When the Kia K9 does launch in North America, perhaps as early as this year, it will bring with it a badge used by the brand in other markets: Cadenza.
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Delivery of diverse diesel passenger car lines in the U.S. isn’t an uncertainty anymore, but rather a waiting game. There’s almost no question that the world’s automakers will soon offer more diesel cars to Americans, it’s just a question of when.
A 2013 model year Kia Sedona won’t be making its way to dealerships this year, as the minivan has been confirmed to have reached the end of its life cycle.
The Kia K9 is the Korean brands first venture into the luxury car segment, and it is now officially on sale in Korea.
The Kia K9 will be the Korean automaker’s flagship luxury sedan, flaunting design lines from Peter Schreyer who has undoubtedly helped transform Kia’s modern day lineup.
Schreyer, who is widely known for his design contributions to the Audi TT model, became the chief design officer at Kia Motors in 2006. Kia’s automobiles haven’t looked the same since then — in a good way.
In a recent video, Peter Schreyer explains the design behind the new Kia K9 rear-wheel drive luxury sedan. This is the Korean automaker’s first rear-wheel drive luxury sedan that will be built on the same platform as the Hyundai Genesis sedan and Equus models.
Watch the video of Peter Schreyer sketching the Kia K9 after the break.
[Source: Carscoop]
The Kia Rio EX got top honors in Consumer Reports’ latest tests in the sub-compact sedan category, besting the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Sonic.
Consumer Reports found the Kia Rio a solid and well-equipped car with nimble handling, simple controls and plenty of features for the price. Their test vehicle was a Kia Rio EX sedan ($17,275 as tested) with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine making 138-hp with 30-mpg overall. They noted that the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly while both ride and noise were tolerable for a subcompact. They were also pleased with the braking performance of the Rio and found the trunk to be roomy.
The hatchback, on the other hand, came in third place behind the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa in the subcompact hatchbacks category. Despite the Versa having a strong showing among the hatchbacks, the sedan plunged from being at the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings to the bottom. Complaints from Consumer Reports include the engine’s whirring, jittery ride on the highway and unimpressive interior.
Even with its redesign, the Toyota Yaris continued to garner very low scores from Consumer Reports, which calling it “bare-bones transportation.” They reported that the Yaris is noisy, has a choppy ride, poor handling and slow acceleration.
The biggest surprise is probably the new Chevrolet Sonic getting high marks for its quiet cabin, agile handling, and excellent braking. What hurt the Sonic was its fuel economy, which Consumer Reports said is mediocre for the class. Even though Consumer Reports tested a fully-loaded Sonic LTZ turbocharged hatchback, they found that it was too expensive and “didn’t live up to its sporty aspirations.”
Maybe we just wanted an excuse to show a photo of model Adriana Lima with a Kia, but the Korean automaker along with its bigger brother Hyundai have both just been rated as the EPA’s most efficient and cleanest automakers.
The Environmental Protection Agency recently published their annual Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends report with Hyundai and Kia tied in first place with a lineup average of 27-mpg in terms of fuel economy. As far as CO2 emissions, Hyundai was top of the list at 329 grams per mile, while Kia was a close second at 330 grams per mile.
This surprisingly makes the Korean automakers the greenest car companies in the United States with Toyota in second place for fuel economy at 25.4-mpg and Honda in third at 24.9-mpg. Toyota netted third place for CO2 emissions at 350 grams per mile.
“The 2011 EPA data demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to fuel economy leadership and validates the effectiveness of our Blue Drive strategy,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Through innovations such as light-weight steel, direct injection technology, turbocharging and advanced transmissions we are able to improve the efficiency and performance of all our vehicles.”
The mentioned results reflect the 2010 model year data, which also had the best average gas mileage for new cars (22-mpg) and average rate of CO2 emission (394 grams per mile) ever recorded in the EPA’s database. Hyundai and Kia are also favored to take the top spots in a preliminary report on 2011 model year vehicles.
No more spy photos necessary, Kia has officially revealed their facelifted 2013 Sorento to the world. The Korean automaker updated its Sorento for the 2013 model year, changing up the front end, body color accents, and adding 17-inch wheels to the SUV.
The top-of-the-line SX model also gets itself a chrome exhaust tip, LED taillights, and larger 18-inch wheels. Engine choices include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder MPI with 175 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder GDI with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-liter V6 with 276 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.
All engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
The interior of the 2013 Sorento comes with air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel and power windows as standard on the base model. Available options include an UVO infotainment system and a “Convenience Plus” package that includes an eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a first aid kit.
On the EX trim model, leather seats are standard along with dual-zone automatic climate control. The top-of-the-line SX model adds heated/cooled front seats, stainless steel pedals, and illuminated door sills.
Pricing details are still unavailable.
GALLERY: 2013 Kia Sorento
Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated the 500,000th vehicle being completed this morning.
“Building 500,000 vehicles in just over two years is quite a milestone for our first U.S. manufacturing plant to accomplish,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG. “The commitment from each one of our team members is a big reason we’ve been able to achieve 17 consecutive months of record sales. Their dedication to building world class, high quality vehicles is apparent in each vehicle we produce.”
KMMG provides jobs to more than 3000 people to date and manufactures the Sorento CUV and Optima sedan, which was the car to get the half-million unit distinction.
February treated the auto industry well this year, at least for the most part. The majority of automakers saw sales increases over the same month last year.
Chrysler was the big winner, reporting a 40 percent sales increase over February of last year. Even GM posted a tiny 1.1 percent gain over last year despite suffering from poor Cadillac and Buick sales. In fact, industry sales grew 16 percent overall compared to last year.
Cars made in North America grew the most, by 17 percent, while European manufactured vehicles saw the smallest increase — only 2 percent.
Last month’s sales numbers were nothing short of striking, but one of the most interesting developments came from the muscle car battle Chevrolet and Ford are waging against one another. The Mustang finally beat the Camaro in sales with 7,351 units to Chevrolet’s 6,923.
The next question is how long those numbers will last, given that the new 580-horsepower ZL1 Camaro is being released and is said to be the best bow tie-bearing pony car yet.
Among the other companies with impressive growth, Mercedes-Benz sub-brand Smart saw a 59 percent increase. British luxury brand Jaguar enjoyed a 48 percent boost, and while Volkswagen and MINI enjoyed 43 and 42 percent increases respectively. Even econo-box manufacturer Kia saw a 37 percent sales jump over last year.
Taking inspiration from the wild GT Concept, Kia has revealed the initial photos of its very first rear-drive luxury sedan.
Based on the same platform that underpins both the Hyundai Genesis and Equus, the car will be called the K9, but is expected to receive a different name for markets outside its native Korea.
No details have been provided on powertrains, although looking at the Genesis and Equus models provides plenty of info. As a possible base engine is the 3.8-liter V6 makign anywhere from 333 to 350 hp. As for V8 engine options, Hyundai has a 385 hp 4.6-liter V8 as well as a new 429 hp 5.0-liter version introduced in the Genesis R-Spec.
Look for details to be announced when the car makes it world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th.
GALLERY: 2013 Kia K9
The Kia K9, code named the KH, is Kia’s sister car to the Hyundai Equus and Genesis, and will be the brand’s first attempt at an upscale rear wheel drive sedan.
We get a full view of the K9 for the first time, out driving in what we assume is South Korea, instead of just spy photos.
Calling the K9 upscale seems warranted: It seems to be taking design cues from the German luxury car makers BMW and Mercedes. Based on the look we get in these videos, it seems like the K9 will be heavily related to the Hyundai’s Genesis and Equus sedans, though that is purely speculative. We’re guessing the K9 will be run by a 4.6-liter V8, which makes 385 hp sourced from the Genesis, or a larger 5.0-liter V8 that can produce as much as 429 hp.
“This all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our lineup around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia,” Kia marketing executive Soon-Nam Lee said.
The K9 will likely be on sale in Korea later this year, with the worldwide shipment probably coming by early-to-mid 2013.
Watch the videos of the new K9 below.
10. One Touch Convenience
Thinking of putting down a minivan owner? You may want to think twice. Minivans are among the most useful vehicles on the road. Take a look at some of these reasons why owning a minivan can be a life-enriching experience.
Everyone’s been in front of their car door or trunk, with the same dilemma. With your hands full, how are you going to open the door without dropping everything to get your key? Well, vans like the Nissan Quest require one touch to open the side doors or the back hatch. Thanks to innovations like Nissan’s smart-key technology, you won’t even have to take the key out of your pocket! It’s the next best thing to having your own doorman! (Check out our review of the Nissan Quest here)
10. Mini Cooper S Clubman
Cars can be bad for your health, and we’re not just talking about tailpipe emissions. The Ecology Center has published a list of the least and worst toxic vehicles from 2011-2012 after testing 205 different models with the aid of an x-ray fluorescence analyzer.
The tests consisted of scanning interior components such as the seats, dashboard, carpets, headliner, and door trim, and identifying the elements in each material. Based on the size of the item and the amount of contact a person would have with it, the numbers were crunched and the car given a score from a scale of 1-5, with a low score showing the chemicals being tested for weren’t detected, while a 5 would indicate high levels of the chemicals were detected.
Items commonly found in car components include elements like bromine, chlorine, antimony, mercury and lead.
Coming in as the 10th worst pick is the MINI Cooper S Clubman with an overall score of 2.84. The Cooper S Clubman is the MINI for those that wish to have a little more room than the standard Coopers. The Clubman is 9.4 inches longer overall than the standard MINI with a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase.
On the market now for a few years, the Kia Sorento is due for a facelift and out photographers have snapped the first spy photos of the updated car testing in northern Europe.
While the car continues to be covered in a great deal of camo, especially on the rear, the front shows new LED driving lights that give away at lest some of the design of the new headlights. The extensive rear camo would indicate a more dramatic change to the back of the crossover.
As for engines, look for the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 2.0T to be carried over, with the possibility that Kia could introduce a hybrid variant. Of note, Kia was testing the new Sorento along side a new Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK, indicating they’ve upped the benchmark for the updated crossover.
GALLERY: 2013 Kia Sorento Spy Photos
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada announced the Canadian Car of the Year today at the Toronto International Auto Show.
The Hyundai Elantra won, though the automaker was essentially guaranteed the trophy because they were competing against their subsidiary company Kia.
The top three picks were the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent and Kia Optima. All three, among many others were put through a series of tests by 70 Canadian automotive journalists in the last week of October, 2011.
Cars are initially judged within their segment, and then the winners may go on to be selected as the car of the year.
“The Elantra is the best new car we brought to market, ever. I’m happy all the automotive journalists agree with my opinion,” said Steve Kelleher, president and CEO of Hyundai Canada.
The Elantra sells in Canada for a base price of $15,849, CAD, which is roughly the same in U.S. dollars, though it’s about $500 more than the American version.
Last year AJAC picked the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze for the award.
GALLERY: 2012 Hyundai Elantra
The Kia Track’ster was arguably the most interesting new vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show this year. Based on the Kia Soul, this compact racer has undeniable good looks.
The Track’ster took nine months to design, but the end product is evidence of the designers efforts. This video walks through every step of the process which takes quite a few people’s input into account.
Concept designs are some of the hardest work car companies will put in because each piece needs to be designed and manufactured by hand. Then, once all the parts are made, each piece is checked over to make sure it perfectly fits the specifications it was built to. Once the car is assembled it is gone over with a fine-toothed comb to check for errors. The process is gruelling and puts any company’s commitment to the test.
Watch the video of the making of the Kia Track’ster after the jump.
The Kia Soul Red Rock special edition draws its inspiration from the American Southwest rock formations that dominate the landscape. The package debuted at the 2011 New York auto show and has now made its way into a production model.
The Red Rock will come in a model specific color known as Canyon, kind of a dark red and brown, clearly inspired by the rock canyons of the southwest. Also exclusive to the Red Rock special edition are black, high gloss front fascia and mirror housings as well as black leather trimmed brown cloth seats. Automatic climate control and heated front seats come standard with the special edition package.
This is the seventh special edition package that Kia has unveiled for the vehicle. The Red Rock Soul will sell for $20,600, a little expensive it seems for just some styling bits and unique color, but if you truly love the American Southwest, maybe you will be enticed into buying one of these specialized Souls. If not, the base model starts at $13,900.
Read our review of the 2012 Kia Soul here.
Kia has at last confirmed it is planning a rear-drive luxury sedan, releasing several teaser images of what is code named the KH. Based on Hyundai’s rear-drive architecture, some reports indicate that it is in fact the stretched platform used by the larger Equus sedan, and not the mid-size Genesis.
Set to launch later this year in South Korea (and believed to be called the K9 there), Kia has yet to confirm what other markets it will be sold in, although it’s likely to be a global vehicle and comments made by Kia marketing exec Soon-Nam Lee indicate it will find its way to US shores. “Although launch timings for overseas markets are yet to be confirmed,” he said, “this all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our lineup around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia.”
The brand’s first rear-drive model, look for power to come from either a 4.6-liter V8, which makes 385 hp in the Genesis, or a larger 5.0-liter V8 that can produce as much as 429 hp. Expect it to be paired with either an 8-speed automatic or even a new 10-speed automatic transmission.
GALLERY: Kia KH Design Sketches
GALLERY: Kia K9 Spy Photos
10. 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S
Whether you’re heading to the Chicago Auto Show and want to know what to check out, or your trip is a bit more virtual, AutoGuide editors have compiled a list of the must-sees at this year’s event.
Head into McCormick Place and hang a left. You can’t miss the all-new 2012 Porsche 911. It might not be a world premiere, or even a North American debut, but the beautifully blue Carrera S is a piece of art. Four inches longer than the outgoing model it’s more substantial and a much sleeker design.
Powered by a 400 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine the Carrera S can hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds when paired with Porsche’s PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the optional Sport Chrono Package. It’ll also lap the Nurburgring as fast as the previous generation GT3!
Figuring out a vehicle’s total cost of ownership before setting out to make the purchase can be very difficult. Luckily for us, Kelley Blue Book has conducted a cost of ownership study factoring insurance, maintenance, repairs and fuel expenses. According to KBB’s findings, pinchpenny shoppers stand to gain the biggest bang for their buck by choosing Kia automobiles.
Kelley Blue Book director of vehicle valuation Juan Flores said, “Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership. While a vehicle might be less expensive up front, the cost of fuel for that model, insurance, and other expenditures could make it the less appealing choice for their wallet in the long run.”
According to the researchers at KBB, new Kia Soul, Optima, and Sportage models earned top marks thanks to its great fuel economy, its dramatic improvement in quality, and its rising trade-in values.
Other automakers that stacked up well in the study include Audi, for its low depreciation as well as its respectable mileage for its segment. Audi vehicles that carry high values include the Audi A3, A4, and Q5. Despite an expensive price tag, the Audi A5 premium coupe also emerged a winner with five-year ownership costs at $56,908, a $5,000 advantage over other vehicles of its class.
Segment wise, the Nissan Versa came out on top in the highly contested subcompact segment. At a 5-year ownership projection of $29,252, it is the lowest of any model in the study. The compact crossover Nissan Juke wins for its class at $36,627. In the midsize car segment, the Hyundai Sonata’s estimated 5-year ownership costs were $38,476. The most expensive vehicle to win its segment is the Lexus LS460 for the high-end luxury car segment. The five-year cost of an LS460 is $90,234, attributed to its low up-front costs, repair costs, minimal depreciation and low insurance.
In the hybrid and electric segment, Honda Insight won the hybrid category at $32,884 over five years. The real surprise in the segment is the Chevrolet Volt plug-in besting the Nissan Leaf. Although the Volt carries a $40,000 price tag, $7,500 federal credit and minimal energy or maintenance expenditures as well as its likely trade-in value makes it a smart buy.
Kelley Blue Book explained that many manufacturers make hybrids and its inherent fuel economy advantages a selling point to frugal minded car buyers. However, KBB’s study revealed that the best-in-category Honda Insight Hybrid is still more than $1,000 more expensive than the Nissan Versa and Kia Soul over a 5-year period.
GALLERY: Kia Soul
Kia has been talking about a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan for a while, and now we’ve got the pictures to prove that they’re serious.
Seen here is the Kia K9 undergoing some winter testing in northern Sweden. We can already see some cues from the Kia GT concept, like the full LED headlights.
The K9 is based on the rear-drive platform from the Hyundai Genesis. That said, engine options could include the brand’s direct-injection 3.8-liter V6 making anywhere from 333 hp to 350 hp. Plus you have to think a V8 will be available, such as the 385 hp 4.6-liter Hyundai unit, or the 429 hp 5.0-liter version. Perhaps most exciting is the possibility of a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 making 390 hp – as seen in the Kia GT Concept.
As for transmission choices, look for either the 8-speed unit recently introduced in the Genesis lineup, or a possible 10 speed automatic that’s currently in development.
Expect the K9 to arrive later this year as a 2013 model year car and to be aimed squarely at German luxury brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
GALLERY: Kia K9
If you were able to keep your eyes off of Adriana Lima to acknowledge that there was indeed a car in Kia‘s Super Bowl ad, then you should find this Optima SX Limited familiar. The top-of-the-line Limited Package for the 2012 Optima SX was made official today at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
The fully-loaded trim sits on top of the turbocharged Optima SX and starts with a $3,300 package as an option. Included at that price is black or white Nappa leather added to the seats, door panels, and center console, LED daytime running lights, wood interior trim, additional exterior chrome, 18-inch wheels, red front brake calipers, a first-aid kit, and the ever-important SXL badging.
But here’s the catch. Reaching for the Limited package requires you to also purchase the $4,350 SX Technology and Premium package, bringing the Optima SX Limited to a whopping $34,900. With it however, you will also get a backup camera, in-dash navigation, eight-speaker Infinity audio system, heated and cooled front seats, four-way power front-passenger seat, panoramic sunroof, heated rear outboard seating, and power-folding mirrors. Unfortunately only three colors are available for the Optima SX Limited: Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl, and Titanium Metallic.
Regardless, you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of a turbocharged, 2.0L engine with 274-hp and a six-speed automatic transmission.
GALLERY: 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Package
GALLERY: 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Reveal
You wouldn’t expect a Kia to be the star of an auto show. Then again, you probably wouldn’t expect a 250 hp, widebody Kia Soul.
Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the wildly modified Track’ster is just a concept… for now. Kia has announced that while it has no plans to bring this specific car to market, company execs are awaiting market reaction to judge if a high-performance crossover is in the cards for Kia.
GALLERY: Kia Track’ster Concept
Find out more about the Track’ster below and let us know if you think Kia should build a high performance crossover: