Daytona Kia

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.

  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 helps to stabilize 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.

  About Kia Motors America

  Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America Introduces All-New Borrego SUV

Newest Addition to Kia Line-up Makes its Debut at
North American International Auto Show

DETROIT (January 13, 2008) – On the heels of record 2007 sales, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the world debut of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its product offerings in the United States.  Inspired by Kia’s “less is more” design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look.  It joins Kia’s versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles.  Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, Borrego houses Kia’s first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date. 

“Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive,” said Len Hunt, president and CEO of KMA.  “We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience.”

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging
Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego’s body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road.  Flared back headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities. 
Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity® audio system to entertain its seven passengers.  Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complimentary service.  The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia’s first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.   
Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space. 

Unparalleled Power
As Kia’s most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-liter V6 as well as Kia’s first 4.6-liter V8 DOHC engine, the latter producing more than 300-horsepower.  Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine.  Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, 5,000 pounds with the V6, the midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Standard Kia Safety
Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).  Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward.  Both functions are new to Kia.

Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Borrego is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection.  Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty.  A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States.  In 2009, KMA’s first U.S. plant in West Point, Ga. will begin production.

 Lately, rising fuel prices and increased awareness of global warming have made subcompact and compact cars even more popular with consumers. In these two vehicle segments, the Kia Rio/Rio5 is the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Initial Quality Study (IQS)^SM award recipient.

Subcompact segment: 2007 Kia Rio and Kia Rio5

Although fuel-efficient subcompact cars have traditionally been used as a foothold by automakers entering the U.S. market, Kia was relatively late in introducing its own mini car. Though Kia did build the Festiva and Aspire for Ford back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it wasn't until 2001—more than five years after the launch of the Sephia compact sedan and Sportage SUV—that Kia launched the pint-sized Rio.

 The second-generation Rio arrived in 2006. Like the mechanically similar Hyundai Accent (Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai), the new Rio is available as a 4-door sedan, but the 5-door hatchback—known as the Rio5—is exclusive to Kia. When launched, the sedan was offered in base and LX trims, while the Rio5 was available exclusively in SX trim. For 2007 the sedan also offers an SX version with 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a trunk spoiler, and sportier interior trim. All versions of the Rio come with standard front, side, and side curtain air bags as standard; anti-lock brakes are optional on all but the base sedan.

The front-wheel-drive Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter engine with continuously variable valve timing. The engine puts out 110 hp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque and is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Air conditioning and a CD player are standard on all versions. The Rio is covered by Kia's substantial warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage with roadside assistance, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.