Kia Racing's Pirelli World Challenge Optimas Head to Belle Isle for Sixth Round Slugfest

Kia Racing heads for Detroit June 1-3 for round six of its debut season in the Pirelli World Challenge Championships (PWC), pitting two turbocharged Optimas against some serious hometown muscle. With his top-ten finish in Monterey (Calif.), Michael Galati, driver of the No. 36 Infinity Audio Optima, is currently fifth in the Grand Touring Sport (GTS) points battle while Kia Racing sits fourth in the manufacturers championship. Mark Wilkins, piloting the No.38 Infinity Audio Optima, has his eye on the first two rows of the starting grid at the Belle Isle (Mich.) street circuit located along the shores of the Detroit River.

The Kia Racing Optimas will need every ounce of the 22-pound diet they have undergone since Monterey - "Reward Weight" earned for podium finishes earlier in the season, which the team is now able to shed after finishing sixth and eighth in the last race - to compete with the Mustangs and Camaros on the tight temporary street circuit at Belle Isle. Located almost in the shadow of General Motors' global headquarters, and only minutes from Ford's world headquarters, the race is sure to draw a large (and potentially partisan) crowd. With that in mind, Kia Racing is approaching the weekend with cautious optimism.

"There is no doubt the fans will be behind their hometown heroes," said Galati, who lives in nearby Cleveland. "But we've surprised more than a few people in our debut season, and I feel the Optimas are up to the challenge this weekend." Galati will be working hard to score points in his bid for the 2012 driver's championship and attempting to fend off the challenge from Acura driver Nick Esayian, who is only eight points behind in the standing.

Mark Wilkins, following his Kia Racing debut in Monterey where he was quickly up to speed and turned in a solid performance, is anticipating a far different driving experience at Belle Isle. "Laguna Seca is about blind crests and wild elevation changes while Belle Isle is a street course and is by-nature quite flat," said Wilkins. "The Optimas should do quite well in this environment, but passing is always tough because the course is so tight."

Situated on a 982-acre island perched in the middle of the Detroit River, Belle Isle's street circuit was originally created for Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) competition and has also hosted IndyCar and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) off and on since 1992. Its straights nestle against the shoreline and help to create one of the faster tracks in the PWC series.

Round six of the PWC season at Belle Isle takes place June 3 at 3 p.m. ET. Check out live race status, photos and updates at www.facebook.com/kiaracing, and watch live streaming race coverage at world-challengetv.com. Race fans can also tune in for television coverage on the NBC Sports Network Saturday, July 7 at 5 p.m. ET. (Time and date subject to change. Check local listings).

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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Stunning Optima making waves with sedan buyers

With the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata and others, competition among midsize sedans has always been fierce. But that wasn't a deterrent when Kia launched the all-new Optima in 2010. Since it underwent a major redesign last year, the sleek and attractive ride has stood apart from the crowd.

The base LX and volume EX are equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline-direct injection inline-4 cylinder engine, which generates 200 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 186 pounds-feet of torque at 4250. But lead-foot drivers can opt for the sporty SX and EX turbo trims, which get a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine cranking out 274 hp at 6000 rpm and 269 pounds-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. Except for the LX, which is offered as a 6-speed manual, the rest come standard with a 6-speed auto, which shifts effortlessly.

Arguably, the steel-unibody based Optima is the boldest-appearing sedans in the market, thanks to a sweeping chrome arc from front to rear, projector headlights flanked by Kia's traditional tabbed grille, chrome/body color door handles and body-color side molding. The cabin touts notable standard amenities such as a cooled glove box, tilt/telescopic steering column, power door locks and windows, 60/40 split fold rear seat and remote keyless entry.

Base-priced at $19,500, with a mid-range at $23,200 and the high-end SX trim at $26,500. On the LX manual, EPA estimates are 24 city/35 highway. However, the SX is expected to get 22 city/34 highway. Our test-drive model managed 24 mpg in city/highway driving, which translates into about 440 miles driving before having to stop at the pump.

With striking looks, solid and stable ride, decent fuel economy and priced just right, the Optima competently meets the needs of most buyers in the midsize-sedan segment. And that means more sleepless nights for its rivals.

OPTIMA SX

Tires: P215/55R17 front; 255/45R18 rear

Suspension: independent MacPherson front; multilink rear

Steering: hydraulic power assist

Wheelbase: 110 inches

Length: 190.7 inches

Weight: 3,385 pounds

Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons

 

Courtesy of NITISH S. RELE | Tbo.com

Taking a road trip this holiday weekend? Watch out for speed traps

If you’re traveling this Memorial Day holiday weekend, you won’t be out there alone: AAA is predicting 34.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, the highest volume in last five years.

But as you hurry to reach your holiday destination, be careful about stepping on the gas: Holiday traffic brings out the traffic cops, the speed traps and the likelihood of bringing home a speeding ticket among your holiday souvenirs.

Mobile apps such as Trapster and websites such as the National Speed Trap Exchange, sponsored by the National Motorists Association (NMA), do their bit to warn lead-footed drivers of what lies ahead on the road.

The NMA, a grassroots motorists’ rights group, has also updated its 2010 rankings of the cities and states that are generally more likely to dun speeding drivers.

“Most states don’t have a central collection point for traffic ticket data,” said NMA spokesman John Bowman. So the group analyzed eight ticket-related search queries using Google’s Insights for Search, which shows search trends across the country.

The NMA found that:

    Nevada is the state most likely to issue traffic tickets, followed by Georgia and Alabama. (In 2010, Florida took the top spot; Georgia and Nevada tied for second place.)
    Wyoming is the state least likely to issue speeding tickets, followed closely by Montana. These two ranked at the bottom in 2010 as well.

Bowman said the list of top 25 states hasn’t really changed that much since 2010 and that the bottom 10 are also much the same, with a few exceptions.

“Three states moved up into the top 10 in terms of volume of tickets: Maryland, Louisiana and California. That didn’t surprise us at all as it jives very well with the calls we get from members looking for help,” said Bowman.

He also said that something has changed, ticket-wise, in Nebraska. “Two years ago Nebraska was in the bottom 10, but it has moved up to number 33 in the rankings. We’re not sure what’s going on there.”

In addition to the state rankings, this year NMA also ranked the top 10 metro areas for traffic tickets. Atlanta, Los Angeles and Dallas-Fort Worth topped the list of cities most likely to ticket drivers. Miami, New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C, Houston, Orlando and San Diego also made that list.

In addition to the irritation (and embarrassment) of getting pulled over for a speeding ticket on your vacation, there is, of course, the cost.

“More people are traveling this holiday, but many are economizing by cutting entertainment expenses, traveling shorter distances, booking hotels with value added features and staying with friends or family instead of hotels,” said Cynthia Brough, spokesperson for AAA National, which doesn’t monitor speed traps but does warn members of strict enforcement regions. “And most people don’t include the cost of speeding tickets in their travel budgets.”

Courtesy of Harriet Baskas, msnbc.com contributor

Kia Vehicles Honored With "Top Scoring Car Awards of 2012" From Total Car Score

Total Car Score, one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Kia Soul as a "Top Scoring 2012 Economy Car," and the 2012 Kia Sorento as one of its "Top Scoring 2012 Midsize SUVs and Crossovers."  The inaugural Total Car Score awards recognize up to two models in each automotive category.  The Soul urban passenger vehicle, which received significant enhancements for the 2012 model year, earned high praise for its ease of entry, abundant headroom, standard Bluetooth®(1) and USB connectivity and a variety of colors and interior fabrics offered.  The Sorento – Kia's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. in 2010 and 2011 – outranked its peers with available third-row seating, a comprehensive array of standard equipment, available UVO powered by Microsoft®(2) voice-activated infotainment system and spacious cargo capacity.

"The popularity of the Soul and Sorento have contributed to Kia's rise to become the fastest growing car company in the U.S.(3) over the last five years, and being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Scoring Cars for 2012' list illustrates the strength of both of these offerings in their respective segments," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, Kia Motors America (KMA).  "Both vehicles bring a unique set of attributes – from standout styling and comprehensive equipment packaging to upmarket amenities – and are emblematic of the Kia brand's success as a whole."

Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments.  The "Total Car Score" assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"Brands like Kia are raising customer expectations across every vehicle segment," said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "The Soul and Sorento have earned industry-wide respect for their quality and value, as reflected in their high Total Car Scores."

For more information about Total Car Score's coverage of the 2012 Kia Soul and Sorento, please visit http://www.totalcarscore.com/kia/soul/2012 and http://www.totalcarscore.com/kia/sorento/2012. />< a=""> />
Kia's Unprecedented Growth<>

Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(4) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking (5).  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan.*  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

SOURCE Kia Motors America

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Spyshots: Kia Sorento Facelift

Kia engineers have taken advantage of the good weather in Germany right, and found a window to test the Kia Sorento on the famous high-speed Nurburgring test track there.

This is a significant mid-life change for the popular Kia crossover that’s sold globally, and it’s good to see that engineers are making sure the vehicle is fun as well as safe on a track.

We’ve seen the Sornento facelift before, as it was undergoing winter testing in Sweden, but this time it’s dropped the fabric camouflage with padding in favor of a less concealing wrap.

Overall, the design changes aren’t major, but we can make out differences in the lower bumper, the fog light, headlights, which have either LEDs or a reflective bar at the top, and taillights. The grille honeycomb structure has also changed, but this sort of car isn’t al about the looks.

Of far more importance would be the arrival of some new engines. It’s been rumored that a new 2.2-liter turbo will over 200 horsepower will be introduced to the range, together with more efficient and powerful versions of the existing units.

The current generation of the Sorento SUV was first previewed at the New York Auto Show in March 2009. This new generation uses a uni-structure body and is Kia's first model built in the United States. We can expect the facelift to debut at the same venue next year.

Courtesy of Autoevolution

Kia’s UVO eServices Keeps Car Owners Informed and Connected

Ask most people how they track the maintenance of their car, and it’s likely they’ll reference the tell-tale or the ubiquitous static cling oil-change reminder tucked in the corner of the windshield.
But if Korean auto maker KIA motors has its way, these analog mainstays could give way to something a bit more high tech.

Kia this year rolled out UVO eServices, which includes a suite of telematics tools to monitor your vehicle’s performance and help you stay current with factory maintenance schedules. UVO eServices also includes navigation and location-based services that help monitor your car’s location — whether lost in a parking garage or keeping tabs on where your teen took it the night before. UVO eServices is based on the UVO infotainment system that Kia and Microsoft first announced in 2010, and which is powered by Microsoft ’s Windows Embedded Automotive software platform. The core of the UVO experience is built around features that enable a driver to access music files, change radio stations, and make or answer phone calls, all by using the vehicle’s color touchscreen or voice recognition powered by Microsoft Tellme.

UVO eServices exemplifies the intelligent system, a new category of technology solutions that Microsoft identified last year, in conjunction with Intel and industry analyst firm IDC Research. Intelligent systems harness data and use it to drive greater insight — whether on the factory floor or behind the wheel of a car.

According to Microsoft , with the move to UVO eServices, Kia is expanding the driving experience into your day-to-day life, a concept Kia’s head of infotainment and telematics, Henry Bzeih, calls a “vehicle relationship management” system.

“There’s a lot of data potential locked inside the average vehicle, and with UVO eServices we’re making that data usable beyond the immediate driving experience through the PC, smartphone or the in-dash touchscreen,” Bzeih says. “The driver can view, share and manage the data for their car when and how it’s convenient for them. It takes this nice-to-have feature and makes it an essential part of vehicle ownership in the 21st century.”A Connected Experience Designed for the Practical Like any other intelligent system, UVO eServices takes the data from these sensors and sends it to a datacenter where it can be analyzed. In this case, the information is focused on improving the way a vehicle is made or, at your request, offering suggestions on how to drive more efficiently.

Kia designed UVO eServices specifically with the needs and desires of the millennial generation —especially young families with children. The result is a connected driving experience that fulfills this generation’s penchant for technology, along with providing practical applications to address a variety of needs.

In addition to the diagnostics and maintenance scenarios mentioned earlier, UVO eServices includes a few really slick tools for keeping tabs on your vehicle when you’re not behind the wheel. Known as Geo Fencing, Speed Watch and Curfew Limits, they constitute My Car Zone, a key feature in UVO eServices. Using the car’s GPS and telematics capabilities, each of these tools set limits around how late someone — a teenage driver, for example — is allowed to be out on the road, how fast they’re able to drive and where they’re allowed to go.

An audible alert notifies the driver that a limit is about to be broken. If the limit is exceeded, the next time the owner pairs his or her phone with the car, UVO eServices will provide details on the severity of the violation, along with when and where it took place.

Features such as My Car Zone help demonstrate why Kia UVO was recognized with the Industry Newcomer Award by Telematics Update in 2010. And as Kia puts the finishing touches on UVO eServices for its 2014 model year, it seems sure to impress.

 

Courtesy of The FINANCIAL 

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2012 Kia Trackster Concept

What happens when a desire becomes reality? In the case of the Kia Trackster idea revealed at the 2012 Chicago, illinois Auto Show, car fanatics begin to salivate. In the midst of the generating beat of heavy-metal music, smoking and stunning lighting, Kia Engines The united states (KMA) took the parcels off a performance-oriented three-door Heart coupé proven fact that suggestions at what could possibly be the near future of Kia's extremely effective Heart.

"The idea was to make the Trackster challenging looking, like a bulldog," said Tom Kearns, Primary Developer for KMA. "But the car had to be friendly as well. We desired to platform the car in fact so people immediately realized it was a Heart, but with a lot of mind-set. It had to be a strong presentation that would change individuals ideas of what a fantastic Kia could be."

The strong mind-set Kearns represents begins with the eye-catching Whiteout and Inferno Red colour program. While the white shows complicated levels and colors that promote extraordinary level, the orange is completely matched for rushing. Kia's trademark grill features an air consumption cunt and is clipped in light and portable graphite. Easily incorporated head lighting brush back suggestively over the attractive front-wheel archways. The greatly recessed contacts replicate the trapezoid styles found throughout the Kia Trackster Idea and are adorned with powerful LEDs.

Most stunning in advance side is the Trackster's reduced consumption grill. Between tremendous LED generating lighting with billet aluminum encompasses, the Trackster is capable of consuming vast amounts of air to keep the engine running awesome even under the most constant circumstances. The reduced valance, clipped in graphite and adorned with Inferno Red, trips just inches wide off the earth and gives to the vehicle's scary position.

The Kia Trackster Idea is not just another pretty face; it has a body to match. Attractive materials seem to flow into each other naturally. The flanks are sleek but ornamented with well-defined wheel enclosures. Nestled within the Trackster's waist are custom HRE-K1 monoblock billet efficiency tires that were a joint effort of Kia's Florida design team and HRE. The tires are covered in 245/40-19-inch front side and massive 285/35-19-inch back Michelin Head Sport PS2 high-performance car tyres.

The wheelbase on the style is expanded to 101.2-inches, almost an inches wide longer than the Heart. As expected on a car with the Trackster's efficiency objectives, large 14-inch Brembo venting and cross-drilled dvd braking system are accepted by six-piston callipers in advance side and 13.6-inch disks are combined with four-piston calipers at the back.

Soul lovers will immediately recognize the Trackster's set at an angle roof, ornamented with Inferno Red. Closer examination shows this idea, while Heart motivated, is losing the vehicle's back gates. The top side gates have been prolonged and ornamented with sleek billet push-style manages which replicate the racing-inspired billet fuel product door. Graphite lower side window valances are also ornamented in Inferno Red and incorporate efficient rear-brake cooling tubes. The back hatch out carries a horizontally Inferno Red "backpack" section that enhances the Kia Trackster Concept's 75.5-inch size, which is more than 5-inches greater than a development Heart.

With performance as the top concern, the Trackster comes into Chicago, illinois with a concept drivetrain sure to boost any driving enthusiast's heart. KMA's design team believed big, but also kept their perspective strongly based in reality. A 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line-four website places 250 power to the street, a 66 per cent increase over that of the production Heart. Power is provided to all four tires via an digitally managed four-wheel-drive system. The short-throw six-speed stick switch is to cap it with a stubby rounded switch handle. The Trackster trips on a reduced game revocation updated for monitor performance.

Opening the driving entrance shows a light and ethereal internal outlined with greatly supported Inferno Red suede-covered rushing chairs. Marble Greyish natural leather covers the internal surroundings and imparts a feeling of strength and balance. Marble Greyish suede parcels the game rim and entrance sections. Situated deep within red-glowing nacelles, the primary equipment are huge and easily legible. Additional vehicle information such as oil temperature and battery current is found on top of the rush while routing, enjoyment and air flow manages are utilized through a huge touch-screen section located just above the website Start/Stop push-button.

Behind the front chairs is where The Kia Trackster Idea takes a considerable step away from its Heart constant friend. The back chairs have been eliminated and changed with a completely incorporated devices plate and spare-tyre well. "We saw the Trackster as a performance-inspired proven fact that could spend some time on the street and track," said Kearns. "The idea was to make the devices necessary to keep the car doing in top condition readily available." Large panelled containers store rushing items such as boots, matches, work gloves and resources while urgent situation resources are located within a individual and extremely noticeable Inferno Red package. A customized back swagger prepare carries a quick-release manage to allow for fast rim changes.

While there are no current plans to generate the Trackster, Kia's Florida style hub group happily took on the venture. "Concept vehicles are frosting on the food," said Kearns. "They allow KMA's style group to desire about what could be. Whether that desire becomes a actuality or not is a individual concern.

Courtesy of Hot Car Review

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Thank you Jameye for choosing Van Griffith Kia for your automotive needs and for writing this great review!

"We purchased in 2006 a New Spectra on 4/24/2012 I was hit & our spectra was totaled. The safety features on it were great! Being familiar w/ Van Griffith & 6 yrs of maintanance on our Spectra-I called Dawn & explained to her we had not yet gotten our settlement but knew what it was going to be, she stated,come pick out your choice & we will see you are IN IT ! Micheal Garr was an awesome saleman, I drove nearly everything on the lot before deciding on the 5drKia Forte! I am blessed to know good folks still exist & they are @ Van Griffith Kia/Granbury, Texas"- Jameye Jones

 

Kia Motors Posts 69% Global Sales Growth In April

Kia Motors Corporation has announced its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for April 2012, recording a total of 229,643 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 6.9%.

In April, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in all regions of the world with the exception of Kia's home market of Korea - 22.0% in Europe* (49,591 units sold); 17.3% in China (40,525 units sold); 3.2% in North America (55,560 units sold); 1.6% in general markets* (43,962 units sold); and a 5.9% decrease in (40,005 units sold) in Korea.

Cumulatively, since January 2012, Kia's global sales have increased by 11.0% year-on-year to reach 886,041 units. Europe and North America have experienced the highest cumulative gains to date in 2012 of 25% (178,252 units sold) and 22.1% (208,666 units sold), respectively.

Kia's best selling model in overseas markets for the month of April was the B-segment Rio (known as 'K2' in China) with 42,854 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 29,898 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as 'Forte' in some markets), D-segment Optima sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 28,618, 20,886 and 17,977 units sold, respectively.

Tae-Hyun (Thomas) Oh, Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation., said, "Coming off the heels of our recent announcement of all-time high quarterly profits, we are pleased to have continued sales growth overseas in April. Also, with the recent domestic launch of the K9 luxury sedan, we expect this flagship model to play a brand image leading role in our lineup when it reaches overseas markets later this year."

Courtesy of Paddock Talk

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Car Review: 2012 Kia Rio, affordable and worth consideration

It’s been totally redesigned for 2012 so for smart car shoppers looking for a bargain, the Kia Rio will be right up your alley. Competition with the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and the Mazda 2 comes in neck-to-neck.

With a stylish design both interior and exterior, fuel goes far in this one and in the subcompact market, the Kia Rio is a looker. Another plus, the many features you get standard on this car and the options are standout too.

The 2012 Kia Rio comes in a sedan or a hatchback with four doors and trim levels include the base LX or the EX and the sportier SX.

The LX offers 15-inch steel wheels, power and heated mirrors, trip computer, tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with all the goodies. You can also get the Power Package as an option on this trim with power windows and door locks as well as keyless entry.

Up one and the EX has the added chrome grille frame, upgraded audio, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a center console with sliding armrest, better upholstery and metallic cabin accents.

If you add the Convenience package you will get 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, power-folding outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface. 

The sportier SX has 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust tips, LED front accent and rear taillights and the optional SX Premium package comes with a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather seating, and heated front seats.

Under the hood the 2012 Kia Rio engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. With a six-speed manual transmission as the standard on the LX you can choose the six-speed automatic too. The EX and SX are only offered in the six-speed automatic version.

For safety, the Kia folks have included antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side and side curtain airbags, and hill start assist.  The Kia Rio also has disc brakes for excellent braking power.

The Rio's cabin offers good materials and quality, particularly when paying such an affordable price. The seats are comfortable with a number of adjustment options for comfort while driving and even the passenger position options are standout.

Of course, as in all backseat situations, the legroom in the rear is tight. The sedan has 13.7 cubic-feet  of trunk space, but you can lower the rear seats. On the hatchback you can haul enough to fit in the 49.8 cubic-feet that’s available.

Knobs and dials are easy to navigate and understand intuitively and the Kia’s Uvo voice-activated system is a real standout, keeping the competition on their toes.

It has a nice ride, quiet and comfortable, taking the curves and handling well on the road, so most likely your decision on this vehicle will be a matter of brand preference. Do consider it since all the major pluses have been thought through here for styling, driving, and both inside and outside comfort and safety.

Courtesy of Rita Cook; The Washington Times

A big thanks to Sherrie for her great feedback!

"Sales people were knowledgeable, polite and not "pushy". I knew I wanted a KIA Soul when I went in, but they convinced me it was a good and reliable car for my money. Everything regarding the sale was explained to me with patience and care. This dealership made you feel like family from the moment you walk through the door!"- Sherrie

 

Kia K9 Flagship Sedan Now On Sale in Korea

The new, rear-drive Kia K9 officially goes on sale in Korea this week and now we have more details on its powertrain choices and features. The automaker first unveiled its new flagship sedan earlier this year.

Kia says the K9 is the automaker’s first large rear-drive sedan   in over a decade. As previously reported, the K9 is largely based on the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and two V-6 engines will be offered once the K9 reaches overseas markets. The first is the automaker’s Lambda 3.8-liter V-6 tuned to 286 hp while a direct-injection 3.8-liter V-6 rated at 329 hp will also be available. Both engines send power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Kia claims the K9 has “near-perfect front/rear weight distribution.” With an overall length of 200.4 inches, the K9 falls in between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus sedans, which are 196.3 and 203.1 inches, respectively. The K9’s 119.9-wheelbase, however, matches the Equus and is longer than the Genesis (115.6). Interior dimensions weren’t provided, but we predict passengers won’t be complaining about lack of legroom.

Flagship features include adaptive all-LED headlights, a lane departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring, around-view monitor with four cameras, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and a 17-speaker premium sound system, plus two 9.2-inch screens for rear seat passengers. Four driving modes will include Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Like the Equus, Kia’s flagship will be offered with a premium rear-seat package featuring twin seats that are heated and ventilated with a reclining backrest.

Other markets will see the K9 this fall. A Kia spokeswoman said the automaker isn’t ready to confirm whether its new flagship will be offered in the States, although “anything is possible,” which means you better speak up if you like what you see.

Source: Kia

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Kia Motors America Announces Record April Sales

Kia Motors America (KMA) has been the fastest growing car company in the United States[1] over the past five years, and the brand's strong momentum continued with best-ever April sales of 47,550 units. Kia has achieved 20 consecutive monthly sales records thanks in large part to continued high demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products - the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) - as well as the ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle. Sales of the fuel-efficient 2012 Rio subcompacts, which can deliver up to 40 miles per gallon[2] on the highway, increased 55.6-percent over the same period in 2011.

"Our record April performance is the latest illustration of how far the Kia brand has progressed as we continue to attract new customers with our unique value formula of world-class design, outstanding fuel efficiency, premium features and cutting-edge technologies," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "KMMG recently was named 'Large Manufacturer of the Year' by the State of Georgia, and the plant's success is a major contributor to our growth. With more new products and technologies set to arrive within the next year, we will continue our efforts to raise consumer awareness and consideration for the Kia brand and our full lineup of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[3] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[4]. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[5]. Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. 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 .

MONTH OF APRIL    YEAR-TO-DATE Model    2012    2011      2012    2011 Rio      4,006   2,575     14,709  7,460 Spectra  -       -         -       1 Forte    7,053   8,535     25,557  26,702 Optima   11,021  6,533     46,401  22,087 Amanti   -       -         -       1 Sportage 3,277   4,738     13,165  16,442 Sorento  9,610   12,001    35,621  39,829 Sedona   1,867   2,201     6,867   6,467 Rondo    -       4         -       44 Borrego  -       28        -       299 Soul     10,716  10,459    43,290  32,516 Total    47,550  47,074    185,610 151,848

SOURCE Kia Motors America