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Kia V8 Coupe revealed

The Kia Kee concept could provide design cues for a V8-engined Porsche 911 rival

Kia Kee concept

13th July 2011

Korean car maker Kia has confirmed it will build a V8-  engined, rear-wheel-drive coupé, with a concept version 
set to debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Porsche 911 rival is based on an all-new chassis that will also underpin a flagship luxury saloon, due next year. It’s been styled by head of design Peter Schreyer, and could take cues from the Kee concept seen at Frankfurt back in 2007.

The company is said to be ‘hell-bent’ on improving its image, and moving away from the budget-priced saloon and hatchbacks for which it’s famous. The sporting ‘halo’ car is tasked with doing just that, as Kia bids to take on VW in Europe.

At the launch of the new Rio in Seoul, South Korea, Kia vice president Hyoung-Keun Lee told Auto Express: “I think we need some sort of image car.”

As Auto Express predicted, a smaller model in the vein of the Mazda MX-5 and a sporting sub-brand are also being considered.

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5 Comments

Ugly Beautiful!

Do you know what I mean? A bit like looking at a woman that makes you think "nah", but a few moments later you get the stirrings in the loin! The buck toothed mouth looks downright weird though.

I don't think the gop green is doing this design any favours but in more favourable colours I think Kia should be applauded. Calling it a 911 rival is pushing the limits of credibility too far though...

By ajjm65 on 13 July, 2011, 1:26pm

A little pie-in-the-sky....

Well said ajjm65, it does have a little quirky sense of attractiveness, a little plain design but all the same a very butch and purposeful one.
I traditionally like Peter Schreyer and his efforts at Kia (Optima, Sportage, Picanto, Soul et al) have always been handsome and sleek, if a little plain. I think he ought to be trying to introduce a bolder and less obviously 'eastern' touch to his designs, because all other major Koreans and Japanese have been making some pretty tasty cars - cue Hyundai Accent.
My point is, his vehicles are upmarket and well executed, but not desirable like, say, a Jaguar XF.
Before Kia try chasing established competition like the Mazda MX-5, the should change their brand image first.

By Varun on 14 July, 2011, 8:31am

Don't bother Kia...

stick to what you do best, the affordable honest vehicles and leave this type of car to the brands with more established image in this sector. At the end of the day, would you really want to spend £50k plus on a rear drive, V8 Kia? No didnt think so.

By cousins11 on 14 July, 2011, 11:08am

V8 - ok...lets see what ya got.

This could be interesting. Waiting patiently.

By badboyrocco on 14 July, 2011, 2:30pm

Gonna be tough!

While I like some of the unique and fresh design cues (C-pillar treatment), overall styling is rather bland for this size and type of car. No grabber, no head turner! Especially not for a concept car!
Peter, you can do so much better design work (New Optima and Sportage, my faves!)

By stehrenberger on 14 July, 2011, 9:54pm

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Kia Kee concept
Kia Kee concept

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