Following the so-and-so received Kee coupe concept that was unveiled at the Frankfurt Show last September, Kia revealed a new 2door prototype at the New York Show today, called the “KOUP”. Even if the Korean automaker doesn’t say it in its official press release, a quick look at the KOUP’s specifications reveals that it is based on Euro-designed Cee’d hatch platform, with which it shares the exact same wheelbase length. Additionally, the realistically designed interior share many styling cues with Kia’s euro hatch. The KOUP’s exterior design on the other hand looks like it was heavily inspired from… a variety of Honda and Acura models - for example the front-end is rip-off from the Euro Honda Civic hatch. It’s not that we don’t like it, but we would have appreciated a bit more of originality from Kia’s
Under the hood, Kia has fitted the KOUP with a 2.0-liter Theta II engine paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger that delivers 290 Hp and 289 lb-ft of maximum torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed, automatic with steering-column mounted paddle shifters. Judging from the styling, platform and mechanic solutions, we’d say that the KOUP isn't too far from production… -Details and high-res image gallery after the jump
PRESS RELEASE
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.
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.
08 KIA KOUP CONCEPT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION/INSPIRATION
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.
GENERAL
| Vehicle Type | Concept vehicle |
| Powertrain Layout | Front engine, transverse mount |
| Seating Capacity | Four |
| Brakes | Four-wheel disc with Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors |
| Suspension | Front: Four-wheel independent with MacPherson struts; Rear: Independent dual link |
WHEELS
| Wheel Type | 19-inch, twin five-spoke polished aluminum, with carbon fiber enhancements |
| Tire Size | 245/40ZR19 |
ENGINE
| Type | Theta II four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, twin scroll turbocharger with GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine |
| Horsepower | 290 |
| Torque | 289 lb.-ft. at 2,000 rpm – 4,000 rpm |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
DRIVETRAIN
| Transmission Type | Six-speed, automatic with steering-column mounted paddle shifters |
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS/COLOR
| Overall Length | 176.5 inches/4485mm |
| Overall Width | 72.6 inches/1845mm |
| Overall Height | 56.2 inches/1428mm |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 inches/2650mm |
| Track Width | 60.5 inches/1536mm |
| Color | Ceramic Red |
UNIQUE FEATURES
| Exterior |
| Smart key with push button start ignition Prominent front- and rear-wheel arches for a strong, lowered stance. Large-diameter 19-inch wheelsLED lamp lenses Dual-chrome exhaust tips with rear bumper diffuser Carbon fiber enhanced headlamp lenses, chin spoiler, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, lower valence, rear bumper insert and functional diffuser |
| Interior |
| Sophisticated interior featuring contrasting front and rear seats with Ultrasuede® and opposing colors/patterning Horizontal, raised silicone bars occupy seat backs Carbon fiber enhancement tilt-adjust mechanism and shifter plate Automatic climate control air-conditioning system Three-spoke steering wheel with audio, mobile phone and cruise controls Steering column-integrated paddle shifters Juke box audio system with eight speakers, including two large rear deck speakers Built-in Bluetooth®-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) Leather material center console with armrest and storage compartment Neoprene flooring |
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| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Continuous Damping Control (CDC) ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) Traction Control System (TCS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Adaptive front lighting |
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