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Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

2011 kia optima one epic ride screen-grab

2011 Kia Optima ‘One Epic Ride’ Super Bowl ad – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We know the 2011 Kia Optima is an excellent sedan, but apparently it’s so desirable that anyone and everything across time and space are clamoring to get it.

In the Korean automaker’s new Super Bowl ad, a police officer playing ‘bad cop’ decides to take the car off the hands of a couple, now cuffed to his parked motorcycle. The constable, in turn, is no match for a super villain, his slick helicopter and a waiting mega-yacht. The Optima nearly falls into the villain’s hands, but by then, the all-new sedan has piqued the interest of the gods (we would have pegged Poseidon as a Maserati guy), and that’s when things get really interesting.

Click past the jump to watch the elaborate and visually impressive journey unfold.

Gallery: Kia Optima goes on One Epic Ride

[Source: Kia via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens

Video: Epic Kia Optima Super Bowl ad stars Poseidon, aliens originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Kia

2011 Kia Optima Epic Ride

2011 Kia Optima is an object of desire across time and space – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia had a strong 2010 and the Korean automaker hopes that momentum is continued right through 2011. No doubt, the all-new 2011 Kia Optima is one vehicle that will be a cornerstone for the brand if it is to keep up its recent success. No rusprise, then, that Kia is unveiling a new 60-second ad spot highlighting its midsize sedan during the first quarter of the Super Bowl.

Entitled “One Epic Ride,” the commercial features the 2011 Optima as it “travels through time and space.” The car becomes an object of desire for cops, aliens, an international villain and even the Greek god Poseidon.

Further pushing the Optima messaging to the masses is the One Epic Contest. In the days preceding the Super Bowl, Kia will reveal a series of clues by way of TV spots, print ads and social media posts. The clues will then be used to answer questions at the OneEpicContest.com website, and five lucky winners will walk away with a brand new 2011 Kia Optima of their very own. Check out the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: Kia Optima goes on One Epic Ride

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl

Kia travels through space and time, returns to the Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Sportage with turbo engine debuts in Canada

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, Canada

2011 Kia Sportage Turbo

The 2011 International Truck of the Year has an all new available engine under the hood. Canadian Kia fans can soon head over to dealers and pick up the 2011 Kia Sportage SX, which features a directly-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We’d expect the U.S. to follow suit in very short order.

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the turbo mill has a relatively flat torque curve with peak power occurring between 1,800 and 3,000 rpm. When bolted into the 2011 Sonata, the 2.0T is rated at 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. We expect the Sportage SX to produce similar numbers, including the 30+ miles per gallon highway fuel economy figures.

The car will show up in Canadian dealer showrooms by the end of winter. Priced at $36,995, it comes loaded with standard features including the new UVO entertainment system, which is similar to Ford’s Sync. Check out the full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage: Review

2011 Kia Sportage

[Source: Kia Canada via Auto North | Image: Montreal Motor Show]

Continue reading Kia Sportage with turbo engine debuts in Canada

Kia Sportage with turbo engine debuts in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia says KV7 Concept presages some sort of production model; Hamstars to return?

Kia KV7 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia KV7 Concept isn’t only a concept. At the Detroit Auto Show this week, Michael Sprague, Kia’s vice president of marketing, told Autoblog “We tend to use auto shows to presage what will be coming,” and referenced the Kia Kue Concept from 2007 revealing the brand’s design intent as precursor to the Sportage, then the Kia Koup Concept in 2008 and Soul Concepts in 2009 leading to their respective production versions.

The question is what we might see on the retail floor; certainly not the lounge-like seating, the full-length LED dash, or the gill-like LED headlights. Sprague tells AB, “With the KV7 what we see coming eventually is materials on the vehicle that we’d like to see incorporated. Or getting a Kia that’s Wi-Fi enabled, it’s just a question of how soon.” Could this hint at a successor to Kia’s aging Sedona/Carnival minivan?

Either way, it’s likely that the brand’s hilarious Hamstars won’t be selling whatever the KV7 turns into. As to how much longer the furry rappers can keep it moving in the Soul’s ad campaign, Sprague admits “We might have another one in us.” Otherwise, the marketing push is that “we’re going to market more sporty as Hyundai goes more premium,” and the brand’s creative like the Sweet Dreams ad stresses “making rational things fun.”

Gallery: Kia KV7 Concept: Detroit 2011

Kia KV7 Concept

Kia says KV7 Concept presages some sort of production model; Hamstars to return? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Optima wins Cars.com ‘Best of 2011’ award

Filed under: Sedan, Kia

2011 Kia Optima

2011 Kia Optima – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’re big fans of the swoopy new 2011 Kia Optima – in fact, some of us here at Autoblog even prefer the Kia sedan to its Hyundai Sonata cousin. Apparently we aren’t the only ones who think highly of this fiercely competitive mid-sizer, as Cars.com has just honored the Optima with its ‘Best of 2011’ award.

The editors of Cars.com cited the Optima’s outstanding fuel economy and excellent driving experience. Specifically:

“With its value, sharp packaging, outstanding fuel efficiency and lofty features, the Optima gives all family-car shoppers a shot at something far more compelling than the segment represents.”

Runners-up include the BMW 5 Series, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt (which was recently named North American Car of the Year), Honda Odyssey and Nissan Leaf. All good vehicles, yes, but the Optima’s strong presence within the mid-size sedan segment – the most-shopped segment in the auto industry – is a huge achievement for Kia. Head over to Cars.com to read the full story.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima 2.0T: First Drive

2011 Kia Optima 2.0T

[Source: Cars.com]

Kia Optima wins Cars.com ‘Best of 2011’ award originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia renders next-gen Rio, confirms Geneva debut

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Kia

Next-gen Kia Rio rendering

Next-gen Kia Rio renderings – Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like its sister company Hyundai, Kia is in the midst of a major product overhaul, spearheaded by the launches of the Soul, Forte, Sorento, Sportage and Optima all within the past few years. The next major up-do within the Kia line is the B-segment Rio, and Kia has just released these sketches of the new subcompact that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Kia’s new design language, brought forth by chief design officer Peter Schreyer, is very much present in this new Rio. Both the headlamp and front fascia design are reminiscent of what we see in the Sportage and Optima, and the rear taillights mimic the shape of what’s found on the Forte. Combine that with a swept-back profile and a strong character line stemming from the front wheel and the end result is something that should wind up being quite handsome in production form.

We’ll have the full details in just under two months, but in the meantime, foliow the jump for Kia’s press blast.

Gallery: Next-Gen Kia Rio Renderings

Next-Gen Kia Rio Renderings

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia renders next-gen Rio, confirms Geneva debut

Kia renders next-gen Rio, confirms Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Kia

Kia KV7 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia certainly knows a thing or two about embracing the box design. After all, the styling of the Soul is certainly a perfect interpretation of the good things boxy shapes can create. With that in mind, Kia has set to reinvent the van with its new KV7 Concept here at the Detroit Auto Show. But we aren’t talking minivan – this is pure, boxy conversion van hotness.

Inside, there are clever features like swivel chairs for all occupants (including the driver), and the rear quarters are set up in a sort of lounge fashion. There are nifty gadgets like a floating table-top computer and full wireless internet capability. Wrap that in a sleek, boxy package that boasts a 285-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the end result is a van that means serious business. As much as we’d love to see this concept come to fruition, we’ll chalk this one up as just another example of what happens when you let automotive designers run wild. See for yourself in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Kia KV7 Concept: Detroit 2011

Kia KV7 Concept

Gallery: Kia KV7 Concept

Kia KV7 Concept

Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Kia

Kia KV7 Concept

Kia KV7 concept teaser – Click above to expand

A few weeks ago, Kia released a teaser sketch of its new KV7 concept that will debut next week at the Detroit Auto Show. The initial sketch showed us that the Korean automaker is working on what appears to be a tall hatchback or small crossover, with the most interesting design feature being a set of gullwing doors for rear seat passengers.

Now, Kia has released this close-up shot of what appears to be the KV7’s front three-quarter view, showing off the rather unique headlamp units and full LED bar below the front bumper. Kia explains:

“Conceived as a challenge to the industry’s current interpretation of the van, the KV7 incorporates several innovative lighting elements currently being evaluated for future Kia production vehicles.”

Not only are we eager to see what the concept looks like in the flesh, but we’re curious as to just how big the KV7 is. As Kia states, this is an “interpretation of the van,” so we’re thinking this could be some sort of futuristic minivan concept, or perhaps something similar in size to Ford’s new 2012 C-Max. Either way, we’ll have the full details live from Cobo Hall next week, so stay tuned. Kia’s (short) official statement is available after the jump.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut

Kia teases KV7 concept once more before Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Kia Picanto comes into the light

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Kia, UK

2011 Kia Picanto

2011 Kia Picanto – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has just released details on the next-generation Picanto for UK buyers. The pint-sized city car has grown a bit, gaining a bit in both the wheelbase and width departments, and buyers will find an all-new, more aggressively styled exterior, too. Traditionally, the Picanto has only been served up as a five-door hatch, though Kia says that for the first time, UK buyers will be able to take advantage of a new three-door variant as well. The rest of the model’s markets will have to make do with just the five-door design.

Kia has also thrown in a smattering of new drivetrain options as well. Buyers can choose between 1.0-liter or 1.2 liter gasoline engines, though there are no power figures for either at the moment. Kia says that each engine will be available in LPG, bi-fuel and flex-fuel variants depending on market demand. The company hasn’t released an on-sale date, either, but we do know that the public will be able to get up close and personal with the Picanto at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. Hit the jump for the full press release. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Kia Picanto

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading New Kia Picanto comes into the light

New Kia Picanto comes into the light originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Pro_cee’d facelift leaked ahead of Geneva?

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia

2011 Kia Pro_Cee'd

2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d – Click above for high-res image gallery

Let the Geneva Motor Show previews begin. A handful of images of the facelifted Kia Pro_Cee’d have managed to find their way to the internet via Kia World. Fans of the company’s corporate nose will be happy to see the communal H-shaped grille make an appearance on the model for the first time, and new, aggressive fog-light insets help give the vehicle a little more personality, too. We can’t tell from the leaked photos, but we’d guess that the rear has received a similar, if not slight, update as well.

But the aesthetics aren’t the only thing on that’s changed on the punctuation-laden Pro_Cee’d. Kia World also suggests that the Kia will now come with a slightly warmed-over diesel engine under its hood. The new lump is expected to churn out 128 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque from 1.6-liters of displacement. Look for the revised Pro_Cee’d to show up at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Pro_Cee’d

[Source: Kia World]

Kia Pro_cee’d facelift leaked ahead of Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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