We got our first glimpse of the Kia KOUP Concept in the late hours of the first press day at the New York Auto Show, now early on the second day the new Concept from the Korean Manufacturer is revealed for all to see.
The aggressive front fascia is dominated by what could be Kia's signature design which we first saw at last year's SEMA show in the form of the Spectra5 SX Concept. A glimpse of BMW's CS Concept can be seen in the headlights, with a “we mean business” evil eye look to them, but whatever Kia are trying to achieve, you have to say the design works. The elegant design lines continue to the rear where we see the boot lid lifts from the base of the C Pillar rather than from the top as we are used to seeing on coupe models.
When we get inside, we see what could arguably be considered one of the best interior jobs seen from Kia. A race inspired steering wheel, inward leaning dashboard and Supervision instrument panel really do scream sporty at you.
Power comes coutesy of a 290hp 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine with torque standing at 289 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm.
The KOUP Concept doesn't look far from production ready, but we can't help but wonder what the Korean's intended market is for another 2 door coupe after the unveiling of the Genesis Coupe from it's sister brand Hyundai yesterday.
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.
Kosek
March 20, 2008 5:18:15 PM
In my mind the green concept was much better and more unique !
The shoulder-line is cool and the frontgrill but the head lights and the air intake n the front looks so ford like.
They were able to create something better, like the old concept !
The dials on the CS look just like the ones on the Mercedes M class. When will they learn to stop copying other companies? Oh and the three spoke steering wheel has been around forever (and the ones on the CS look VERY similar to those on the Jaguar Lightweight coupe concept and (partially) the CXF concept) Seriously. When will BMW learn to stop copying. Or do you disagree with what i have to say? Then don't let your personal biases get in the way of good judgment making.
oh, by the way, this is already 90% production car. I don't know why they would bring up a "concept" - many car manufacturers are simply making a car with exaggerated styling and then tone it down for production. come on! where's the REAL concept?
Ok, this is the new Kia KOUP and from my first impression, it has an attractive, sporty design (both front and rear), as in its a decent effort from Kia, but even a blindfolded 6 yr old would tell you that way too many styling cues have been "inspired" from various Ford designs. From head to toe in a nutshell, the front grille is near-identical to the Ford Mondeo, front headlights have Ford Focus ZETEC written all over it, and its backside and C-pillar give the Mustang a new twin. Pinching desings from others isnt always a bad thing, especially when you can use them as a starting point in what has been Kia's design nitemares of the 21st century. Those old models were aweful! Besides, the side looks kinda cool with a modern kick... Interior-wise, slightly overdone, too plasticy and the steering wheel looks plain bodge. Then again, this is a pretty good improvement from the existing Kia interiors which were sloppy in every aspect of design. Wrapping it briefly...Decent looking car, huge improvements from current Kia's, Ford has new brothers, and it would be great seeing Kia head in this direction but minus the obvious. For every pinch, you get half a punch.
I am in agreeance, the design is very ford but those intakes in the front sure are neat. In fact, i think it looks better than the current mondeo...but the european ford focus is hard to match, this KOUP has nothin on it...
For some reason it reminds me of the old (80's) Ford Capri's. I loved that car's proportions. I just hope the production version won't make it look like a Scion...and the Brembo brakes probably won't make it to production either I suppose.
These guys are good copiers, look at the centeral dahsboard, air mufflers, speedo, wheels, fog lights etc etc. What a coincidence that they all remind me Opel GTC and Insignia.
Look at this car. It is almost identical to a Ford Mustang. The interior suspiciously looks similar to the Ford Verve Concept and several other european cars! It does not have the Kia character we like. I prefer the Kia Kee Concept because it is unique, this however, is a norm!
In my mind the green concept was much better and more unique !
The shoulder-line is cool and the frontgrill but the head lights and the air intake n the front looks so ford like.
They were able to create something better, like the old concept !