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Motor Authority - blog Category: Kia

  • Kia Motors To Take On GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge With 2010 Forte Koup

    Kia Motors To Take On GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge With 2010 Forte Koup November 3rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, November 3rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Kia Motors To Take On GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge With 2010 Forte Koup

    American road racing isn't as popular as it is in Europe, but it's no less exciting--in some ways, it's even more so, because it's heavily influenced by and involved with grassroots-level efforts. But manufacturer involvement plays a key role as well, and it's always good to see a new car maker get involved with the sport. Today, Kia Motors announces it will enter its first-ever racing efforts on American soil with the campaign of a 2010 Kia Forte KOUP in the GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class.

    Running in the ST class puts the car up against other current production-based race cars like the Acura TSX, BMW 3-series, ...

    American road racing isn't as popular as it is in Europe, but it's no less exciting--in some ways, it's even more so, because it's heavily influenced by and involved with grassroots-level efforts. But manufacturer involvement plays a key role as well, and it's always good to see a new car maker get involved with the sport. Today, Kia Motors announces it will enter its first-ever racing efforts on American soil with the campaign of a 2010 Kia Forte KOUP in the GRAND-AM KONI Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class. Running in the ST class puts the car up against other current production-based race cars like the Acura TSX, BMW 3-series, Mazda RX-8 and Volkswagen GTI, among others. The cars, which will be built to full race specification starting from a production-car basis, will be piloted by a pair of very experienced and talented drivers. Andy Lally, three-time champion of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, will be in the lead car, and his teammate Nic Jönsson will take the second. Jönsson was the 1990 and 1991 Scandinavian Formula 3 champ, in addition to being a regular in the American Le Mans Series and SPEED World Challenge Touring Car racing. Jönsson is also the co-founder and owner of Kinetic Speed Shop, part of the Kinetic Group which will be working with Kia to deliver the race team. Kia sees this as the next step to push the Kia brand into the public consciousness. “The Forte Koup is the latest chapter in the dramatic Kia brand transformation story, and the decision to enter into the motorsports arena was an easy one to make,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. The audience of the GRAND-AM KONI series is also a good match with Kia's intended buyer base, it seems. "We researched every form of auto racing in the U.S. to find a fan base that was aligned with our target demographics, and found GRAND-AM to be the perfect fit,” said Sprague. [Kia] Read More

  • Spy shots: Grand Bentley Arnage replacement

    Spy shots: Grand Bentley Arnage replacement July 30th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 30th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 16 Comments

    Spy shots: Grand Bentley Arnage replacement Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production of its next-gen, up-scale Arnage replacement, which has been partially revealed in teaser form, and is also confirmed for an unveiling at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance in Monterey, California this August.

    The all-new model is expected to be more expensive than the current Arnage, and some sources speculate the car might be... Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production of its next-gen, up-scale Arnage replacement, which has been partially revealed in teaser form, and is also confirmed for an unveiling at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance in Monterey, California this August. The all-new model is expected to be more expensive than the current Arnage, and some sources speculate the car might be pitched at a higher position. This would make it a direct challenger to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, at a time when a new Rolls-Royce Ghost is preparing to take on the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. A spokesman would only confirm that "the price will reflect the exclusivity and positioning of this all-new model," and that the name of the vehicle will be announced at its unveiling this summer. Expect to see the car debut at Augusts’ Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Under the code name “Project Kimberly”, the new model will be based off a heavily revised version of Audi’s modular platform used for a host of models ranging from the A4 sedan up to the next A8 flagship. However, the Bentley will feature its own unique V8 powertrain with drive sent to the rear wheels via ZF’s new 8-speed automatic. It's likely the new V8 will feature some form of forced induction, but whether it will be supercharged, twin-turbocharged or something similar remains uncertain. Peak output is expected to rate around the 550hp and 737lb-ft of torque mark. There were rumors Bentley may introduce a new diesel engine in its Arnage replacement but the eventual engine option is most likely to be a petrol unit with E85 capability. The car is also expected to make heavy use of aluminum in its construction to keep weight and emissions down. A high-performance replacement for the Arnage T is also in the works, but don’t expect it to feature the Bugatti Veyron’s W16 engine as previously rumored. Expect Bentley's strategy with the Arnage - in terms of parts-sharing, at least - to follow along the same premises as it has already outlined for the next-gen Continental.2010 Bentley Arnage replacement spy shotsOfficial teaser for Bentley's Arnage replacement Read More

  • Pebble Beach Concours debut for new 'Grand Bentley' Arnage replacement

    Pebble Beach Concours debut for new 'Grand Bentley' Arnage replacement July 8th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 8th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Pebble Beach Concours debut for new 'Grand Bentley' Arnage replacement Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production of its next-gen, up-scale Arnage replacement, which has been partially revealed in teaser form again, and is also confirmed for an unveiling at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance in Monterey, California this August.

    The all-new model is expected to be more expensive than the current Arnage, and some sources speculate the car might be... Today's Arnage is showing its age against modern ultra-luxury rivals like the Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach saloons, but testing of a new model is well underway. Despite the head start of its rivals, Bentley is planning to pause almost a full year from this September before going into production of its next-gen, up-scale Arnage replacement, which has been partially revealed in teaser form again, and is also confirmed for an unveiling at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance in Monterey, California this August. The all-new model is expected to be more expensive than the current Arnage, and some sources speculate the car might be pitched at a higher position. This would make it a direct challenger to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, at a time when a new Rolls-Royce Ghost is preparing to take on the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. A spokesman would only confirm that "the price will reflect the exclusivity and positioning of this all-new model," and that the name of the vehicle will be announced at its unveiling this summer. Expect to see the car debut at Augusts’ Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Under the code name “Project Kimberly”, the new model will be based off a heavily revised version of Audi’s modular platform used for a host of models ranging from the A4 sedan up to the next A8 flagship. However, the Bentley will feature its own unique V8 powertrain with drive sent to the rear wheels via ZF’s new 8-speed automatic. It's likely the new V8 will feature some form of forced induction, but whether it will be supercharged, twin-turbocharged or something similar remains uncertain. There were rumors Bentley may introduce a new diesel engine in its Arnage replacement but the eventual engine option is most likely to be a petrol unit with E85 capability. The car is also expected to make heavy use of aluminum in its construction to keep weight and emissions down. A high-performance replacement for the Arnage T is also in the works, but don’t expect it to feature the Bugatti Veyron’s W16 engine as previously rumored. Expect Bentley's strategy with the Arnage - in terms of parts-sharing, at least - to follow along the same premises as it has already outlined for the next-gen Continental. Below you'll find spy images of an Arnage prototype, revealing a number of important clues about the future model. The extra-wide B-pillar indicates a longer wheelbase, and a slightly wider track should ensure a more dynamic drive than the current car. That extra size and performance will go a long way toward pushing the Arnage back to the top of the luxury ranks - or at least that's what Bentley is counting on. Today also has a special importance for Bentley as it marks the company's 90th anniversary. Founded by W.O. Bentley in 1919, the company’s first production car, the 3-litre was delivered in September 1921. Over the next ten years, Bentley went on to produce an array of iconic motor cars. At the same time, the exploits of the Bentley Boys – a select group of business and sports men – forged the company’s racing pedigree both on and off the racetracks of Europe. The Bentley Boys made the legendary Le Mans endurance race their own, winning five times between 1924 and 1930.2010 Bentley Arnage replacement spy shotsOfficial teaser for Bentley's Arnage replacementGrand Bentley teaser: 'We are the opposite of mass production' Read More

  • Saab's new buyers want to re-awaken the carmaker's 'soul'

    Saab's new buyers want to re-awaken the carmaker's 'soul' June 17th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 17th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Saab's new buyers want to re-awaken the carmaker's 'soul' Many gearheads remember fondly the days when something like a first-gen Saab 900 Turbo might rumble past, sounding vaguely like the airplanes that were its ancestors and wearing an endearingly awkward shape. But once General Motors took over the carmaker much of the eccentricity was squeezed out to make room for mainstream acceptability. Get ready for things to change once again with new owner Koenigsegg behind the wheel.

    It's been almost 20 years since GM bought a majority interest in Saab back in 1990, but with its own core operations in serious trouble, it's time for the two companies to part ways - and none too soon for Saab, if Baard... Many gearheads remember fondly the days when something like a first-gen Saab 900 Turbo might rumble past, sounding vaguely like the airplanes that were its ancestors and wearing an endearingly awkward shape. But once General Motors took over the carmaker much of the eccentricity was squeezed out to make room for mainstream acceptability. Get ready for things to change once again with new owner Koenigsegg behind the wheel. It's been almost 20 years since GM bought a majority interest in Saab back in 1990, but with its own core operations in serious trouble, it's time for the two companies to part ways - and none too soon for Saab, if Baard Eker, the Norwegian owner of 49% of Koenigsegg, is to be believed. Eker wants to re-awaken Saab's 'soul and spirit', which slumbered under GM's tenure. GM itself admits the need for a re-invigoration at Saab, according a Reuters report quoting Eker. "Saab has to refine their quality level, their soul and spirit and we believe that this is something we can help with," said Eker. "The most interesting thing is that GM thinks the same." So what will Eker do to revive Saab's hibernating quirkiness? Whatever it is, it'll be environmentally friendly. According to Eker, going green, "is something the smaller companies can more easily attend to because it is much quicker to turn around a smaller company." Some of the speculation on what may be coming from Saab in the near future includes rumors of the Quant electric supercar (pictured) and the Saab 9-3X, 9-4X and 9-5. With a lineup like that it'll take a while to distance Saab from its recent GM history, but perhaps that will give Saab and Koenigsegg time to find a balance that ensures it's Saab's - and not Koenigsegg's - sense of quirkiness that shines through in the future.2010 Saab 9-4X spy shots2010 Saab 9-5 spy shots2010 Saab 9-3X crossover spy shotsKoenigsegg Quant Concept Read More

  • Spy shots: Kia planning new compact MPV based on No 3 concept car

    Spy shots: Kia planning new compact MPV based on No 3 concept car May 25th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 25th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Spy shots: Kia planning new compact MPV based on No 3 concept car Kia presented its new No 3 mini MPV concept back at March’s Geneva Motor Show, and within weeks the production version of this concept had been spotted testing around Europe. In fact, prototypes for the vehicle were first sighted late last year but were originally thought to be a new MPV variant of the Kia Cee’d hatchback.

    We can now confirm that the new car will be based on the same platform as the Kia Soul, which means it will likely be available with a family of compact petrol and diesel powertrains ranging from 1.6 to 2.0L in size. Power outputs will range from about 126hp (94kW) to 142hp (106kW). There could even be a mild ... Kia presented its new No 3 mini MPV concept back at March’s Geneva Motor Show, and within weeks the production version of this concept had been spotted testing around Europe. In fact, prototypes for the vehicle were first sighted late last year but were originally thought to be a new MPV variant of the Kia Cee’d hatchback. We can now confirm that the new car will be based on the same platform as the Kia Soul, which means it will likely be available with a family of compact petrol and diesel powertrains ranging from 1.6 to 2.0L in size. Power outputs will range from about 126hp (94kW) to 142hp (106kW). There could even be a mild hybrid model added to the lineup further down the track. Competition for the new Kia MPV will likely come primarily in the form of the Volkswagen Golf Plus, as well as the Opel Meriva and Renault Modus – the latter vehicle was even seen testing alongside the Kia prototype at one stage. Some of its features will include a glass panoramic roof, sporty alloy wheels, and Kia’s new H-pattern grille. First sales should start in Europe at the end of the year, which means the latest Kia MPV will be a 2010 model.2010 Kia Cee'd Plus MPV spy shots2009 Kia No3 Concept at Geneva Motor Show Read More

  • Hyundai-Kia overtakes Nissan for sixth spot in U.S. sales

    Hyundai-Kia overtakes Nissan for sixth spot in U.S. sales May 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Hyundai-Kia overtakes Nissan for sixth spot in U.S. sales April was another tough month for carmakers but amidst all the doom and gloom was some positive news for South Korean duo Hyundai-Kia. Despite seeing sales decline more than 14% last month, Hyundai-Kia managed to overtake Nissan for sixth place in U.S. new car sales on the back of several exciting new models. The combined sales of Hyundai-Kia totaled 59,558 units, with Hyundai selling 33,952 new cars and Kia managing 25,606 units.

    The overall industry fared much worse, with carmakers seeing their sales levels plunge an average 34% on levels just one year ago. Nissan’s sales dropped even further in April, falling 38% on last... April was another tough month for carmakers but amidst all the doom and gloom was some positive news for South Korean duo Hyundai-Kia. Despite seeing sales decline more than 14% last month, Hyundai-Kia managed to overtake Nissan for sixth place in U.S. new car sales on the back of several exciting new models. The combined sales of Hyundai-Kia totaled 59,558 units, with Hyundai selling 33,952 new cars and Kia managing 25,606 units. The overall industry fared much worse, with carmakers seeing their sales levels plunge an average 34% on levels just one year ago. Nissan’s sales dropped even further in April, falling 38% on last year’s levels to 47,190 units. Those figures saw Hyundai-Kia ranked sixth in the American market with a 7.4% share of the market - a first for the company. Hyundai’s quality and reliability have improved substantially in the past couple of years and not only have we seen this in the company’s strong sales but also in awards like the coveted North American Car of the Year title for the Genesis saloon. Strong sales of new models like the Kia Soul and Genesis Coupe also helped the carmaker improve its position during one of the worst sales slumps in automotive history. As for the other players, General Motors kept its top position, followed by Ford, Toyota, Honda and Chrysler. New car sales in April 2009: 1) General Motors - 172,150 2) Ford – 129,476 3) Toyota – 122,098 4) Honda – 101,029 5) Chrysler – 76,682 6) Hyundai-Kia – 59,558 7) Nissan – 47,190 Read More

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