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  • jstein77

    June 10, 2008 11:22 a.m. jstein77 HalfDork

    What do you think of this concept car?

    The 280 hp direct-injected turbo 2 liter sounds very Mazda-like, though Kia has always leveraged off of Mazda technology. I like the stying, though it's similar to the Scion Tc. Ways they could screw it up:

    1. Keep the 6-speed automatic shown in the concept as the only option.
    2. Not put a limited-slip differential in it.
    3. Put in a non-defeatable stability control in it.

    I hope someone at Kia would be smart enough to avoid those mistakes. Of course, all this is assuming that it ever makes it into production, which is not at all certain.

  • Gearhead_42

    June 10, 2008 11:27 a.m. Gearhead_42 HalfDork

    Can't see the picture (netnannied) but the engine sounds like a breathed on version of the new Hyundai motor in the Genesis Coupe... 280hp potential makes me want the Hyundai even more

  • Gearhead_42

    June 10, 2008 11:35 a.m. Gearhead_42 HalfDork

    Ahhh. Found some pictures I could see, yeah, that's a good looking car. A few angles (most notably the rear 1/4) it's better looking than the Hyundai even...

  • GameboyRMH

    June 10, 2008 11:58 a.m. GameboyRMH Dork

    Another car like the new Lancer...looks OK as it is, but it would look great if they could shrink it vertically.

  • Jensenman

    June 10, 2008 12:20 p.m. Jensenman UltimaDork

    Not bad. Nose looks like the previous generation Mustang mixed with current Lancer Evo, the 'belt line' reminds me of a Subaru XT and yeah the roof reminds me of a Scion.

  • neon4891

    June 10, 2008 1:04 p.m. neon4891 HalfDork

    the head lights look like what is on my Husquavarna lawn mower. FWD or RWD? More info, please.

  • jstein77

    June 10, 2008 1:31 p.m. jstein77 HalfDork

    FWD

  • aircooled

    June 10, 2008 1:39 p.m. aircooled Dork

    Another way they could screw it up:

    Releasing a high HP sports car from an economy car company when gas is $5 a gallon...

  • Gearhead_42

    June 10, 2008 1:43 p.m. Gearhead_42 HalfDork

    aircooled wrote: Another way they could screw it up:

    Releasing a high HP sports car from an economy car company when gas is $5 a gallon...

    Lessee... high HP from a turbo motor (so excellent cruise economy) from a car company that already knows how to build reliable, compact, and cost effective cars.

    How long do you think it will take the General or FoMoCo (euro ford excepted) to catch up in the compact segment?

    Edit: Stupid italics button still replaces highlighted text...

  • ignorant

    June 10, 2008 1:43 p.m. ignorant UltraDork

    korea is doing some interesting things now...

    I like the Cee'd.. Pro and Eco versions that is..

  • confuZion3

    June 10, 2008 2:01 p.m. confuZion3 Reader

    Biggest way they could screw it up: not producing it.

    It's beautiful. Jensenman had it right with the description. You know, it seems like a new trend is to go with the front splitter in body color -- except for the bottom center section. I like this.

  • Redhornet

    June 10, 2008 3:37 p.m. Redhornet New Reader

    That's a Kia?!?! I'm very impressed. That is a damn fine looking car mated to a very competent engine. Offer a good 6 speed manual and I'd probably get one.

    The Koreans are doing some very interesting things and one of them is hiring Italian styling firms like Italdesign and Pinifarina to style their cars.

  • GSmith

    June 10, 2008 9:21 p.m. GSmith Reader

    Ditto. I'd consider one.

    Reminds me of a cross between the Civic Si and a new Camaro. But that's just me...

  • Volksroddin

    June 10, 2008 9:26 p.m. Volksroddin New Reader

    KIA dose need something sporty but nothing over the top try to keep it some what real.

  • neon4891

    June 10, 2008 10:26 p.m. neon4891 HalfDork

    Like I have said on the genesis and suyota, wait and see what happens. Overall, it is good to see the korean companies stepping up in the performance segment.

  • Strizzo

    June 11, 2008 1:33 a.m. Strizzo HalfDork

    looks like vw eos mixed with euro civic and focus mixed together for the front end. interesting, but fwd performance car when everyone else is going rwd could go badly

  • Luke

    June 11, 2008 7:02 a.m. Luke HalfDork

    Looks cool there, but I'd say the toned-down production version would be as bland and boring looking as any other modern car, especially a Korean one.

  • jstein77

    June 11, 2008 3:34 p.m. jstein77 HalfDork

    Can't say I agree there, Luke. Other than the garish wheels that I hope won't make it into production, the rest of the car looks ready to stamp out.

 

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