Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, KiarnMotors America (KMA) debuted the Kia KOUP concept at the 2008 New YorkrnInternational Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the JacobrnK. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution ofrnfuture Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exteriorrnis complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originatingrnfrom the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KiarnKOUP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of "Exciting and Enabling" withrnits balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotionalrndriving experience.
"The Kia KOUP concept represents the futurernof the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our corernphilosophies," said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. "Kia strives tornappeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure andrnwant to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology,rnand the KOUP effectively delivers."
First Glance
Curbrnappeal begins with the KOUP's balanced proportions and fluid design.rnFrom the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech andrnpragmatic headlamps, the front fascia's form gives the vehicle a boldrnand aggressive stance.
The KOUP features an uncomplicated yetrndynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbonrnfiber and black chrome enhanced LED lamp lenses.
Whilernthe KOUP's overall form is simple and precise, it makes a designrnstatement with positive tension created by a "swoosh" that swoops fromrnthe "C" pillar forward, down to the "A" pillar and flares all the wayrnback around to the reardeck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along therndeck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swooshrnfrom the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive "check mark" shapernand prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance.rnThe short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-balanced andrnresponsive character.
No element of high-style design is missingrnin the Kia KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated,rnpanoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshieldrnthrough the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces ofrnglass - similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels,rnan interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. Tornfurther the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance,rncarbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP's chin spoiler, lamp lenses,rncowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser,rnwhile flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired withrnan open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilledrnrotors.
Inside the Cockpit
Conceivedrnartfully and with graphic precision, the KOUP's interior hones in onrnthe desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboardrnand Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspiredrndriving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheelrnin front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents onrnthe shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sportyrnperformance.
Audiophiles and car enthusiasts alike will take heedrnof eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a jukernbox audio system, further harmonizing the driving experience. Arnbuilt-in Bluetooth®-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD)rnis just the beginning of the telematics services.
The Kia KOUPrnfeatures a realistic interior design that integrates high-stylernmaterials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated withrnconcrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver's car, the frontrnseats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors and patterning andrnhorizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extrarncomfort. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, includingrnconvenient smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automaticrntransmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.
Taking Flight
Poweredrnby a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290rnhorsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scrollrnturbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP deliversrnastonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000rnrpm. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressurernusing the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustionrnbehavior is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuelrneconomy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional airrnintake for extra power.
Built on a front-wheel-drive unibodyrnframe, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent frontrnsuspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual linkrnrear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort andrnengine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assistedrnrack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precisernhandling. In keeping with the KOUP's sporty essence, Continuous DampingrnControl (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with arnsport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower barrnoffer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
Safety
ThernKia KOUP concept features all of the standard safety features offeredrnin Kia's regular production vehicle lineup including six standardrnairbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). ElectronicrnStability Control (ESC) paired with CDC helps to stabilize the KOUP forrnmaximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires completernthe KOUP's impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lightingrnand cruise control, adding to the KOUP's advanced safety technology.
