This is it, the best-looking product ever put forward by Kia - the KOUP. Although just a concept vehicle, it's passionate products like this that drive brands by first injecting attention and then hopefully enhancing overall sales.
Boosting the KOUP's potential is a twin-scroll turbocharger planted on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. The 290 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque Kia says the KOUP Concept produces (while gulping premium fuel) would not be unimaginable in a production unit given our world of 285-horsepower Dodge Calibers; however, the KOUP's power plant is similar to that seen in the upcoming entry-level Hyundai Genesis Coupe, where only 223 horsepower is expected.
Fortunately, Hyundai's recent and future product advances offer positive foreshadowing for Kia, which was bought out by the South Korean competitor after financial troubles over a decade ago. Of seven new vehicles expected from Hyundai over the next two years, the stunning 2010 Genesis Coupe acts as a leading example of what a production KOUP could do for Kia; but, while the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe is a sports tourer, the smaller front-wheel-drive KOUP would be more of a sports compact.
Drawing attention towards the Brembo calipers on cross-drilled rotors are factory-large, but aftermarket-average, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels wrapped in Z-rated tires 24.5 centimeters wide. The sports theme is continued inside the KOUP with steering column-mounted paddle shifters to
control the six-speed automatic transmission. The KOUP's suede sports seats have a white trim not unlike that offered in Mitsubishi's Eclipse - apotential competitor (but one that has matured over time).
Even if a little snug in the back of this 2+2 coupe, this Kia's cockpit is fully featured with a Bluetooth-enabled GPS navigation system and an eight-speaker Jukebox audio system. And, from the gauges and through to the dashboard, the KOUP's interior appears production-ready for the 21st century. Outside are carbon fibre trim pieces and adaptive front lighting. Yes, the KOUP Concept is 'decked out', and if priced right, would modernize Kia's value roots - just don't count on the glass roof to make the final cut.
 |
Boosting the KOUP's potential is a twin-scroll turbocharger planted on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. The 290 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque Kia says the KOUP Concept produces (while gulping premium fuel) would not be unimaginable in a production unit given our world of 285-horsepower Dodge Calibers; however, the KOUP's power plant is similar to that seen in the upcoming entry-level Hyundai Genesis Coupe, where only 223 horsepower is expected.
Fortunately, Hyundai's recent and future product advances offer positive foreshadowing for Kia, which was bought out by the South Korean competitor after financial troubles over a decade ago. Of seven new vehicles expected from Hyundai over the next two years, the stunning 2010 Genesis Coupe acts as a leading example of what a production KOUP could do for Kia; but, while the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe is a sports tourer, the smaller front-wheel-drive KOUP would be more of a sports compact.
Drawing attention towards the Brembo calipers on cross-drilled rotors are factory-large, but aftermarket-average, 19-inch polished aluminum wheels wrapped in Z-rated tires 24.5 centimeters wide. The sports theme is continued inside the KOUP with steering column-mounted paddle shifters to
 |
Even if a little snug in the back of this 2+2 coupe, this Kia's cockpit is fully featured with a Bluetooth-enabled GPS navigation system and an eight-speaker Jukebox audio system. And, from the gauges and through to the dashboard, the KOUP's interior appears production-ready for the 21st century. Outside are carbon fibre trim pieces and adaptive front lighting. Yes, the KOUP Concept is 'decked out', and if priced right, would modernize Kia's value roots - just don't count on the glass roof to make the final cut.