct and rugged look leaving the bare essentials - even the windows are rolled down manually. The non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats can be folded flat if needed while Kia also added storage compartments below each of the rear seats. Furthermore, in addition to the cargo area, dual storage compartments also can be found in the rear and underneath the cargo hold area.
If it were to produced -and we can't find a reason why it shouldn't- the Soulster would be available the same powertrain options as its conventional 5-door sibling: a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which produces approximately 120 HP and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, producing approximately 140 HP.
