jstein77
jstein77 HalfDork
6/10/08 11:22 a.m.

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
Gearhead_42 HalfDork
6/10/08 11:27 a.m.

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
Gearhead_42 HalfDork
6/10/08 11:35 a.m.

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
GameboyRMH GRM+ Memberand Dork
6/10/08 11:58 a.m.

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

Jensenman
Jensenman SuperDork
6/10/08 12:20 p.m.

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
neon4891 HalfDork
6/10/08 1:04 p.m.

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

jstein77
jstein77 HalfDork
6/10/08 1:31 p.m.

FWD

aircooled
aircooled Dork
6/10/08 1:39 p.m.

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
Gearhead_42 HalfDork
6/10/08 1:43 p.m.
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
ignorant SuperDork
6/10/08 1:43 p.m.

korea is doing some interesting things now...

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

confuZion3
confuZion3 Reader
6/10/08 2:01 p.m.

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
Redhornet New Reader
6/10/08 3:37 p.m.

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
GSmith Reader
6/10/08 9:21 p.m.

Ditto. I'd consider one.

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

Volksroddin
Volksroddin New Reader
6/10/08 9:26 p.m.

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

neon4891
neon4891 HalfDork
6/10/08 10:26 p.m.

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
Strizzo HalfDork
6/11/08 1:33 a.m.

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
Luke HalfDork
6/11/08 7:02 a.m.

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
jstein77 HalfDork
6/11/08 3:34 p.m.

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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