Rides : Kia's second Super Bowl commercial lets booth professionals have their revenge

This is more like it, Kia. After last year's highly successful Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl commercial for the Optima, we weren't that impressed with this year's Super Bowl ad for the new Sorento called Space Babies that Kia showed us earlier in the week. Its second spot for this year's big game, however, gave us a chuckle.

Called Hotbots and starring Miss USA Alyssa Campanella as a futuristic robot, the ad plays out a fantasy that we know for certain has crossed the minds of many booth professionals. These are the attractive set of women and men who plant themselves next to new cars at auto shows. More than just eye candy, they're usually extremely well educated on the product's specs and features. Despite that fact, they have to put up with constant oogling and questions like, "Do you come with the car?" What this T-1000 won't put up with is fingerprints on her shiny new 2014 Kia Forte, and she does something about it. 

 

 

Credit : autoblog

 

Press Release

 

FORMER MISS USA ALYSSA CAMPANELLA STARS AS A FUTURISTIC ROBOT IN LATEST SUPER BOWL AD FROM KIA MOTORS TO INTRODUCE THE ALL-NEW 2014 KIA FORTE COMPACT SEDAN

- An Overzealous Auto Enthusiast Learns to "Respect the Tech" the Hard Way in Kia's Second Big Game Spot

- "Hotbots" is scheduled to air in the third quarter of the big game and is now available at youtube.com/Kia

- 30-second spot was directed by Carl Erik Rinsch

IRVINE, Calif., February 1, 2013 – Technology is an integral part of everyday life and advancing faster than ever. And when one unsuspecting auto enthusiast gets a little too touchy-feely with the all-new 2014 Kia Forte compact sedan in Kia Motors America's (KMA) latest Super Bowl ad, a futuristic robot played by former Miss USA Alyssa Campanella springs into action to help him learn an important lesson: Always respect the tech. "Hotbots" is scheduled to air during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVII on February 3 and introduces the technology-laden Forte, which will offer the next iteration of Kia's hands-free infotainment and telematics system, UVO eServices, when it goes on sale in the coming months.

"The Super Bowl's audience of more than 100 million people has served as the perfect platform for launching many of Kia's most memorable ad campaigns over the past three years, resulting in higher consumer awareness for our brand and record-setting sales," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Everyone can relate to 'kicking the tires' at an auto show or in a showroom, and 'Hotbots' is sure to bring a smile to the faces of youthful car buyers seeking the technologies, connectivity and premium features found on the all-new 2014 Forte."

Created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of record, a special expanded version of "Hotbots" can be viewed now at YouTube.com/Kia. As one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. over the last five years1, Kia returns as a Super Bowl advertiser for the fourth straight time, including the previously released "Space Babies" spot for the new 2014 Sorento CUV. "Hotbots" is a fully integrated marketing campaign incorporating TV, digital, print, social media and in-dealership components.

2014 Forte Compact Sedan

Available in LX and EX trims, the all-new Forte sedan is scheduled to arrive in retail showrooms in late-first quarter or early second quarter 2013 and will be followed later in the year by 5-door and Koup variants. Sitting on an all-new chassis that is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the all-new Forte will offer more room, more fun-to-drive performance, new cutting edge technology, several premium amenities and a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine (LX) or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine (EX). With an aggressive stance and broad shoulders, the all-new Forte's modern aesthetic was influenced by European sport sedan styling and penned at Kia's U.S. design studio in Irvine, Calif. Optional Flexsteer™ technology puts the driver firmly in control with a choice of three settings – Comfort, Normal and Sport – which vary steering feel and effort at the touch of a button.

Kia: One of the World's Fastest Moving Global Automotive Brands

Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand's "Top 100 Best Global Brands," and is poised to continue its record-breaking momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles arriving in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company's first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs. The success of the U.S.-built* Optima and Sorento in two of the industry's largest segments has fueled Kia's growth and is complemented by Kia's comprehensive lineup which includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, 5-door compact hatchback and Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

 

Rides : Check Out Kia's Space Babies Super Bowl commercial

Kia is out to answer life's big questions in its ad for the upcoming Super Bowl. Questions like: Where do babies come from? The spot follows one father as he spins a tale to shield his young son from the world of adult truths. The story starts on planet Babylandia, where infants of every species live in peaceful coexistence until they're called to Earth. When that happens, the adorable little beings suit up and take a nine-month journey through space to their new home before parachuting from the heavens. Sure beats that tired old stork yarn.

Oh, and we forgot to mention there's a 2014 Kia Sorento in the spot as well. You can check out the whole shindig below for a quick chuckle. Expect to see the spot air during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, and keep your eyes peeled for the new Forte spot. 

Credit : Autoblog

Rides : 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe rendered

 

The 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe has been recently rendered and the images posted below might provide a first glimpse into the model, if the carmaker decides to produce it.

The South Korean based automaker Kia didn’t announce anything official on a possible Coupe version of the new Cadenza but that doesn’t mean that the model will never see daylight and, even if it doesn’t, there’s nothing wrong in letting your imagination do the work for you. The two images posted below are revealing the 2014 Kia Cadenza Coupe and they are renderings posted by theophiluschin.com.

As a quick reminder, the 2014 Kia Cadenza has been officially presented to the public during this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The model is getting a new front fascia, chrome trim, LED taillights, a dual exhaust system and some other tweaks. The cabin has received an 8-inch touch screen display, dual-zone climate control, leather seats and more. Power is being provided by a 3.3 liter GDI V6 engine, which is developing a total output of 293 BHP (218 kW) and 345 Nm of torque (255 lb-ft). The unit is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The model will go on sale later on this year in the United States.

Image Source: theophiluschin.com

Rides - KIA Motors to offer Google Maps and Places from 2014

 

Kia Motors announced that has begun to work with Google to provide turn-by-turn navigation and point of interest services on its new vehicles from 2014.

Firth vehicle to benefit Google’s Map software will be the 2014 Sorento CUV, and shortly after, the system will be available in other models, including the 2014 Forte sedan.
Besides normal navigation services, the system developed by Kia engineers will allow owners to send a POI or destination to their “Google-Enabled” vehicle directly from the Google Maps via their Smartphone.
The entire telematics eServices package will be called UVO and will be capable to receive “orders” by voice, will offer 911 Connect, enhanced Roadside Assist, Automatic Diagnostics, Manual Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, vehicle maintenance, and eServices Guide.
Kia says the eight inch display will be very easy to operate and will be very customizable.
Complete list of upcoming KIA’s UVO eServices:-    Google integration: Maps and Places
-    eServices Guide
-    Car Care Web: a complete web portal from where owners can check vehicle status, driving behavior and many more; available from the mobile phone or home computer
-    My POI: allows owners to send a POI or destination through their Smartphone to their UVO eServices vehicle.
-    Vehicle Diagnostics
-    911 Connect: In case of an accident the system will automatically alert emergency services. The occupants will have 10 seconds to cancel the call, otherwise UVO will dial 911 and will communicate the complete location to the operator. After that it will allow the emercenty operator to speak with the occupants.
-    Parking Minder: will send’s vehicle position to a smart phone

Rides : Check Out This Batman-Themed Kia Optima

Could Batman be trading in the Tumbler and his collection of Lamborghinis for a sensible Kia Optima? Not likely, but that hasn’t stopped Kia from collaborating with DC Entertainment and Rides to create a Batman-inspired Kia Optima SX Limited Batmobile for charity.

Based on the new top-trim turbocharged Optima SX Limited, this slammed Optima sits on 20-inch five-spoke black wheels with the Batman logo imbedded on the center caps. The Optima then gets big Ksport brakes, a ground effects kit, yellow underglow, and a matte-black paint job with a piano-black Batman logo splayed out over the front door and quarter panel. The Optima Batmobile is finished off with a sport exhaust system, and a custom front grille shaped like the batwing that Kia says took over 40 hours to create.
Inside, the Optima Limited’s Nappa leather has been replaced for yellow-accented black leather and suede. Each seat is upgraded with a batman logo on the seatback. Throwing stars can also be found mounted in the center console, and Kia says the Bat suit fits perfectly in the trunk.

The Kia Optima SX Limited Batmobile was created for DC’s “We Can Be Heroes” campaign, which is a charity that fights hunger in the Horn of Africa. Kia says that this Optima, which goes on display at the Time Warner Center in New York starting this week, is the first in a series of eight Kias that pay tribute to the Justice League.
Source: Kia

Credit : MotorTrend

Rides : Kia K9 launches in Korea, export model to get new name

We so wanted to lead this post with a Jim Belushi joke. Alas, the Kia press release announcing the launch of its rear-drive flagship in Korea today specifically clarifies that the K9 will be renamed for other markets.

While Kia says the large sedan rides on "its own platform," we know enough about the auto industry to posit that much of that platform is shared with the underpinnings of corporate cousin Hyundai's Genesis Sedan and Equus. Like the Hyundai pair, Kia is clearly hoping the not-called-K9-here will help the brand move upmarket, positioning the car as a premium product designed, in the words of Kia's head of design Peter Schreyer, "to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands."

The Kia sedan will split the difference between the Genesis and the Equus, matching the 120-inch wheelbase of the latter, but with an overall length of 200 inches that's three inches shorter than Equus and almost four inches longer than the Genesis. The Kia sedan will have the same 0.27 coefficient of drag as both the Hyundai models.

Kia says its luxury sedan will be powered by two distinct versions of the corporate 3.8-liter Lambda V6, one making 286 horsepower and the direct-injection version rated at 329. The more powerful engine is said to be "joining the global engine line-up next year," which we'd expect would coincide with the flagship sedan's U.S. launch. Both engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Kia says the car will be available with a number of safety features including a lane-departure warning system and blind sport detection. A reclining rear seat with leg rest will also be available, just like in the Equus.

Today's announcement raises an interesting possibility. While we wouldn't expect Kia to send its flagship stateside with the less-powerful V6 – indeed, a V8 engine option is surely bound to accompany an official statement of the car's U.S. sales plan – doing so would certainly allow Kia to bring the car to market at a more attractive entry-level price. Kia has a scant resume when it comes launching anything other than budget models here in the U.S., and the brand certainly has considerable work to do if it aims to catch up to Hyundai in pricier segments.

It will certainly be interesting to see where Kia tries to position its unnamed sedan – and whether its (*ahem*) dogged pursuit of the luxury dollar will succeed.

 

Press Release

Kia launches elegant and luxurious all-new flagship sedan
- Elegant simplicity and balanced proportions create a premium feeling
- First modern rear-wheel drive Kia has V6 power plus 8-speed transmission
- Introduces a host of advanced features and technologies new to Kia
- Striking sedan on sale in Korea from today with export sales later in 2012

(SEOUL) May 2, 2012 – Kia's all-new luxury flagship sedan goes on sale in Korea today (Wednesday), powering the brand into an entirely new segment of the global automotive market.

The striking new rear-wheel drive sedan will be launched in a number of key overseas markets starting in the fourth quarter of 2012. The new flagship tops Kia's global model range and is a true landmark vehicle for the company. Kia's first modern rear-wheel drive vehicle using its own platform combines stylish design with luxurious comfort, engaging driving dynamics and advanced high-tech features.

Known as the "K9" in Korea, the new flagship sedan will have a different name in overseas markets – to be revealed closer to its on sale date.

"K9 is our first rear-wheel drive large sedan for more than a decade and sets new standards for advanced design, new technologies and driving performance, representing the 'best of the best' of Kia," comments Soon-Nam Lee, Kia's Director of Overseas Marketing Group.

"Demonstrating once again our brand's power to surprise, K9 will entice an entirely new customer group of progressive, forward-looking consumers to Kia for the first time," adds Lee.

Designing for a rear-wheel drive platform has provided Kia with an opportunity for proportions that define luxury.

As a large rear-wheel drive vehicle, K9 boasts a long wheelbase which gives a generous first impression. As the engine sits further back, the A-pillar is also pushed back to create a longer hood and an impressive short front overhang. Consequently, the distance between the center of the wheel and the A-pillar, the so called "prestige distance," is increased.

Thanks to the long prestige distance and high shoulder line, the glass house sits far back and the sheet metal-to-glass ratio is significantly increased. The pushed-back position and the small size of the glass house give occupants a feeling of privacy and dignity, while the nice distinctive window graphics accentuated by a chrome inlay give the car a premium feel.

"K9 is all about elegant simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces," says Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. "The class-leading long wheelbase, the prestige distance, large wheels, sharply upright short overhangs and a long sweeping shoulder line all work together in a harmony to give K9 a sporty, athletic proportion and a confident stance quintessential to a premium large rear-wheel drive vehicle."

"While embodying a new generation of Kia design, K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands. And for Kia, our customers, and for me – this car is like a dream come true," concludes Schreyer.

With a 5,090 mm overall length and 3,045 mm wheelbase, K9 offers generous front and rear occupant space. Overall width and height are 1,900 mm and 1,490 mm, respectively, which creates a spacious cabin environment, while efficient aerodynamics and close attention to exterior detailing result in a highly competitive Cd of 0.27.

V6 power and eight-speed transmission

Initially, K9 will be available in overseas markets powered by an upgraded 290 ps Lambda V6 3.8-liter MPI engine, with a 334 ps 3.8 GDI engine joining the global engine line-up next year.

For fitment to K9, Kia's engineers boosted the Lambda V6's power output, raised its efficiency and enhanced its refinement – making it well-suited to power the new flagship model. The normally aspirated twin DOHC 3.8-liter engines are equipped with dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS).

Every K9 comes with Kia's all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The wide spread of gear ratios guarantees brisk acceleration and high-speed refinement, while shift-by-wire (SBW) technology with a joystick control delivers fast, smooth gear changes.

Rear-wheel drive characteristics

"With K9 we have achieved a near-perfect front/rear weight distribution, which has created a strong foundation for excellent balance and steering response, and a sophisticated blend of ride and handling qualities," comments Chang-Ky Kang, Senior Vice President of Namyang R&D Chassis Technology Center.

Together with the ultra-stiff bodyshell made with 74.3 percent high-strength steel, K9's electronically controlled air suspension with five-link front and rear suspension geometry has given the new flagship first-class ride and handling characteristics.

Four driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow) enable the driver to choose a preferred set-up of suspension, steering, engine and transmission ideal for various road conditions or driving styles.

"K9's excellent balance delivers a host of driver benefits – improved traction, greater road holding, enhanced braking stability, and enhanced turn-in. Adopting rear-wheel drive also enabled us to create a purity of steering response and feel," concludes Kang.

Advanced new features

When it goes on sale in overseas markets, K9 will premiere a range of advanced luxury features and technologies that are second to none. Depending on model, available active safety features will include fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), radar-based Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and an Around-View Monitor (AVM) with four cameras.

Premium comfort features include a 12.3-inch full size Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD cluster, a HUD (head-up display), twin 9.2-inch monitors to entertain rear seat occupants and a remarkable 17-channel, 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) which adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain the distance from the vehicle ahead.

A special "VIP" option will offer twin heated and ventilated rear seats with a reclining backrest, sliding cushion and lower leg support for the "nearside" seat, together with a front passenger seat that slides forwards when unoccupied.

Car Porn : Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad

Kia has been spending big on Super Bowl advertising for a few years now, but its commercials have been hit or miss. Its ad for the big game in 2010 entitled "Joyride" was a hit for bringing toys from our childhood to life behind the wheel of a Sorento, but last year's "One Epic Ride" was a definite miss. Kia's ad for this year's Super Bowl, called "A Dream Car. For Real Life," will likely be a hit.

The premise is simple: A fairy who visits bedsides with magic dust that guarantees good dreams accidentally trips over a slipper and spills his whole bucket of sprinkles on an unsuspecting, demographically targeted and non-threateningly handsome 30-something man. The resulting indulgent dream stars Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, 80's hair band Motley Crue (looking a little worse for wear, we might add) and UFC fighter Chuck Liddell. There's also a school bus-sized sub sandwich being cut in half by lumberjacks and a roaring crowd of thousands of bikini-wearing beauties.

In the midst of all this REM-induced revelry is the Kia Optima, because what other car would your subconscious pick to impress Ms. Lima?

Kia has also published a five-hour-long video of Adriana Lima waving a checkered flag in slow motion on YouTube, because hey, if you've got her on set for the day, why not?

 

Rides : Kia considering coupe, wagon versions of GT

According to a report from Inside Line, Kia is considering creating a number of variants of its GT Concept, including both a coupe and a wagon. If true, that could mean Kia is aiming to create a family of vehicles capable of competing with German luxury automakers like BMW and Audi.

The Korean manufacturer has made it clear that a production version of the four-door will likely make its way to market in 2013 as an affordable alternative to hardware like the Audi A7, and Kia has made waves about wanting a budget sports car in its stable in the past.

Variants of the incredibly attractive GT would seem perfect for slotting into all of the above spots. With a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 good for 390 horsepower, the GT should be capable of keeping up with brawny hardware from its European competition.

Rides : Kia Motors America announces record November sales

Kia Motors’ U.S. subsidiary announced its best-ever November sales of 37,007 units, a 39.1 percent increase over the same period last year.

It is also the company’s 15th straight monthly sales record. Kia has already eclipsed 400,000 vehicles sold for the first time in company history in October, and its year-to-date sales are up 35.7 percent. Following the recent start of Optima production at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), the brand’s U.S.-built products – Sorento and Optima – were the top performers for the second consecutive month with 9,660 and 9,533 vehicles sold, respectively.
“Kia’s growth has far outpaced the industry all year and the brand’s design-led transformation has raised awareness for the brand and attracted new customers to our showrooms to experience our diverse lineup that offers world-class style, performance, technology and safety features,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG.
Kia’s model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Rides : Pair of Kia Optima Turbos will compete in World Challenge against Mustangs and Camaros

The Kia Optima is headed to the World Challenge next year. Kia has announced that it will once again partner up with Kinetic Motorsports, this time to build a pair of Optima SX models to go fender to fender with the rest of the World Challenge field. The two turbocharged sedans will compete in the Grand Touring Sport Class against vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, if you can believe that.

If you're thinking those two are going to make short work of the Optima, you may want to think again. Kia has already managed to earn a driver and team championship in the two years that it's been racing the Forte in the States, and the company recently announced the Rio 5-Door would be competing, as well. These guys aren't just out there to parade their badge around the track.

The World Challenge series pits great drivers against each other in race-prepped versions of production vehicles on some of the country's best road courses. The series campaigns at Infineon, Road Atlanta and the street circuit at Long Beach. Look for the races to show up on the NBC Sports Network this year. Hit the jump for the full press release from Kia.

Show full PR text

KIA RACING ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR TWO TURBOCHARGED OPTIMAS TO COMPETE IN THE 2012 PIRELLI WORLD CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Championship-Winning Motorsports Program Expanding to New Series in Third-Year
• Kia and Kinetic Motorsports continue partnership to build and campaign two Optima SXs in World Challenge
• Additional motorsports activities for 2012 include B-Spec racing with the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and Optima Hybrid serving as the official pace car at United States Touring Car Championship (USTCC) events

LOS ANGELES, November 16, 2011 – It took the Kia Racing program just two seasons and 20 starts to capture Kia Motors America's (KMA) first-ever championships in the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, and today at the Los Angeles Auto Show the company announced a major motorsports expansion for 2012 with two turbocharged Optimas set to enter the Pirelli World Challenge Championships. Continuing KMA's successful partnership with Kinetic Motorsports, the World Challenge Optima SXs will compete in the Grand Touring Sport (GTS) class alongside established nameplates such as Mustang and Camaro at world-class race tracks across North America, including Road Atlanta, the street circuit in Long Beach, Calif., and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

"As a brand with no previous racing experience in America, for Kia to win two motorsports championships in just its second year is an incredible accomplishment, and expanding our motorsports footprint with the turbocharged Optima entering World Challenge will continue to build passion and enthusiasm for the brand with an entirely new fan base at different race tracks across the country," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With its aerodynamic styling and outstanding driving dynamics, the Optima SX should be well suited to the ultra-competitive environment of World Challenge racing."

Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, World Challenge features world-class drivers and race-prepped versions of production vehicles from many of the world's most popular manufacturers. The Kia Optimas will be the first Korean vehicles to compete in the series – which includes a suspenseful standing start rather than the more common rolling start – and is known for exciting door-to-door action throughout the 50-minute sprint races. For 2012, World Challenge races will be broadcast on the NBC Sports Network.