2011 Seoul Auto Show: Kia Naimo electric concept?Video?

The Kia Naimo Electric Concept car has just been unveiled at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea.

The Naimo's name is derived from the Korean word 'Ne-mo' which means 'square shape'. And this is one concept which isn't running away from its boxy design. It features no B-pillar and rear-hinged doors.

Kia would not confirm any production plans for the car, saying in a statement that it "explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market."

With a 150kph (93.2mph) top speed, four-seat accommodation, and a high air pressure windscreen wiper system, with external rear view mirrors replaced by cameras, there is plenty of gadgetry to help reduce aerodynamic drag and improve performance.

Along with the 125 mile range (which would put the car ahead of the 100 mile per charge Nissan LEAF), Kia says the Naimo can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes using a 50kW quick charge, with a full-charge taking five and a half hours using a conventional outlet.

A twin-pack 27 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the boot floor, gives the vehicle a driving range of 200 km on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels.

2011 Kia Sportage SX price

KIA Motor introduced their new SUV 2011 KIA Sportage SX 2000 cc Turbo, which had already been introduced in Canada, for America and other markets. Powered by the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, this sporty crossover has a base price of $25,795.

The Sportage SX gets its power from a Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Rated at 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque while managing 27 mpg on the highway, Kia says it's t he most efficient turbo crossover on the market.

Kia will also offer orange and blue interior color packages on the Sportage SX. "The orange color package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents," Kia said, while the blue color package offers a "unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents."

Kia has also adjusted the suspension to actually be firmer than the current non-SX trim levels of the Sportage. We�ve tested those versions over hundreds of miles and found the suspension to be extremely firm as-is, and it�s one of the vehicle�s few drawbacks.

The SX will also have some unique features, including its own specific style of 18-inch alloy wheels, unique grille, dual exhaust and a revised gauge cluster. There will also be some SX-specific interior color combinations, including orange and blue.

Inside the cabin, the SX gets a few upgrades, as well: aluminum door sills and a new "supervision" gauge cluster. Orange and blue interior trim packages area also available only on the Sportage SX, with the orange package adding stitching to the steering wheel, seats, and center console, plus orange accents on the door panels and air vents. The blue package adds patterned blue cloth seats and other blue interior accents.

The 2011 Kia Sportage SX front-wheel-drive model starts at $25,795, while the all-wheel-drive Sportage SX starts at $27,295. The 2011 Kia Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine making 176-hp and offer a fuel-economy of 21/31 mpg (city/highway).




Press Release

KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES MORE POWERFUL SPORTAGE SX TURBO CROSSOVER


New Model Offers Advanced Turbocharged Engine and Dynamic Handling

• Kia's popular compact CUV adds powerful yet efficient 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine for enhanced performance and class-leading fuel economy1
• SX model offers sport-tuned suspension and unique exterior and interior enhancements

ORLAND, Fl, March 4, 2011 - On the heels of its 2011 International Truck of the Year recognition by ICOTY jurors, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the launch of the all-new 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV, scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month. As part of Kia's design-led transformation, the Sportage has become a strong player within the Kia line-up, offering power and class-leading fuel economy1. SX models take a solid foundation and up the ante with a more powerful four-cylinder turbo engine, exterior styling enhancements and unique interior options. The 2011 Sportage SX front-wheel drive (FWD) features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,7952 while all-wheel drive (AWD) models feature a starting MSRP of $27,2952.

The Sportage SX joins the 2011 Optima Turbo as Kia's second vehicle in the U.S to feature the powerful Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine and adds unique exterior and interior features and luxury appointments to provide consumers a high performance and high value CUV. In combination with a highly efficient six-speed automatic transmission, the new Sportage SX features up to 256 horsepower while maintaining class-leading fuel economy1 of 27 miles per gallon on the highway, better than any other turbo-equipped compact CUV on the market today. In addition to powertrain enhancements, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models.

"Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive."

On the outside, SX models receive unique 18" alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments adding more refinement inside the cabin, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster. Available exclusively on the Sportage SX, Orange and Blue interior color packages offer more interior color choices for potential buyers. The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.

More Powerful, Fuel-Efficient SX Engine

Kia Motors' Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine delivers significant performance with a powerful inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces up to 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque. The Sportage SX turbo utilizes a twin-scroll design which offers improved combustion efficiency, more available low-end power, and reduced turbo-lag as compared to more traditional single-scroll turbo systems.

The twin-scroll design features two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow through separate paths into the turbine. Utilizing a divided manifold, exhaust gasses from separate cylinders travel more efficiently into the turbocharger's turbine, avoiding possible interference. The result is a system that improves efficiency and pressure distribution, lowers exhaust and cylinder temperatures, and prevents loss of exhaust energy. The quantity of the air entering each cylinder is increased, resulting in more power.

Sportage LX and EX trims come standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (up to 176 hp3) and better fuel economy (22/31 city/highway4) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine.

2011 Geneva Preview:2012 Kia Rio

The 2012 Kia Rio will be at the International Motor Show in Geneva in a few weeks.

The latest car to be revealed by Kia boasts a far slicker exterior design than the current Rio bringing it in line with the rest of South Korean company's passenger model range. There are no photos of the interior, but Kia says its newcomer "will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models" along with a wider selection of trim options.

Available in 3- and 5-door body styles, the Rio "combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair." While we're not so sure about the latter statement, the redesigned model has a sportier front fascia, distinctive headlights, and a prominent C-pillar.

Kia confirms that 2012 Rio will go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2011. Pricing and range details will be announced closer to launch.




Press Release

First photos of all-new Kia Rio released

• Korean spice and Latin flair for Kia's B-segment newcomer
• Available in 3- and 5-door body styles in Europe
• Offered with wide range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines
• New Rio to be unveiled at Geneva Show, alongside new Picanto

Frankfurt, 11 February 2011 - Kia Motors Corporation has today revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in 3- and 5-door body styles in Europe, and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a �premium presence' which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models - together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia's B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 gasoline and diesel engines - including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: "This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks." Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car - during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia's stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.