Folks at ‘What car?’ hint that the novel design will be based on its earlier K9 luxury sedan and is expected to seize power from a V8 engine.

We guess Kia wants to study the public reception about the concept coupe. The popular Korean automaker also plans for a production model if the show’s reaction is favorable. If all goes well we can expect the car by 2015.

We also hear that Kia is considering a model to battle  competition posed by Mazda MX. We feel the prototype will be a front-wheel drive. We hope Kia’s efforts to hive up to the brand image will see success with a coupe and a roadster in the works.

Expected to legitimize the Korean automaker as an eco-friendly company, the variant boasts of being way different from many other gas-electric vehicles. For instance, you doesn’t need to compromise on your cargo space for the compact lithium-ion battery pack.

Besides, Optima comes up with more standard equipments than the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, including a rear backup camera, rear spoiler, auto-down front windows for the driver and passenger, a cooling glovebox, compass and Kia’s brand new infotainment system.

Under its hood, the 2011 Optima hybrid features the carmaker’s highly-advanced hybrid powertrain technology that enables the car to deliver up to 35 MPG in city driving and 40 MPG on the highway. Kia’s in-house developed hybrid system known as “full parallel hybrid system” allows you to drive the car at full-electric drive mode with speeds of up to 62 miles per hour.

So, how many of our viewers are willing to spend $26,500 to grab the hybrid?

Share with us.

(via Ward’s Auto)

The expansion projects have already been kick started at its factory in West Point. This is estimated to increase the total annual production to 360,000 vehicles by next year. This includes plants stamping, welding, paint and general assembly shops.

The company has already announced earlier that it would begin producing its Optima mid-size sedan in the U.S. Following the announcement, the company has revealed their plans of increasing the production capacity.

Kia is already enjoying good growth in the US. Sorento is the best selling vehicle over there and the Optima’s demand is also climbing. The shortage of Japanese cars following the tsunami also added to the increasing demand for autos from Kia.

(via CarMagazine)

It has been known that Peter Schreyer, Kia’s head of design, has created Kia’s new roadster design. However, the sketch unveiled appears to be based on the old KCV III, which was created way back in 2003. Have a look at the pictures alongside.

Amidst all these, no official announcement has come from Kia other than the fact that such a model is under construction. Stay tuned with us to know whether Kia will be able to successfully hit the highly competitive compact roadster segment in the US.

(Via MA)

As you can see in the pictures, the black exterior graphics give it a rugged charm. The interior is also worth rewarding with its push-button ignition, automatic climate control and exclusive floor mats. The spacious cabin also features black leather seats.

Till now, no official announcement has come from the company regarding the price. However, going by a tweet, Hamster Edition is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this spring.

Well, the most significant thing is that, these images include that of the interior too. Despite the camouflage, the details could be distinguished.

The spied pictures include snaps of the rear seat, inside door panel. It also shows the tiny window on the C-pillar which is considered to be the distinct design feature of the vehicle.

Kia Ceed shares a platform with sister-brand Hyundai’s i30 model. It is also learnt that the former would share engine options too with the later.

This includes a 1.6 liter gasoline/petrol producing 122 PS (90 kW/121 hp) and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of torque, as well as a 1.7 liter diesel producing 115 PS (84 kW /113 bhp) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque.

(Via WCF)

The new model is longer and has increased wheelbase than its predecessor. The cargo area gets 27% more space. Picanto will have 5-door and 3-door variants for the first time.

The car will have lesser CO2 emissions between 95 and 105 g/Km and increased fuel efficiency of 40-56 mpg (U.S). The engine options include: – three cylinder 1 Liter Kappa engine with gasoline, flex fuel or bi-fuel versions and a four cylinder 1.2 Liter Kappa petrol engine.

Availability of these engines depend on individual markets. Power generated with the above said engine options range from 69 to 85 ps and torque between 94 and 121 Nm. Depending on the region the car will either have a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission

The cars to be sold in Europe will feature Kia’s fuel saving ISG (Idle Stop Go) technologies. Other cool stuff like the LED day time running lights, button start with smart key, grip type outside door handles, airbags (6 or 7 based on region) make this car all the more appealing.

From what we see on the preview sketch, the car s expected to hit production with features such as swivel seating, and wood panel flooring.

Further, Kia is also likely to bring about gull wing opening rear doors, and that means the car maker will do way with the center-pillarless opening on the passenger side.  However, the center pillar on the drivers side will stay.

The sketch reveals a shape resembling an SUV.  Further, it also bears a similarities with the original concept designs as had been earlier shown for models such as Soul, Sportage and Sorento

Look forward to the debut of the Kia KV7 crossover concept at the North American International Auto Show on January 10.

The car which can seat three passengers, two up front and a third person who can sit behind (unlike the Gordon Murray T.25′s three-seater arrangement which has two passengers either side of the driver), is just around the same length as a Toyota IQ at about 3 meters. Additional information on the Kia Pop is expected to be released at the motor show which starts on September 30. We are just as eager as you are to know more about this cute looking Pop.

(Via WhatCar?)

With the new change soon to take effect, the US buyers can choose their Kia models from among different alphanumeric names. In home country South Korea, the Kia line up has already been given partially alphanumeric names. For instance, the mid-sized Optima sedan has been named the K5, while large sedan Cadenza comes with theK7 name. The Kia Forte is to be called the K3. This doesn’t mean that all Kia models have been renamed. The Morning, Pride, Koup, Soul and Sportage have retained their nomenclature. The thought of renaming the vehicles with alphanumerics in the US car mart stems from the belief that such a move could enhance the strength of the car brand.