- Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media
Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been sent back to the engineers for tweaks.
The same system is also available on the Kia Soul, and that hatchback will be going without for the moment, as well. Apparently, some reviewers found the system's engagement rough. Kia didn't give details about the move, either what might have caused the perceived roughness or what remedy it will use to fix it. If you're holding out for ISG on your Rio or Soul, which is available by checking the special Eco options package, a Kia executive said it will now be arriving in the second quarter.Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Etc., Recalls, Safety, Kia

Kia has announced that it is recalling 145,000 vehicles to address faulty airbags. A total of 95,569 Optima sedans built between 2006 and 2008 and 50,186 Rondo MPVs built between 2007 and 2008 are included in the recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles may have been built with a clock spring in the steering column that may fatigue and break over time. As a result, the vehicles may illuminate the airbag warning light on the dash and the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The automaker says that while it has received some warranty claims for the problem, no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the default.
Kia plans to notify affected Optima and Rondo owners in March. Those vehicles that currently have their airbag lights illuminated will be fixed first. Click past the jump for the full recall notification.Continue reading Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues
Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show
Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Kia, UK

The second generation of the Kia c'eed is a dramatic rework five years after the C-segment fighter was introduced. It is fronted by Kia's now-familiar design elements, attempting to go upmarket along its flanks with chrome trim around the windows and "styling typically found on a sporty coupé with the space and functionality of a five-door hatch."
We don't know what its innards look like, but Kia says it has a "driver oriented dashboard and refined interior, with a strong focus on quality of materials." Other reports suggest it will be offered with a choice of two gasoline and two diesel engines, which would be a reduction in choice from the five powerplants offered now. However, that same report says that one of the engines would be a turbocharged, 1.6-liter T-GDI making 250 horsepower, more than doubling the most powerful current option. On sale in Europe only, it will take on the Volkswagen Golf, Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Seat Leon.
It will be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in two months and go on sale in the UK in June. You'll find a press release that's rather light on details after the jump, and you can click on the image above to enlarge.Continue reading New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show
New Kia C'eed unveiled, will debut at Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Hands-on with Kia UVO2
Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Kia, Infotainment

Kia is rolling out the second generation of its UVO infotainment system before we could really get to know the original, but UVO2 is packing all the advanced telematics and connectivity features of its competitors - or at least it will when it ships later this year.
We had a chance to sample the lower-spec version of UVO2 in an Optima Hybrid, and overall, it's an improvement over its predecessor both in terms of polish and features.
Included in UVO2 is automatic crash notification, road-side assistance, service reminders and tracking, along with geo-fencing, speed warnings and a curfew setting that lets you know when the kiddies stray too far, go too fast or stay out late.
Along with the normal raft of music and navigation features, there's a companion iPhone app that keeps track of maintenance and notifications. It also includes a vehicle finder that automatically logs the vehicle's last location and lets you find it using a nifty augmented reality feature. Get more details in the press blast and hands-on video after the jump.Continue reading Hands-on with Kia UVO2
Hands-on with Kia UVO2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento
Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Honda, Kia

The Detroit News reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigations into both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento without ordering either automaker to issue a recall. NHTSA began looking into Accord Hybrid models after a fatal traffic accident was initially attributed to unintended acceleration. The agency found no evidence of a mechanical or safety issue in the vehicles.
NHTSA had also received 18 complaints of fuel spilling from the filler port on certain 2003-2004 Kia Sorento models. Kia found the vehicles' fuel evaporation system featured a canister filter that could become clogged over time. As a result, excess pressure could build up in the fuel tank, causing gasoline to regurgitate back out of the filler neck. The canister requires regular service, but isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. According to The Detroit News, Kia has agreed to conduct a service campaign involving around 86,000 2003-2004 Sorento models.NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA
Filed under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia, Celebrities

The list of things Gary Busey hasn't done for money seems to be growing smaller by the minute. A string of Kia dealerships in Pennsylvania and Texas hired the actor for a series of advertising spots. Each clip features that unique Busey flare we've all come to know and be terrified of. From what we can tell, informing your salesman that Gary sent you can garner you the best deal possible. That's likely because most sane sales people are worried Busey could come storming through the dealership wall at any moment.
The ads are 100-percent bizarre in that special train-wreck kind of way. We've picked a few of our favorites for viewing after the jump, but you can head here to see the full gaggle of Gary Busey Kia ads. It's worth the trip.Continue reading Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA
Gary Busey shills for Kia dealerships in PA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Hyundai/Kia predict slower sales growth in 2012
Filed under: Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials, South Korea

Hyundai and Kia have experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years, even as the rest of the auto industry was embroiled in an ugly downturn. In fact, 2011 was a terrific year for the Korean automaker, as sales jumped by double digits globally.
But while Hyundai/Kia has been on fire of late, Reuters reports that company officials feel that 2012 isn't likely to return the same gains. The automaker is reportedly looking for a still-impressive six percent sales growth in 2012. One reason for the somewhat conservative expectations is that the automaker is stretched thin on capacity, and Hyundai Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo (above) wants to concentrate on quality.
The markets weren't all that impressed with the Hyundai Group's announcement. Hyundai stock dropped by .9 percent, while Kia shares shrunk by .3 percent. That's not good for the portfolio, but if Hyundai and Kia can manage to improve product quality, then both investors and car buyers should be plenty impressed.Hyundai/Kia predict slower sales growth in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV
Filed under: Wagon, Technology, Hatchback, Kia, Electric, South Korea

Kia has unveiled the automaker's very first production electric vehicle. The Kia Ray EV will offer buyers a range of around 86 miles depending on driving conditions and will include a fast-charge option that should top off the cells in around 25 minutes. Otherwise, expect the 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to take around six hours to charge on a 220-volt circuit. A 50 kW electric motor provides power to the front wheels, which is good enough to get the EV to 62 mph in 15.9 seconds. That may seems slow by most standards, but its worth noting that the internal combustion Ray with its 1.0-liter gas engine makes due with significantly less torque.
Kia says that Ray EV boasts 123 pound-feet of torque, which is 77 percent more than the 1.0-liter machine. The boxy EV also uses a new type of regenerative braking system in which the electric motor generates boost for the hydraulic brake assist - just like on an internal combustion vehicle. The automaker says that the result is a linear brake that still manages to recuperate energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration. As wonky brake feel is one of our chief sticking points with all EVs, this comes as welcome news.
Kia will manufacture 2,500 Ray EVs for government agency use in Korea, so don't expect to be able to get your hands on one anytime soon. Click past the jump for the full press release.Continue reading New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV
New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- 2013 Kia Forte sketch leaks out?
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Kia

Most vehicles stay on the market for a good six or more years before they're replaced. But Kia isn't most automakers. The Korean brand has a lot to prove, and as it turns out they're intent on doing just that by keeping their product portfolio fresh.
That's why, though the current Forte sedan has only been on the market since 2009, Kia is already planning on replacing it in the new year with a 2013 model. And this could be our first look at it.
Reportedly leaked in four-door guise, this trio of renderings shows a rather svelte-looking design that borrows some of the dynamic approach of its big brothers at Hyundai, with a steeply raked windshield and the new family grille already familiar from the Optima.
It'll be a while before the new model debuts, but for now this will just have to keep our interests piqued.2013 Kia Forte sketch leaks out? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Ward's releases annual 10 Best Engines list
Filed under: Technology, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Mazda

It's that time of year, folks. No, we're not referring to the oodles of time spent shopping for the holidays, we're talking about end-of-the-year lists. Kicking things off in the automotive spectrum is industry stalwart Ward's Auto, which has just released its annual 10 Best Engines list.
Without further ado, here are the award-winners for 2012:
It comes as little surprise that seven of the ten engines on the list feature the most recent advance in power and efficiency, namely direct injection, or that a full half of them are boosted with the addition of either a supercharger or a turbocharger. Perhaps more surprising is that there's only one hybrid powertrain on the list, and it's from Infiniti, not Toyota or Lexus.
In fact, there isn't a single engine from Honda or Toyota on 2011's edition of the 10 Best Engines, nor are the 1.4-liter/111kW electric motor package in the Chevrolet Volt or 80kW AC motor in the Nissan Leaf anywhere to be found - both of which were on the list in 2010. Also missing? A diesel... any diesel - and there certainly are a few options from the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen from which to choose.
Though its neither direct-injected nor turbocharged, the Pentastar V6 from Chrysler is surely worthy of inclusion, if for no other reason than its single-handed ability to transform any vehicle it's in from an also-ran to a competitive proposition.
We'll also give a shout-out to Ford, which earned two spots on the list but could seemingly have garnered another for the excellent 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the F-150 pickup. Ward's has plenty of commentary on why each engine was chosen, and you can read all about it right here. But first, have a look at each powerplant in our high-res image gallery.Ward's releases annual 10 Best Engines list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Cruze, Soul and Wrangler among America's 25 Hottest Products for 2011
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, Chrysler, GM, Jeep, Kia

If you ask us, this 25 Hottest Products for 2011 list in Advertising Age isn't exactly packed with automotive excitement. But with Dove soap, Malt-O-Meal, and Goldfish crackers also claiming spots, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised that it's a Chevrolet Cruze, rather than a Camaro headlining the "America's Hottest Brands" issue.
Besides the Cruze, the venerable sister pub to Automotive News points out the Kia Soul and Jeep Wrangler, seemingly more for their marketing campaigns than anything else. Kia's hamster ads are legendary, while Jeep's marketing deal with the Call of Duty video game franchise has proven successful.
The Cruze, on the other hand, is an actual hit for General Motors - topping 200,000 sales through October, and ranking as the company's top-selling car. While that certainly makes the Cruze worthy of recognition, sales have begun to cool now that its newness is wearing off. While GM's marketers can give themselves a brief pat on the back for making the list, clearly they still have work to do if they want to land on the 2012 version of the Ad Age list.Cruze, Soul and Wrangler among America's 25 Hottest Products for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros
Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Sedan, Kia, Racing

The Kia Optima is headed to the World Challenge next year. Kia has announced that it will once again partner up with Kinetic Motorsports, this time to build a pair of Optima SX models to go fender to fender with the rest of the World Challenge field. The two turbocharged sedans will compete in the Grand Touring Sport Class against vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, if you can believe that.
If you're thinking those two are going to make short work of the Optima, you may want to think again. Kia has already managed to earn a driver and team championship in the two years that it's been racing the Forte in the States, and the company recently announced the Rio 5-Door would be competing, as well. These guys aren't just out there to parade their badge around the track.
The World Challenge series pits great drivers against each other in race-prepped versions of production vehicles on some of the country's best road courses. The series campaigns at Infineon, Road Atlanta and the street circuit at Long Beach. Look for the races to show up on the NBC Sports Network this year. Hit the jump for the full press release from Kia.Continue reading Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros
Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia shows first images of Korea-only Ray
Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Kia, South Korea

Kia is giving Korean small-car buyers something to smile about with the new Kia Ray subcompact. The vehicle looks to have taken a cue or two from its bigger brothers with stylized headlights and a very corporate mesh grille. We see plenty of Soul in the design, but there's more to the boxy machine than a quick glance would suggest.
Look closely and you'll note that the driver's side wears two traditionally hinged doors while the passenger side boasts a sliding rear door akin to what we typically expect to see on a minivan. Why abandon symmetry? Kia says that the company wanted to give buyers more flexibility when it came to ingress and egress in tight parking spaces.
The design is also expected to give the pint-sized Ray more versatility than buyers are accustomed to from the segment. Right now, Kia says that the Ray is only slated to show up on Korean dealer lots, which means we won't be seeing the vehicle on our shores anytime soon. No engine specifications have been released at this time, either, but we can imagine that the Ray won't boast eye-popping performance.Kia shows first images of Korea-only Ray originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Automobile names Audi A7 its car of the year
Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, Kia, Fisker, Design/Style, Luxury

It seems we at Autoblog are not the only group of enthusiasts who are ready to announce to the whole world their love for the Audi A7. The men and women from Automobile Magazine have named Audi's coupe-like five-door hatchback as their 2012 Automobile of the Year. There's a whole article worth of reasons why the A7 has won the coveted trophy, so if you're interested, we suggest clicking here to read all about it yourself.
In related news, Peter Schreyer, chief design officer for Kia, has garnered the magazine's 2012 Man of the Year award for the contributions he's made to the Korean company's overall design aesthetic. We wholeheartedly support that notion. 2012 Technology of the Year laurels go to the "Turbo Tech Trifecta," that being Automobile-speak for turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing. Finally, the 2012 Design of the Year has been awarded to the Fisker Karma. We're betting that last decision will be the most controversial.
Got an opinion? Feel free to voice your own choices for Automobile, Man, Technology and Design of the Year in Comments.Automobile names Audi A7 its car of the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia partners with Antenna mag for retro surf-themed Rio
Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Hatchback, Kia

Kia has teamed up with Antenna magazine to create a special surf-themed concept for this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas. The publication turned its attention to the 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door. With a special sunset-metallic paint, custom gold wheels and a wooden front splitter, there's no mistaking the machine as a run-of-the-mill Rio.
Inside, the vehicle has been fitted with a special '80s gaming console as well as a vinyl record player and shelves for shoes and swimsuits. Oddly enough, there's no surf rack on top for transporting your boards to and from the beach.
If this isn't the pure essence of SEMA, we don't know what is. We're a little concerned about the thought that went into putting the record player below the shoe shelves as sand and LPs don't typically hang out at the same bar... Kia and Antenna plan to show off this particular 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door on Tuesday, November 1. Hit the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Kia partners with Antenna mag for retro surf-themed Rio
Kia partners with Antenna mag for retro surf-themed Rio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia prices 2012 Rio sedan at $13,400*
Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Kia

We're not exactly surprised, but Kia will be selling the sedan version of the Rio for $200 less than the five-door hatchback. The five-door is on sale now, while the $13,400 sedan won't hit dealers until January 2012.
An automatic-equipped Rio sedan will set you back $14,500, while the high-end SX trim starts at $17,500. None of those prices include the $750 destination charge.
While we found a lot to like about the all-new Rio five-door in our First Drive, we remain disappointed that yet another automaker has decided to charge a premium for the hatchback version. If we had a nickel for every time we've heard automakers say Americans don't want to buy hatchbacks, we'd all be able to retire to Bora Bora.
From where we sit, hatchbacks are not only easier on the eyes, but easier to live with, too. Of course, the bias against hatches seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy when there's no equity in pricing. Read the full release after the jump.Continue reading Kia prices 2012 Rio sedan at $13,400*
Kia prices 2012 Rio sedan at $13,400* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia gunning for 500,000 sales, 800 stores in 2012
Filed under: Car Buying, Kia

While its corporate cousins at Hyundai have recently been generating plenty of sales headlines, Kia is on its own roll. Sales in the United States are on track to top half a million units in 2012, and through the first three quarters of 2011, the Korean automaker has already topped last year's total. In fact, September was Kia's 13th straight monthly sales record, led by its best-seller, the Sorento crossover.
Kia Vice Chairman Hank Lee told Automotive News that it is adding dozens of dealers, bringing the company's U.S. retail force to about 800. Lee said Kia has spent the first half of 2011 culling 50-60 low-performing dealers and signing up new ones, with a focus on strengthening its presence in 20 key markets.
AN reports that Kia has helped some dealers move into better locations and facilities, and that about 80 dealers have agreed to build new stores. They should be able to afford it, as the brand's average monthly sales per dealer have doubled since 2008.Kia gunning for 500,000 sales, 800 stores in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll]
Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota

Cars.com recently lined up seven new vehicles for a $37,000 SUV shootout. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 2012 Dodge Durango, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2012 Honda Pilot, 2012 Kia Sorento, 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Toyota Highlander all squared off against one another in a range of evaluations, including a one-day highway drive and family testing.
If you happen to be the deductive type, you may have noticed that the list above includes a fair number of genuine crossovers. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 bear little resemblance to the body-on-frame bruisers of old, and even models like the 2012 Explorer and 2012 Durango have evolved out of their traditional shells.
But when the dust settled, it was Honda's 2012 Pilot that took top honors thanks to its high level of amenities, spacious interior and clever storage solutions, despite the fact that reviewers found issue with road noise and exterior styling. Perhaps most surprising is the fact that the 2012 Explorer tied for sixth place with the 2012 Sorento. Ouch. Head over to Cars.com to see the full evaluation, and vote for your favorite in our poll.
View Poll
Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Kia expands racing program with Rio-based B-spec race car
Filed under: SEMA Show, Hatchback, Kia, Racing

Of all the things that you could call a Kia, "racy" isn't the one that jumps first to mind. But the budget-oriented Korean automaker has been competing in Grand-Am, and is stepping things up (or down) a notch with the racer you see here.
Built for the B-Spec showroom stock class, this Rio five-door has been fitted with the requisite safety features (like a stripped-out cabin and roll cage) but little else. Kinetic Motorsports did the preparation work with an eye on numerous different racing series, but we'll have to wait another couple of weeks until SEMA when the car's set to be unveiled for all the details. In the meantime you can click the above image to view in high resolution and follow the jump for the brief announcement.Continue reading Kia expands racing program with Rio-based B-spec race car
Kia expands racing program with Rio-based B-spec race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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- Could the Kia GT be produced with something other than a V6?
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Kia, Luxury

AutoExpress recently took the time to sit down with Kia design guru Peter Schreyer for a chat about the company's GT Concept that debuted at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. Schreyer is understandably keen to bring the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan to market, though he isn't necessarily wedded to the 400-horsepower turbocharged V6 under the concept's hood. Schreyer said that any number of drivetrain options could conceivably work, including hybrid and smaller displacement powertrains. The designer believes that Kia could still produce an executive sedan with the performance that buyers want while still maintaining excellent fuel economy.
That would certainly help make a more solid business case for the range-topping model. Schreyer also made it clear that while the GT would likely be successful in the U.S. and Chinese markets, the design lends itself to global sales. This all sounds good to us, but it's worth noting that the ultimate fate of any production model based on the GT Concept rests in the hands of the decision makers at Kia.Could the Kia GT be produced with something other than a V6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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