Kia Koup?!

[exigeracer]

KIA DEBUTS KOUP CONCEPT AT 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Design Cues, Indicative of an Emotional and Powerful Driving Experience,
Reflect Brand Evolution

• Distinctive "check mark" shape furthers the performance-inspired appearance
• Realistic interior design makes KOUP a true driver's car

NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

"The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. "Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers."

First Glance

Curb appeal begins with the KOUP's balanced proportions and fluid design. From the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech and pragmatic headlamps, the front fascia's form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance.

The KOUP features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED lamp lenses.

While the KOUP's overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with positive tension created by a "swoosh" that swoops from the "C" pillar forward, down to the "A" pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive "check mark" shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance. The short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-balanced and responsive character.

No element of high-style design is missing in the KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces of glass – similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. To further the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP's chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

Inside the Cockpit

Conceived artfully and with graphic precision, the KOUP's interior hones in on the desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspired driving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.

Audiophiles and car enthusiasts alike will take heed of eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonizing the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services, including safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings.

The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver's car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors and patterning and horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including convenient smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

Taking Flight

Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behavior is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the KOUP's sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.

Safety

The KOUP concept features all of the standard safety features offered in Kia's regular production vehicle lineup including six standard airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC stabilizes the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP's impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP's advanced safety technology.

So, what do you guys think? 2.0L turbo, 290hp. How about that?

Looks pretty good to me! Maybe a little plain, on the conservative side, but alright.

 

[Rykon Zero]

Looks like a Civic. And with that power, i hope it's RWD or AWD.

 

[JCE]

Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm

Dude, that is epic. And not to mention I LOVE the exterior design--its a definate step forward for Korean design. Wow, I'm really getting impressed with Korea lately.

My approval rating: 95%

 

[ExigeEvan]

I know Hyundai had a similair issue with the Coupe, but this thing will have to seriously break peoples image ideas of Kia if it wants to sell. Well, as a sports car anyway.

But sell it as a bargain and it'll do fine aslong as the handling is good. I wouldn't care if it lost 100bhp, aslong as it handled well.

 

[Tornado]

Considering it looks lawsuit-close to the Civic (though I do prefer the look of the upper body on this), I think it would be killer if it was RWD or AWD. And that's regardless of it it comes with the Evo killer engine.

 

[Giancarlo]

This is a Civic. It's ridiculous.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

^ Actually, a better looking 'Civic'.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame

Pretty sure it's front wheel drive. The thing is when I read about it the other day it supposedly had a twin-screw supercharger. Now I'm confused
It is certainly a step forward for Kia though, let's hope for them it hasn't got much torque steer and it handles well, because then the Civic will be crushed.

 

[JCE]

let's hope for them it hasn't got much torque steer and it handles well, because then the Civic will be crushed.

I think I could possibly handle that outcome.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

I gather you don't like Civics much? I think it's about time an Asian automaker gave it a serving. Surely cars like the Golf V GTi and new turbo Cobalt SS Sedan can all beat it. What can the this Kia do with as much power as a Lancer or WRX but only FWD?

 

[JCE]

I gather you don't like Civics much? I think it's about time an Asian automaker gave it a serving. Surely cars like the Golf V GTi and new turbo Cobalt SS Sedan can all beat it. What can the this Kia do with as much power as a Lancer or WRX but only FWD?

Civics are fine for what they are intended for. What I hate is what people DO to them. The new Si is really cool minus the interior and lack of torque. This Kia fixes what Honda couldn't. Good interior and torque. lol

 

[Jim Prower]

Eesh. the ungodly offspring of a Civic and Lancer.

 

[Joey D]

Eesh. the ungodly offspring of a Civic and Lancer.

I was just about to sat that, the rear tails were copied right from the new Lancer.

Other then design stealing I rather like the car.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

The rear tails are angled better than the Lancer though. (The one thing I truly hate about the new Lancer is the angle of the rear tail-lights.)

 

[Philly]

It would probably be pretty scary to drive IMO. Kia doesn't seem like the kind of folk to have lots of experience building sports cars or high power FF cars. Unless they buy a differential off somebody, I'd be expecting all kinds of FWD tricks like torque steer and incredible understeer. I would also question their ability to get great handling otherwise out of it either.

Loads of power is great, but it means very little off the freeway/dragstrip if you can't drive it.

 

[Perfect Balance]

Kia pisses me off to no end. Can they make THEIR OWN design for once?

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I really don't care if they keep on 'copying' designs on other marques, as long they provide better engineering and stay with their promising results if fine by me.

-> But still, I hate concept cars, they deliver false promises, nothing more than an eye candy.

-> This Kia Koup is one of those 'time will tell' type cars, an Cobalt SS (Turbo), MS 3, HHR SS, Caliber SRT-4 threat. An handsome shape of the Scion tC, the front of a better Civic [FG], and a booty of a Lancer that never was.

-> Promising, but still a turn-off. Get into production already! Damnmit!

 

[superberkut]

I have to love that aggressive design, no matter what it copies. Had this been a better company, no doubt this would be frowned upon, but for Kia, it is quite an improvement.

 

[Eric.]

Would someone like to point me towards these images you all are adoring? My first thoughts, like JP, were Civic + Lancer tails. It looks like a really poorly done computer model with very few details, no edges, etc.

 

[exigeracer]

The official images are strong on the polarizing filter like usual which softens reflections, so do a search for some NYIAS shots that have a glossier look to them.

 

[Omnis]

I wish the tail lights were lowered just a bit. I hate the current trend of such high-riding taillights. It's so Mitsubishi/Alfa.

 

[exigeracer]

I like it. Reminds me of the Corrado.

 

[Sniffs]

Attention Hyundai! Clones are a NONO!​

note: I made it to silver level allready?! from "fanatic" to silver in what...6-8 weeks?!

 

[ExigeEvan]

Attention Hyundai! Clones are a NONO!​

Untill you have the ability to create a strong image of your own, why not?

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

Attention Hyundai! Clones are a NONO!​

^ ...

BT-> Seriously, if Hyundai are doing a pretty good job especially the Genesis coupe. Why not Kia go head-on with FWD Scions, but they need a lot of help for the tuner crowd thou.

 

[superberkut]

Ah, looking at it again...

Now it looks a bit strange to my eyes.

 

[harrytuttle]

^ Actually, a better looking 'Civic'.

Seconded. I don't know how well 290HP and FWD is going to work out, though. I have images of Viggens dancing in my head....

 

[Sniffs]

^ ...

BT-> Seriously, if Hyundai are doing a pretty good job especially the Genesis coupe. Why not Kia go head-on with FWD Scions, but they need a lot of help for the tuner crowd thou.

*whips out Grey blade lightsaber (uses Obsidian as a focus)* you want your head lopped off, again, Fett?

I'd rather see Kia swipe a clone of the Tiburon/Coupe, personally

 

[superberkut]

Seconded. I don't know how well 290HP and FWD is going to work out, though. I have images of Viggens dancing in my head....

Pontiac tried it. Expect staggered wheel sizing, except with larger tires up front.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper old thread but better than starting a new one, right?

http://www.carscoops.com/2017/04/kia-discontinues-forte-koup-amid.html