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Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around
Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Hatchback, Kia, Electric 
Kia Venga EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Apparently, we we missed at least one interesting machine from the recently concluded press days at the Geneva Motor Show. Kia showed off a battery electric version of its new Venga B-segment hatchback. Like the rest of Kia and Hyundai's hybrids and plug-in concepts either in production or recently shown, the Venga EV uses lithium polymer batteries, likely sourced from LG Chem. The battery pack is stored under the floorpan of the electric vehicle (EV).
The Venga EV contains 24 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity. The front wheels are driven by an 80-kilowatt motor packing a stout 206 pound-feet of torque. Kia says that the concept has about 112 miles of driving range and a 50-kW fast charge can provide an 80-percent recharge in as little as 20 minutes, while a full charge at normal power levels takes about eight hours. The rest of the details can be found in the press release after the break.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around Geneva 2010: Kia Venga EV, sorry we missed you the first time around originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel  The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.
On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.
Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.
[Source: The Detroit News]Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks good
Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Kia 
2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "Longer, lower, wider, more spacious?" You probably didn't think of the 2011 Kia Sportage, but you should, because it has all of that on top of a phalanx of powertrain and accessorizing options.
Globally, the five-seat crossover will offer two gas and two diesel engines from 115- to 163-horsepower, in front- or all-wheel-drive forms, as well as manual or automatic transmissions. Despite all the new choices, the variety of flavors still equals less fat: it weighs 182 pounds less than the outgoing Kia Sportage. The new design under Kia designer Peter Schreyer include a "ribbed roof" and "chunky door handles," all of which have their reasons for being. To find out what they are, have a gander at the press release after the jump and the shots in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks good Geneva 2010: Kia Sportage makes world debut, looks good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve
Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Porsche, Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
The Shunk, Nunez, Abuelsamid and Roth quartet reconvene for Episode #168 of the Autoblog Podcast with the Geneva Motor Show now underway. Our first order of business is a stop at the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by the Suzuki Kizashi, Kia Sorento, BMW 750Li, and Cadillac SRX. Anticipating the massive auto show that's just about to start, we dive right in. Starting us off is the awesome electric-green Lamborghini 570-4 Superleggera. Jumping from Italian exotics to the ultimate SUV, we talk about the 2011 Porsche Cayenne before segueing cleanly into a discussion of the crack-pipe pricing for the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid. Before we leave the VW/Porsche sphere, we talk about how insanely cool the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car is. The Ford Focus station wagon is one of those things we'll see in Geneva, but likely not in the U.S., while the Lexus CT200h is making its way to the shores of North America. BMW's 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept keeps up the cavalcade of alternative propulsion by the big Swiss lake, and it's our last topic before calling it a night. Thanks for listening!
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve Autoblog Podcast #168 - Geneva Eve originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva
Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Citroën
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #167 of the Autoblog Podcast is a fine quartet of Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth. We breeze through the Autoblog Garage, filled with a snow-tired Camaro, a pair of Audi cabrios and a Kia Forte Koup, before hitting the news.
Audi's updated RS5, with a clear-voiced 4.2-liter V8 is up first, followed by the want-it-now BMW 5 Series Touring. We're not done with Europe yet, kicking around the Mercedes-Benz F800 and Citroën DS3 Racing before heading across La Manche to check out the Lotus Proton PHEV and then discuss Kia's Magentis renderings. Wrapping it up, we surmise what Chrysler's purported refreshes might turn out to be and talk about the overwhelming crush of Toyota recall and Congressional hearing news before taking some questions and calling it a night.
Direct fanmail to Podcast at Autoblog dot com, review the show in iTunes, fill out our survey or even leave us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget when podcast loneliness sets in. Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva Autoblog Podcast #167 - Excitement builds for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Kia 
2011 Kia Magentis sketch - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia is all set to debut the latest version of its Magentis midsize sedan at the New York Auto Show in April. Not familiar with the Magentis? Actually, you likely are - the Magentis is known as the Optima here in the States. We just saw spy shots of the next-gen Magentis earlier this month, and the Korean automaker has now seen fit to tease the car with some sketches that "[embody] a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy," which, unsurprisingly, is not unlike the new Sonata from parent company Hyundai - though we're sure the Optima will get its own unique look courtesy of designer Peter Schreyer.
Kia also tells us that its next midsize machine will be longer, lower and wider than the current car with a significantly longer wheelbase that affords "considerably more space for both people and luggage." The 2011 Kia Optima will go on sale here in the U.S. this autumn while the European Magentis will hit the market in the spring of 2011. Check out the high-res teaser images below and hit the jump for the brief official press release.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan New York Preview: Kia teases Magentis (a.k.a. Optima) midsize sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Review: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its roots
Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Kia, Reviews 
2010 Kia Forte Koup - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's time to stop being surprised that Koreans can make good cars. Kia and its sister-brand Hyundai have been doing it for years now, with each successive model being better than the last. Hyundai has been selling vehicles in the U.S. for 24 years, Kia for 16, and they don't deserve bonus points anymore for exceeding expectations. Want proof? Along with Subaru, they were the only three brands to increase sales last year during the Great Recession. The bar has been raised and it's time we take off the kid gloves.
With that in mind, we turn our attention to the 2010 Kia Forte Koup. A brand new model, the Koup joins the Forte sedan in displacing the Spectra, Kia's former best-selling model in the U.S. So the stakes are high for this four-door and accompanying Koup (blech, we mean coupe). We've already sampled the Forte sedan and called it "a stylish, comfortable, frisky automotive companion for surprisingly short dollars." Along with losing two doors, the Koup also gains more aggressive bodywork that suggests the potential for higher performance than the sedan. Does it fulfill that promise or come across as a parts-bin twin with two fewer doors? Let's follow the jump to find out.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its roots Review: 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX a beauty queen that can't hide its roots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Chicago 2010: Kia shows off new Forte Koup racecar
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Kia, Racing 
Kia Forte Koup Racecar - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has been making waves this past year or so with introductions like the Soul and the Forte Koup, and for 2010, they hope to be make an impact on the racetrack as well. Here at the Chicago Auto Show, Kia is displaying their new Forte Koup racecar that is competing in Grand-Am's Continental Sports Car Challenge series for 2010. The Korean manufacturer's first foray into motorsports will be managed by Georgia-based Kinetic Motorsports who will field a pair of cars in the Street Tuner (ST) class against cars like the Mazda3, BMW 330, and Volkswagen GTI.
The #10 car at the show was fresh off the truck from its debut at the Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona Speedway last month, where it finished an underwhelming 31st in class. The #12 sister car fared a little better, ending the race in a respectable 19th place. You can watch both cars in action on SPEED Channel's tape-delayed broadcast of the race on February 13th at 7:00 pm EST. Until then, you can browse through our photos in the gallery below.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Chicago 2010: Kia shows off new Forte Koup racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Chicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiled
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Kia, Electric 
Kia Ray PHEV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The time has come to move on from teaser images; Kia has finally pulled the covers off its new plug-in hybrid concept. As this is being written ahead of the official unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, we know a few more details about the concept, but we are still largely in the dark about the technical nitty gritty. The Ray rides on the same 106.3 inch wheelbase as the Hyundai Blue-Will PHEV concept but the overall length is four inches greater.
The Kia design team under Peter Schreyer has put a lot of emphasis on the aerodynamics of this concept, giving it a longer tail and, thanks to a roof that's four inches lower, a smaller frontal area than the earlier Hyundai concept. The aero number will also benefit from narrower tires, with the Kia rolling on 195/50R20 tires compared to the 245/40R20 rubber on the Hyundai.
The debut of the Ray also marks the launch of Kia's new green sub-brand, EcoDynamics. Like Volkswagen's BlueMotion and Ford's Econetic, EcoDynamics will denote the most efficient variants of Kia's model line. We can expect to see the new badge showing up on Kia's in the near future.
Learn more about the powertrain after the jump.
Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Chicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiled Chicago 2010: Kia Ray PHEV concept finally unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Spy Shots: That would be the 2011 Kia Optima frolicking in the snow
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.
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. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia 
Kia Big Game commercial - Click above to watch the video after the jump
We're not exactly sure when Super Bowl commercials became as big a story as the game itself, but we can't help but like a little entertainment during the breaks. Other than an advertisement for the aging Dodge Charger, the domestic automakers are staying out of the big game, but Kia had a good 2009 and the Korean automaker wants to get in on the Big Game action with one of its new products for 2010.
Kia picked up a pricey one minute spot during the third quarter of this year's title-deciding game, and it features life-sized toys living the high life in a brand new Sorento. The animated quintet hits the snow, does some water skiing and then goes all Hangover-style in Sin City before reality sets in and mom gets behind the wheel.
Hit the jump to watch the commercial for yourself. The cutsie character routine may be getting a bit tired, but Kia pulls off an entertaining commercial with kickin' tunes, a robot doing the robot and a six-foot tall teddy bear in a hot tub with a total hottie. And plenty more.
[Source: Kia]Continue reading Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game Video: Kia shows third-quarter commercial for Sunday's Big Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Kia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto Show
Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Kia, Electric 
Kia Ray Concept teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery
Kia has been teasing us over the last few weeks with the Ray concept car bound for next week's Chicago Auto Show, and today the Korean automaker has lifted up the skirt just a few more inches to show off what appears to be the concept's front fascia and headlights.
So, what do we know so far about the Kia Ray? Pretty much nothing other than the fact that it will be a plug-in hybrid of sorts, and that it looks pretty small. There may or may not be solar cells on the roof - naming it the Ray may have something to do with the sun, right? - and it may use the underpinnings from parent company Hyundai's Blue-Will concept.
So, now that we've gone over what we don't know, take a gander at the two teaser images that Kia's provided so far and try your best to wait patiently for the rest of the goods next week.
[Source: Kia]Kia Ray shows a bit more skin ahead of Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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