Filed under: Convertible, Crossover, Kia, Rumormill
Kia is seriously considering adding a two-seat droptop along the lines of Mazda’s MX-5 to its portfolio. European CEO Paul Philpott has stated that the automaker will expand and enhance its volume offerings during 2011 and 2012, but that a roadster could be in the cards shortly thereafter.
Philpott is not alone in his desires for a Kia sports car. Paul Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Designer, believes that the Korean automaker needs a truly sporty vehicle in the lineup (sorry, Forte Koup).
UK-based magazine Auto Express has put together a rendering of such a vehicle, and it clearly draws heavily from the Pontiac Solstice. However, it should be noted that the idea of a sports car in the lineup is not a totally foreign concept. From 1995 through 1999, Kia held licensing rights to the Lotus Elan and produced the Kia Elan for the Korean Market.
Kia is also reportedly working on a small, all-wheel-drive vehicle to slot below the Sportage. The Soul is due for a revamp within the next two years, so it makes sense that the funky hatchback could get all-wheel drive as part of its overhaul.
[Source: Auto Express]
Rumormill: Kia planning Mazda MX-5 fighter, all-wheel-drive Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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With Old Man LaHood making distracted driving a pet cause, both device manufacturers and wireless carriers are trying to devise new ways to reduce distracted driving before the Department of Transportation mandates its own solution.
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