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Image credits: © Kia.
2008 Kia KOUP Concept news, pictures, and information | ||
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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 KOÚP a true driver's car
Combining youthful exuberance wîth a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOÚP 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 KOÚP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOÚP concept embodies Kia's philosophy of 'Exciting and Enabling' wîth its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.
'The Kia KOÚP 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 wîth style and advanced technology, and the KOÚP effectively delivers.'
First Glance
Curb appeal begins wîth the KOÚP'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 KOÚP 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 KOÚP's overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement wîth 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 wîth the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive 'check mark' shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOÚP 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 KOÚP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass wîth 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 wîth sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOÚP'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 wîth an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
Inside the Cockpit
Conceived artfully and wîth graphic precision, the KOÚP'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 §teering 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 wîth Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services.
The KOÚP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated wîth concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver's car, the front seats contrast the rear seats wîth 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 wîth push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission wîth §teering column-mounted paddle shifters.
Taking Flight 
Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired wîth a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOÚP 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 §teering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping wîth the KOÚP's sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired wîth a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
Safety
The KOÚP 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 wîth CDC helps to stabilize the KOÚP for maximum contact wîth the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOÚP's impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOÚP'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 Únited States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record Ú.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.'
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 2008
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