Kia has unveiled the KOUP Concept this morning at the New York Auto Show.
Unlike Kia's sister brand, Hyundai with its new RWD Genesis Coupe, the KOUP is a front-wheel-drive concept that is aimed at the Honda Civic and Scion tC. The KOUP features a direct injection turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 290 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
To add to the appeal of the concept the KOUP features carbon fiber enhancements throughout the exterior of the car in addition to the Brembo calipers and cross-drilled rotors. Inside the KOUP features an eight speaker audio system, a Bluetooth-enabled navigation system, push button start system, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.
There is no word yet on if this car is actually going to make it into showrooms, but I can't help notice how much the front end looks like the current Honda Civic Si. What do you think?
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PRESS RELEASE:
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 KOUP a true driver’s car
NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOUP 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 KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling” with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.
“The Kia KOUP 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 with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.”
First Glance
Curb appeal begins with the KOUP’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 KOUP 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 KOUP’s overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with 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 with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive “check mark” shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP 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 KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with 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 with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP’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 with an open design to show off the Brembo® calipers and cross-drilled rotors.
Inside the Cockpit
Conceived artfully and with graphic precision, the KOUP’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 steering 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 with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services, including safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings.
The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver’s car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with 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 with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.
Taking Flight
Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP 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 steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the KOUP’s sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.
Safety
The KOUP 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 with CDC stabilizes the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP’s impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP’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 United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.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.”
Comments (35)
This is how the Civic should look like......the civic is nice but a bit boring lookin...
Looks like a cross between a Civic and a Mitsubishi Lancer (the rear end)
Posted by Paranoyd | March 20, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on March 20, 2008 11:22
complete and utter Civic ripoff, only with Kia steering wheel and without the whole "Honda is from outer space" interior design. Car overall looks a bit fatter too...
also all these details, ridges, multiple colors are distracting. simpler more minimalistic approach would give the cat more serious and mature/understated look without looking too tame...
Posted by SVT | March 20, 2008 11:22 AM
Posted on March 20, 2008 11:22
Looks like a mash up of a Civic and a Scion TC. Not bad at all though, perhaps they beat Honda to the redesign of the Civic. Now if they can just drop the same Turbo 4 the Genesis is getting into this car it'll be a blast to drive and some serious competition to the Cobalts, WRX's, and Si's out there.
Posted by Gary | March 20, 2008 11:34 AM
Posted on March 20, 2008 11:34
Ok, so the front is blatantly unoriginal, but if you can look past that it seems to be a very nicely styled car. I like the interior too.
Posted by SEALBoy | March 20, 2008 11:52 AM
Posted on March 20, 2008 11:52
Wow, this is the first Kia vehicle I've ever seen that I think actually looks really good. It does remind me of the Honda Civic in the front but I think this car looks better and more sleek than the Civic.
Despite looking pretty good, I think it's a bit boxy-looking for me which kinda turns me off. I like more curves in a car.
Not to mention the fact, this is still a Kia which has a bad reputation for reliability.
Posted by Optimummind | March 20, 2008 12:05 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 12:05
Complete Civic rip-off.
But it does look better than the Civic nonetheless.
Posted by Sphere | March 20, 2008 12:18 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 12:18
I want one. I am glad they ripped of the Civic instead of the Element.
Posted by Nerd | March 20, 2008 1:10 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:10
ripped off, oops
Posted by Nerd | March 20, 2008 1:12 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:12
Cool!......oh wait....crap....it's front wheel drive....
Posted by Dan | March 20, 2008 1:14 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:14
I pretty much agree with everyone above, civic ripoff, maybe a bit of rsx / lancer back-end. Looks great though. Nice interior. I'd still rather have the Hyundai coupe but if this was $4000 or more cheaper I'd consider it (fat chance with the rumoured low start price of the coupe though).
Posted by gm0n3y | March 20, 2008 1:18 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:18
I think it looks awesome. I enjoyed a squared off look, all cars are bulbous now. The wheels are ugly. I'd like a 290hp 4 cylinder, but not in FWD.
I still don't think it will even make it to concept car stage. This is just a computer mockup, so saying it has 290hp is just garbage. Commenting on a comptuer rendering makes me feel like I should get to work...
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | March 20, 2008 1:27 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:27
I don't know much about cars, but I doubt this car can be gotten cheaper then the civic, especially if you see the engine's specs.
This probably won't go for under 33K!
Posted by ProDigit | March 20, 2008 1:32 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:32
I don't know much about cars, but I doubt this car can be gotten cheaper then the civic, especially if you see the engine's specs.
This probably won't go for under 33K!
Posted by ProDigit | March 20, 2008 1:32 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 13:32
Looks good, but somehow i doubt that the production model will look anywhere close to that
Posted by ppsychol | March 20, 2008 2:03 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:03
That looks really good. No stupid lines or dorky headlights.
Posted by brad | March 20, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:10
@Cheap Car Lover:
Only one of the interior shots is computer-generated, all the other pictures are real.
Posted by SEALBoy | March 20, 2008 2:11 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:11
Finally, a new car with proper fender flares. If the Civic Si had these fender flares it would look 100 times better...
This car looks like it means business, and I don't care if it looks like the Civic, because unlike most copies, this one actually looks better than the original. Right on Kia.
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | March 20, 2008 2:12 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:12
Oh, by the way...
I HATE intellitext!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Mazda6 Guy | March 20, 2008 2:15 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:15
This from a KIA?!? HOLY FUCK THAT LOOKS NICE!!!! To bad it's only a concept though.
Posted by Tommy Boy | March 20, 2008 2:18 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:18
The chunkier style makes it look more substantial and upscale than the civic, though a 290hp 2L motor seems a little too high strung for production.
I like the way this looks. But I agree that it couldn't compete on price with a civic with a motor like that. If it could, it would be an absolutely killer deal. Maybe tune it back to maybe 230 turbocharged horsepower and it might be worth a small premium over civic si to get a little additional performance.
Posted by bliq | March 20, 2008 2:19 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:19
@ Sealboy:
You're blind, and you underestimate the quality of digitally rendered images. I'm telling you, this 'concept' car doesn't exist at the moment.
Look at all the pictures very very closely. One of them is obvious, the others are well done. The picture of the right side of the car is the easiest to see it on (that's not obvious), look at the line around the door.
I'll bet anyone on here whatever they want that these pictures are fakes.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | March 20, 2008 3:32 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 15:32
that car is not rendered. It is actually on the auto show right now.
The FWD is not suitable for so much torque on a low weight car though.
PS the rear looks more like Lexus IS.
Posted by Kunei | March 20, 2008 3:42 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 15:42
real or fake, I like it. That interior is crazy. Facrory turbo FWD's should be kept under 230 HP....
Posted by mbw | March 20, 2008 3:42 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 15:42
Wow a Kia that can go head to head with an Evo...
Posted by RX-7 Guy | March 20, 2008 4:16 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 16:16
nothing compares to an evo, nothing. If this car is the right price i'd buy it.
Posted by 09 | March 20, 2008 5:23 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 17:23
nope... evos are great!
http://www.theidoctor.org/default.aspx
Posted by fishbone | March 20, 2008 5:48 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 17:48
its a civic. but korean.
Posted by frankie frankerson | March 20, 2008 6:01 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 18:01
Evo's are ugly, regardless of how they perform, just less ugly than the STi's
I would think this little ride should be 3000lbs or less so it should be faster and certainly faster from in the obligatory 40mph runs that are so popular these days. Anyway my comment was just to draw a reaction from the Evo crowd.
Oh yeah and a jab at bliq: for the high strung comment.
Looks better from the front than a civic, the back not so much.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | March 20, 2008 6:42 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 18:42
"The chunkier style makes it look more substantial and upscale than the civic, though a 290hp 2L motor seems a little too high strung for production."
Not necessarily, not if its built right. It all comes down to how much money they want the engines to cost. For an RPO, yeah, I'd say that's probably a little much for this car. It all comes down to what they want to sell the car for. If they detuned it a bit, perhaps it should be more in the ~250-270HP mark. Especially since this engine is putting out good torque starting at 2K. But that's their call, a reliable 290HP is very doable if there's enough money involved.
"The FWD is not suitable for so much torque on a low weight car though."
We don't know how much it weighs. We don't know how the weight is distributed. We don't know what the transaxle and CV axles are going to look like. We also don't know what kind of torque management they're going to have. Traction control may even be a toggled option (via button). Basically people have it in their heads that FWD and power automatically don't mix. That's a load of crap. It all depends how its set up.
"its a civic. but korean."
Let me fix that for you:
"It's a Civic. Only it has some balls."
Posted by Alexvrb | March 20, 2008 7:39 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 19:39
I'm guessing it'd be the same 2.0 liter engine that Hyundai usues, which is also shared with the SRT4 and the EVO. So, it's easily capable of 290hp in production guise.
On some other websites there are pictures of the KOUP that are real. These look fabricated, or digitally altered in some way. But the car does exist, so Cheap Car Lover... you're wrong.
Posted by wayne gretzky | March 20, 2008 8:00 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 20:00
The 300 hp AWD Suzuki might be better able to compete with the Evo.
This car is basicly a Civic clone + better looks + more power + actual torque - Stupid Honda interior.
The Evo will come off the line quicker than any FWD car ever will, because FWD cars come off the line badly with a lot of torque steer, and the AWD Evo comes off the line like a rocket. With the better power to weight ratio this thing likely has it would likely catch up to the Evo around 100~120 mph (gearing dependent) The real thing that amazes about the Evo is that the reviews I have seen of the Evo X, show it holding between .97~1.03 G on the lateral skid pad, the best high powered FWD compact cars typically hold .84~.88 on the skid pad.
Posted by Travis | March 20, 2008 9:48 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 21:48
@Cheap Car Lover:
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/20/new-york-2008-kia-koup-concept/
Happy now?
Posted by SEALBoy | March 20, 2008 10:35 PM
Posted on March 20, 2008 22:35
"It's a Civic. Only it has some balls."
/agree
I like it a lot. If Kia sells the 290hp model for $25k, people will be lined up around the block to buy it, me included.
Posted by Kell | March 21, 2008 6:33 PM
Posted on March 21, 2008 18:33
this car looks real tight from the outside!!!
they could've done a better job on the inside tough. everything looks way freaking busy. Kia, benchmark the VW/Audi's rather than cheapo japos.
Posted by HW | March 25, 2008 1:02 AM
Posted on March 25, 2008 01:02
How much is this car going to cost?
Posted by Antonio Johnson | May 6, 2008 11:12 AM
Posted on May 6, 2008 11:12