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In part 1 of the GT series, we briefly talked about the foundations of the gran turismo and looked at the history of Kia’s GT development process. As Kia’s first gran turismo, the Stinger was designed to take on all kinds of roads in stride. This unique sports sedan delivers a stable, unruffled ride matched by nimble handling with engaging, rear-biased power delivery. So today, we are suggesting a few driving courses challenging enough for the Stinger that sure to get your adrenaline pumping – are you ready for some excitement with the Stinger? 1. Nurburgring Nordschleife, Germany The Nurburgring circuit, also known as “The Green Hell” and main venue of the German Grand Prix, is one of the most tradition-steeped, challenging race tracks in Europe with more than 300 meters of elevation change between its lowest (320 meters above sea level) and highest points (616.8 meters above sea level) with too many turns to count. The Stinger’s impressive performance was tested at the Nurburgring circuit, proving its prowess and power even on the world’s most demanding track. Despite the dangerous course with blind hills, narrow straights and trees lining the entire track, the Stinger proved its effortless high-speed cruising performance thanks to its longitudinally-mounted turbocharged engine. Packing so much power under its long bonnet, the Stinger demonstrated serious power and torque across a wide band of engine speeds. Additionally, the Stinger is Kia’s first sedan to be offered in either rear or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system features Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, which monitors driver inputs and road conditions, automatically applying power and braking force to the appropriate wheels to maintain course even on the world’s most challenging race track. 2. Ruta 40, Argentina Ruta 40 stretches for over 5,000 kilometers in the west of Argentina and is one of the longest routes in the world. As tradition goes, the route begins at sea level in the city of Rio Gallegos and concludes at La Quiaca located on the border with Bolivia. This route crosses 20 national parks, 18 major rivers and makes 27 passes through the Andes. Long distance travel is a hallmark of the gran turismo driving experience, and Ruta 40 is one of the many long rides that the Stinger is tailored to tackle. With its long wheelbase and low seating position, the Stinger provides more comfortable, pleasant long-distance drives with ample front and rear leg room for all passengers. In style and comfort, the Stinger also enables both driver and passengers to enjoy an immersive acoustic experience throughout the ride thanks to the high-performance audio system. 3. Khardung Pass, India This mountain pass in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is very much like an all-ride pass at an amusement park, offering roads with all kinds of conditions, from glaciers to craggy peaks. We mentioned earlier that the Stinger was designed to take on all types of roads in stride – and the Khardung Pass is the place to experience it all. On one of the highest motorable roads in the world, the Stinger’s electronically-adjustable suspension system, Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS), allows the vehicle to react predictably to the driver’s inputs. ECS also assists drivers in ensuring a predictable driving line through corners, and the system can be tuned via the Drive Mode Select feature depending on road conditions and driving style. For a more driver-oriented drive, the Stinger offers a total selection of five drive modes to choose from: Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Eco and Smart. The three driving courses above are just a few of the many destinations we can recommend to experience the Stinger’s impressive capabilities. No matter where you choose to go, we guarantee you nothing less than a heart-pounding adventure behind the wheel of the Stinger! Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2018 Kia The 2018 Kia Stinger will start at $32,800 in the United States including destination. The base model Stinger will come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It will also come with a slew of standard equipment such as Brembo brakes, a leather interior, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, a TFT instrument cluster a power liftgate, a six-speaker audio system and a 7-inch color touchscreen. SEE ALSO: Top 10 2018 Kia Stinger Specs You Need to Know Stepping up to the Stinger Premium will swell the price to $38,000 on the dot, giving you a well-equipped Stinger that retains the 2.0-liter powertrain. You’ll have to opt for the $39,250 Stinger GT to get the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which makes 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. Extra equipment can be optioned in by upgrading to the GT1 trim level, which starts at $44,150, and the GT2 trim level, which starts at $49,200. All-wheel drive can be added to any trim level Stinger for $2,200. Some of the optional extras for the Stinger include a head-up display, a nine-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system and a variety of driver assistance systems such as Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. The 2018 Kia Stinger will arrive at Kia dealers in the US this December. Discuss this story on our Stinger forums. The post 2018 Kia Stinger Priced in the United States appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Q: What are some memorable moments from 2004? In August 2004, Kia launched the second generation Sportage, packed with upgrades for the 21st century. The 2004 Sportage was built with millennials in mind – its design and performance fulfilling their much more sophisticated requirements. Unlike its predecessor, the second generation Sportage featured a monocoque body structure, meaning that the chassis was one with the body, bringing greater comfort to the vehicle as a whole. Being known as the most fuel-efficient SUV in South Korea at the time, the 2004 Sportage was also recognized for its quality and safety by renowned organizations including J.D. Power, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and many others. Continuing the legacy of the urban SUV, the second generation Sportage had a long run of six years before the introduction of the enhanced version in 2010. Throughout 2004, Kia’s global production footprint grew wider and stronger. Kia opened its first European plant in Zilina, Slovakia and signed an investment agreement for its second plant in Yancheng, China. Commencing operations in 2004, Kia’s Zilina plant plays a pivotal role as the base camp for Kia’s European expansion. Producing three popular models, the Sportage, cee’d line-up and Venga, the Zilina plant also produces gasoline and diesel engines, continuing to be instrumental in Kia’s growth and success in Europe. The Yancheng Plant also serves as the platform for our expansion into China, manufacturing 890,000 high-quality models annually that are specifically designed for the needs of Chinese customers. As one of the biggest Kia factories in the world, the Yancheng plant produces top-selling models like the Soul, Optima, Sportage and Cerato (also known as Kia forte in some markets) for the local China market. Milestones like these are what make Kia a highly respected and trusted automotive brand – constantly striving to find a better way to surprise the world. Tune in next time for more important Kia history highlights! ▶ Read more Kia Anniversary stories and learn interesting tidbits about Kia’s brand history! Lees volledige artikel

“The 2018 Kia Stinger GT is an unlikely candidate for a Best in Show award at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show, an industry-only collection of the latest automotive aftermarket and high-performance parts that’s heavy on highly modified muscle cars, big trucks, vintage steel and high-end exotics.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

What is a GT car? Let’s harken back to the 19th century – an invention called the automobile is introduced, opening up a myriad of opportunities to eplore untraveled frontiers. With an expanding geographic map thanks to the advent of automobiles, luxury and comfort had to be considered to the design of vehicles that were once nothing more than utilitarian means of transport. GT, short for Gran Turismo in Italian, is a term derived from the need for more comfortable and stylish long-distance rides. The very first GT were created by several manufacturers in the early 20th century to satisfy these new demands. The beginning “It [GT concept] was a dream project for me and our designers because we got the chance to make a real GT, a car where you can travel in style.” – Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors Corp. [See image gallery at kia-buzz.com] Click on the photo to see more! As top-tier, high-performing cars, the development of a modern day Kia GT posed a complex challenge. So where do we start? The very beginning seems like a good place. Back in 2011, the Kia GT (KED-8) Concept was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, turning heads and immediately rippling into a worldwide buzz. The GT concept was Kia’s first rear-wheel drive show car and was widely praised by the media and fans as a scene-stealing everyday car that also would be perfectly at home on the racetrack. Pure, simple, and classic, its design was unlike anything seen before from Kia Motors. Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer commented that the GT concept is “roaring with energy, ready for take-off”. Peter Schreyer, along with Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer of Kia Design Center Europe, and Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development, have combined to form the driving force behind the transformation of the GT concept car into a mass production vehicle that is now ready for a worldwide take-off. In the works: GT4 Stinger Four and a half years later, Kia introduced yet another GT-inspired concept car, the GT4 Stinger, at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The GT4 Stinger was designed by Kia’s U.S. design team in Irvine, California and had everyone raving about the preview of a possible “first real sports car” for the Kia brand. This wild four-cylinder engine street rocket brought home the silver International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the transportation category presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America that same year. As we all can agree, the GT4 Stinger was another important step in the development of the Kia Stinger. Ready: The production version Kia Stinger Six years after the original GT concept was shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, we proudly present to you the Stinger, Kia’s first ever GT production car. With all the trademarks of a classic sports sedan, the Stinger comes with a handful of silver linings: V6 Twin Turbo Engine, Dynamic Stability Damping Control (DSDC), Mechanical Limited Slip Differential, Paddle Shifters, Launch Control, Brembo Brakes, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Active Hood Lift System (AHLS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), and much more. In order to fine tune this car into a masterpiece, the Stinger was developed on the racetrack and tested to the extremes over thousands of kilometers across urban, country and outback roads. Hard work never disappoints, and the years of perseverance by Kia’s designers and engineers have resulted in the Stinger being internationally praised by media, car enthusiasts, critics, daily drivers, and many more for excelling in all the criteria that a bona fide GT is expected to meet. Our dream, your ride It is a dream-come-true for us to put you behind the wheel of the Stinger. We guarantee a comfortable, safe, and exciting gran turismo experience with every kilometer you drive and promise you more thrilling adventures along the way. So leave the “getting there” part to us and let us ask – where to next? If you can’t answer this question, stay tuned for destination recommendations in Part 2! ▶ Read more about the Stinger’s groundbreaking performance! Lees volledige artikel

Kia Motors passed the ‘Green Light’ torch to local communities in Africa this past summer by living up to its promise of handing over a community-run school in Tanzania and a healthcare center in Malawi. Both facilities were constructed and opened under Kia’s Green Light Project. The Green Light Project was founded in 2012, providing hope to those in impoverished areas waiting for the light of self-sufficiency to turn from red to green. As of today, the Green Light Project has spearheaded the establishment of five schools, two healthcare centers, three auto-mechanic training centers, and several support vehicles serving local community needs. Based on such positive outcomes in Africa over the past five years, Kia plans to continue expanding the Green Light Project to include numerous other countries and regions with the support of its global network. On July 31st, the Kia Green Light School (KGLS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, founded in 2012 and now employing 31 teachers teaching 500 students, hosted the first handover ceremony attended by residents, teachers, students, dignitaries, and Good Neighbors Tanzania representatives. Did you know that Tanzania was the very first site for Kia’s Green Light Project? The second ceremony took place at the Salima Green Light Healthcare Center located in the Salima Township, two hours east of Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, on August 3rd. The center was also founded in 2012 and currently employs a number of doctors, nurses and local medical assistants providing healthcare for communities across the region. Traditional Authority Salima, Kalonga and Salima District commissioner, dignitaries, Kia representatives, and volunteers attended the ceremony in support of the cause. This year was Kia’s fifth visit to Malawi. You may recall Kia volunteers repairing classrooms and student living quarters at KGLS in Lilongwe and participating in the mobile clinic, library, and cinema programs in Salima from ‘Kia’s Green Light Project continues forward!’. The Green Light Project started with the ultimate goal of helping communities to stand on their own feet after supplying them with the appropriate resources. Today, we are happy to share with you that this goal is coming true – the red light is now yellow and ready to turn green! Kia is proud and honored to work with our global network to take on the social responsibility of lighting the path to ‘a better way to go’ for those whose lights shining on the future are too dim. Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] Spy photographers have caught the Kia Niro EV testing on public roadways for the first time. Testing alongside the all-electric version of the Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro EV is expected to make its debut sometime in 2018, possibly at the Geneva Motor Show. The two crossovers are part of Hyundai and Kia’s plan to add more electrified vehicles to their lineups. The Kia Niro EV will reportedly share its powertrain with the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, using the same 28-kWh battery pack and 120-horsepower electric motor. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric returns an EPA-estimated 124 miles of combined range, so expect the Niro EV to have slightly worse performance because of its heavier weight — possibly around 110 to 115 miles of range. SEE ALSO: 2017 Kia Niro Review Hyundai, however, has confirmed it is working on longer-range electric vehicles with the possibility of 200-mile-plus ranges arriving next year. So by the time the Kia Niro EV hits the market, it will likely benefit from a larger battery and longer range. Although the prototype caught on camera is wearing quite a bit of camouflage, there will be slight changes to the styling of the electric variant, including the addition of a charging port. Discuss this story on our Kia Niro Forum The post All-Electric Kia Niro Spied for the First Time appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The 2018 Kia Soul and Sportage have received the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both of the crossovers received the IIHS’ coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating. The safety rating applies Soul vehicles equipped with the Primo Lit (fam) package, which adds extra-bright high-intensity discharge headlights. The rating also applies to Sportage vehicles built after June 2017 and equipped with the new HID headlamps standard on SX Turbo trim and higher. “Kia’s world-class lineup continues to earn quality, reliability and safety awards at an increasing rate and these IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus ratings for Soul and Sportage reflect Kia’s continuous improvement and effort to improve all aspects of safety,” said Kia Motors America vice president, Orth Hedrick. SEE ALSO: Video: Can the Kia Stinger Drift? In order to receive the Top Safety Pick+ designation, a vehicle must receive a “good” rating in the IIHS’ five crashworthiness tests and also a rating of “advanced” or “superior” for frontal crash prevention systems and an “acceptable” or “good” rating in headlight testing. The Soul and Sportage join four other Kia vehicles in receiving the designation: the Forte, Optima, Cadenza and Sorento. Discuss this story on our Kia forum. The post 2018 Kia Soul, Sportage Receive Best Possible IIHS Safety Rating appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

“We stand by our claim that the Soul Exclaim represents an exceptional value, not only within the lineup but in the whole subcompact crossover segment.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2018 Kia Stinger is one of the most interesting new cars to debut this year and it will soon be available at dealerships for you to check out, test drive, and buy. Although a definitive Kia Stinger release date has not been set because dealer availability can never be set in stone, most dealers will be fully stocked by the end of 2017. In the U.S., the Stinger and Stinger GT will arrive at dealerships later this month (November) in major markets on the west and east coasts, with greater availability in the rest of the country by mid-December. In Canada, Kia dealerships will be getting their Stinger GTs in late November. Canadians will only be able to buy the V6 model with AWD (the GT designation is reserved for models with a V6). American customers have more options with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.3L twin-turbo V6. Discuss this story in our Kia Stinger Forum Check out these other Kia Stinger stories if you want to know more: 2018 Kia Stinger Review Top 10 2018 Kia Stinger Specs You Need to Know Video: Can the Kia Stinger Drift? 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons 2018 Kia Stinger Pricing The post 2018 Kia Stinger Release Date: When Does the Kia Stinger Go on Sale? appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

It’s that time of the year again when you can consume sweets with less guilt and everyone – including cars – dress up to go wherever our imagination takes us to. We at Kia also enjoyed the holiday as much as everyone else! Today at Kia Buzz, we’d like to share with you some of the most ‘SpooKIA’ moments gone viral throughout our local Facebook channels. Kia-Souled Pumpkin – Kia Motors Mexico Every pumpkin deserves a face on Halloween, and this one got a special one-of-a-kind look. Left solely in the middle of an eerie graveyard, this pumpkin has been souled by Kia Soul! Despite the gruesome atmosphere around it, this Soul-faced pumpkin boasts an undaunted presence as much as our beloved Kia Soul. Fun-filled and treat-packed Kia Soul – Kia Motors Chile Here comes another Kia Soul dressed up for Halloween, completely packed with all kinds of treats. With this funky Kia Soul, every moment will be spook-tacular! Every good boy deserves a treat – Kia Motors Puerto Rico Instead of the traditional Halloween celebration with pumpkins, ghosts or witches – Kia Motors Puerto Rico shared a photo of an innocent dog in a devil costume. Who wouldn’t offer a treat to this adorable pet? Hybrid of the night – Kia Motors France Spotted: A haunted Kia Niro with red vampire eyes. But we assure you, Niro’s always been a good Hybrid and it won’t dare harm you! Peek-a-boo! – Kia Motors Netherlands Every Halloween, Jack-o’-lanterns never miss an opportunity to pop out from the most unexpected places. Kia Motors Netherlands knew exactly where it would be hiding this time! Pumpkin perfection – Kia Motors Sweden We proudly present the first-ever Kia-branded pumpkin! Kia Motors Sweden created a delicate carving to celebrate this Halloween. A candlelit Kia logo is doubtlessly a perfect decoration on the Halloween pumpkin. Stylish Stonic goes ghostly on Halloween – Kia Motors Ireland One of our most eye-catching crossovers, Kia Stonic appears with a bewitched look on its face. Kia Motors Ireland wishes you a happy Halloween in the most ghostly way! Kia Stinger is not afraid of anything! – Kia Motors Poland Kia’s first-ever fastback sport sedan, Kia Stinger, haunted the streets of Poland with fast and powerful dashes. The wheels are all yours, so hop in for the most thrilling ride! Meet the growling silhouette – Kia Motors Egypt This Kia vehicle is dressed up in one of the most common yet evil costumes for Halloween. Look how Kia’s signature Tiger-nose grille glows in the dark, hinting with a sneaky smile on its face! Can you guess which Kia this one is? Once again this year, Kia vehicles boasted creepy yet confident, stylish outfits, catching all eyes on this year’s fun-packed Halloween day. Did your Kia also have fun on the spookiest holiday? Share your haunted and ghostly Kia photos in comments below! Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The 2018 Kia Stinger is very close to hitting dealerships nationwide. Available with two engine options, a lot of new technology, and a sexy fastback profile, we dive into the details of this impressive performance car. 2018 Kia Stinger Specs Powertrain Options The Stinger will be available with two exciting engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder making 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The uplevel engine will be a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Both engines use an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Stinger GT with AWD will be the only one available. All V6-powered Stingers carry the GT moniker in its name, so all Stinger GT models will have a V6 and regular Stingers (without the GT) will have the four-cylinder engine. Premium fuel is recommended for both engines. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons Cargo Capacity Unlike a typical sedan, the Stinger has a fastback design with a hatch, giving it 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded down, cargo space expands to 40.9 cubic feet. A power liftgate with Smart Trunk functionality will be available as an option. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Pros and Cons Braking System The top trim GT comes standard with high-performance Brembo four-wheel disc brakes. Front brakes have quad-piston calipers, while the rear brakes have dual-piston rear calipers. All the calipers are aluminum and coupled with large diameter brake discs to reduce heat and provide short stopping distances. All other trims have four-wheel disc brakes with single-piston calipers front and rear. In addition, the GT has an electronic parking brake, while lower trim levels use a mechanical version with an electronic parking brake as an option. Pricing The Kia Stinger is available in five trim levels. The base Stinger 2.0T retails for $32,795, Stinger Premium 2.0T goes for $37,895, while the GT 3.3T, GT1 3.3T, and GT2 3.3T go for $39,895, $44,395, and $50,395, respectively. AWD adds $2,200 to all trim levels. Canadian Stingers come in just two trim levels, the Stinger GT and the Stinger GT Limited. AWD comes standard in both. Official pricing for Canadian markets has not been announced, but the GT is expected to come in under $47,000 while the top trim GT Limited is expected to come in under $52,000. (Destination is included in all pricing.) ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Stinger Review Premium Seating All Stingers come standard with leather seats. The GT trim levels come with premium Nappa leather seating in a host of colors such as red, light gray, and black. Seats up front are heated and power adjustable for all trim levels. Rear seat heating is standard across the GT trim levels. The GT in Canada has heated leather front seats with 12-way power adjustment. The GT Limited comes equipped with Nappa leather seats that are cooled up front and have heating both front and rear. The driver’s seat also has a cushion extension feature. 2018 Kia Stinger 0-60 Times The Stinger with the V6 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 167 mph. The base 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gets to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Gas Mileage The 3.3-liter V6 engine delivers 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine nets a predicted combined city and highway mileage of 24 mpg. ALSO SEE: Video: Can the Kia Stinger Drift? Infotainment System The base Stinger will have a 7.0-inch audio display touchscreen as standard. It will use Kia’s UVO infotainment software and also include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. A nine-speaker audio system comes standard as well. Higher level trims come with a 15-speaker Harman Kardon system. Navigation is standard from the Premium 2.0T and above. The GT trim levels come with an 8.0-inch display touchscreen with added navigation. A 7.0-inch TFT screen between the speedometer and tachometer is also included here, while the base Stinger makes do with a smaller 3.5-inch LCD display in its instrument panel. Advanced Safety Features There is a lot of advanced safety gear available for the Stinger. The $2,000 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Package comes as an option on all trim levels. Included is a Driver Attention Alert System, a first for Kia, to prevent distracted driving. Forward collision with pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert are also included. The Canadian GT comes with rear cross-traffic alert as standard while the GT Limited further adds autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control, a height-adjustable color head-up display and a lane keeping assist system. Suspension Components All Stingers ride on a front MacPherson strut suspension and a Multi-Link rear suspension. The base Stinger’s suspension is tuned to offer a balance of handling and road comfort while the GT comes with a Dynamic Stability Damping Control system. The driver has a choice of five driving modes (Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart) to adjust for varying levels of road conditions and driving style. Discuss this on our Stinger Forum The post Top 10 2018 Kia Stinger Specs You Need to Know appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Kia has a really impressive all-new grand touring car/sports sedan, but everyone had the same question: Can the Kia Stinger drift? Kia set up an area at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas to show that it’s taking fun and performance very seriously by doing drift demonstrations. Although the Stinger comes standard with rear-wheel drive, even the AWD model can drift. Thanks to a big twin-turbo V6 engine, selectable drive modes, and the ability to turn off traction control, the new Stinger is more than happy to go sideways. Check out the video above to see it in action. Check out our review of the 2018 Kia Stinger here. 2017 SEMA Show Full Coverage Discuss this article on our Kia Stinger Forum The post Video: Can the Kia Stinger Drift? appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The K900 is Kia’s entry into the luxury performance niche. If you didn’t know that Kia made a luxury sedan, you’re not alone. And while it doesn’t have the same performance of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series, … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Fashion-forward four-door cars with liftbacks are offered by a number of automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen. You can add BMW and even Kia to that list, with the 4 Series Gran Coupe and all-new Stinger, respectively. But which of these cars is a better option? That’s the question of today’s poll! The BMW is offered in a variety of flavors — it’s available with all-wheel drive, an efficient four-cylinder engine, and even a manual gearbox. But for this comparison, we’re focusing on the top-shelf 440i model, which is rear-drive. Power is provided by a liquid-smooth 3.0-liter inline-six that’s rated at 320 horses. Maximum torque clocks in at 330 pound-feet. For better or worse, it’s only paired with a responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox. This drivetrain combination can propel the 4 Series Gran Coupe to 60 miles an hour in as little as 4.8 seconds. As for fuel economy, you can expect 21 miles per gallon in urban driving and 32 on highway jaunts. Combined, it should return a respectable 25 mpg. Focusing on Kia next, the brand’s gorgeous new Stinger certainly looks the part, with a beautiful body and aggressive cues, but does it have the substance to back that up? GT models certainly do. They’re motivated by a 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 365 horses and 376 pound-feet of twist. An eight-speed automatic is standard, though you do have a choice of either rear- or all-wheel drive. For more economy-minded motorists, a 2.0-liter turbo-four serves base duty, delivering a more-than-respectable stable of 255 horses. On the efficiency front, it doesn’t appear that the U.S. EPA has released any figures for the Stinger yet. The Stinger GT starts around $40,000, about $10K less than the base 440i we’ve been talking about in this comparison. Which of these stylish four-doors do you prefer? Compare them here and make sure to vote down below! Check out our other polls! The post Poll: Kia Stinger GT or BMW 440i Gran Coupe? appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

The all-new Kia Stinger has been talked about a lot on these page over the past few months, but now that the vehicle has finally arrived in dealerships, there are a lot more details we can share. A pair of … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

Kia Motors is making significant headway in redefining its brand value as well as in achieving continued sales growth. Along with increased global sales, Kia Motors America announced its best-ever September sales of 52,468 vehicles, marked by the highest September sales total in company history for the Forte nameplate (also known as ‘Cerato’ in some markets). Meanwhile in Europe, Kia Motors Europe posted record third quarter sales performance with 364,924 units sold year-to-date. Despite the tough global market conditions, our growth trajectory is propelling the company to extraordinary heights as one of the most visible automakers in the world. Among Kia’s growing lineup featuring higher quality materials and innovative technologies, we are delighted to introduce the top 3 global bestsellers of 2017. 1. Sportage Kia’s total sales in 2017 as of September amounted to 1,987,104 units, with Kia Sportage taking the top spot with 351,518 units. Retaining its position as a strong seller for the brand since 2016, the Sportage dominated the SUV and crossover market, confirming its aesthetic and dynamic appeal along with greater practicality. Combining a distinctively European and sporty stance with contemporary design and functionality, this award-winning vehicle boasts a spacious cabin with impressive driving dynamics that offer a more precise steering response and better fuel economy. As sales of compact CUVs are on a sharply upward trajectory, the Sportage should continue to occupy the top spot with its expressive, distinctive styling and the versatility to handle even the most multifaceted active lifestyles. 2. Cerato (Forte) Kia’s second best-selling model of 2017 so far is the Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets), reaching 252,246 units sold year-to-date. Boasting exceptionally attractive pricing across the model range, the Cerato sports a sleeker profile with a more fluid appearance, highlighted by its aggressive front fascia with a wide tiger-nose grille that extends into the headlights. Being the first vehicle to be built at the Mexico production facility, one of the largest Kia manufacturing plants in the world, this sophisticated compact sedan provides a nice balance between controlled handling and a comfortable ride with improved fuel economy and smoother shifting. Delivering endless passion of youth, the value-packed Cerato is the perfect companion for everything from family journeys to a lively night out on the town. 3. Rio As the third global best-selling model, with more than 189,837 units sold in 2017 to date, Kia Rio brings an exciting combination of fuel efficiency, innovative technology, everyday convenience and fun-to-drive character to value-conscious consumers. Providing even a more confident and balanced appearance than its predecessor, the all-new Rio offers class-leading practicality and safety technology to complement its refined and engaging ride and handling characteristics. Meeting expectations of savvy motorists, the Rio’s strong, taut and energetic character delivers crisp and nimble handling, improving overall driver confidence. ▶ Check out the 4 most captivating charms of Kia Rio! Maintaining the recent positive momentum, we at Kia Motors are renewing our credentials as one of the most reliable and distinctive automakers in the world. With the introduction of Kia Stinger and Kia Stonic, our automotive passion is set to raise Kia’s brand awareness while introduce the brand into new segments and enhancing sales performance. So stay tuned for our future value-driven, broadly appealing lineup that offers a new kind of driving pleasure! Lees volledige artikel

[See image gallery at www.autoguide.com] The Kia Stinger will be the centerpiece of the Korean automaker’s display at the 2017 SEMA Show, with two heavily modified versions of the mid-size sedan set to be presented in Vegas this week. The more radical of the two Stinger-based concepts is the Stinger GT Wide Body. The concept, which was teased earlier this month, was created by West Coast Customs of Pimp My Ride fame. It features a fat widebody kit, lowered suspension, 21-inch Keen forged wheels, a lightweight carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser and sporty quad exhaust tips. Inside the concept features blue leather seat piping, a hand-stitched grey dash panel and an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel. To be presented alongside the Stinger GT Wide Body is the Stinger GT Federation. It’s meant to mark Kia’s foray into making aftermarket parts available for purchase through suppliers and as such, features a variety of aftermarket parts that will be available to for customers to purchase. These include a K&N cold-air intake, a low-restriction Borla exhaust, Eibach springs, thicker antiroll bars, lowered suspension and 20-inch TSW wheels shod in performance Falken rubber. The exhaust system has also resulted in a 15 hp boost in output, bringing the Stinger’s output to a healthy 380 horsepower. SEE ALSO: 2018 Kia Stinger Review Rounding out Kia’s SEMA concepts this year is the Cadenza Obsidian. This creation was also completed by West Coast Customs and features lowered suspension with stiffened springs, 20-inch gloss black Keen wheels with copper trim and copper exterior trim. The luxury treatment continues inside with a hand-stitched suede dashboard panel, brown leather seats with suede inserts, suede door panels and a 630-watt Harmon Kardon audio system. All three Kia concepts will be on display at SEMA until November 3rd. Discuss this story on our Kia Stinger Forum The post Kia Presents Widebody Stinger by West Coast Customs at SEMA appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Whoever said, “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” probably didn’t pay too much attention to the automotive industry. Many automakers make headlines during the Super Bowl for their outrageous and sometimes hilarious commercials, but there are plenty of marketing campaigns going on year-round. Many of these campaigns are traditional and even boring, while others really go outside the box in an attempt to grab attention. SEE ALSO: New Ads Feature a Ram Casually Towing a Church And then there are some that are so strange we’re not really sure how they are related to selling cars. Here are the top 10 weirdest automotive marketing campaigns we’ve come across in recent years. Audi e-tron Escape Room Located in Barcelona, Spain, the Audi e-tron escape room is a collaboration between the German automaker and marketing agency DDB Spain. Like other escape rooms around the world, small groups of people work together to solve puzzles but Audi’s version is packed with high-tech features like robotic arms, holograms, projection mapping, and advanced mechanics. The point? We’re not really sure — we can’t imagine someone leaving an escape room wanting to go test drive an Audi just because. ALSO SEE: Watch Our Favorite Car Commercials Chevrolet Orlando Play-Doh To promote the Chevrolet Orlando in Europe, the automaker decided to make a life-size replica out of… Play-Doh. And why Play-Doh? That’s because Chevrolet polled 1,000 U.K. residents to find out the most popular toy of that year and somehow Play-Doh beat out LEGO for the top spot. That replica weighed 1.5 tons and it was showcased in downtown London in 2011. Dodge Ram Cattle Herd At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Dodge’s Ram division surprised the crowd by enlisting the help of cowboys and cowgirls to herd 120 cattle down Washington Boulevard in Detroit. There was even Dodge-branded beef jerky at the event and the trucks drove the herd down barricaded city streets. We suppose this stunt makes a bit of sense, but people might have been ticked off by the traffic it caused and all the horse and cow droppings that were left behind. Honda Turns to Pompous Albert This recent ad campaign from Honda is by far one of the strangest things we’ve ever seen from an automaker. The company introduced an ad campaign featuring “Pompous Albert,” a cat that became famous on social media. Honda was compelled to use Pompous Albert in a marketing campaign, but it seems that they might have been reaching a bit too far with what they came up with. Jaguar E-Pace Barrel Roll When introducing a new crossover to the world, many automakers shine a light on stuff like cargo capacity or how comfortably it seats an entire family. But not if you’re Jaguar. If you’re Jaguar, you have your all-new E-Pace crossover do a barrel roll to earn itself a Guinness World Record. Because that’s very relevant to crossover shoppers, right? Jaguar XJ – Game of Drones If the E-Pace’s barrel roll isn’t strange enough for you, the recent Jaguar XJ Game of Drones campaign is even weirder. To give an idea of just how roomy the flagship sedan is, Jaguar setup a drone racing arena that had drones navigating through 13 gates sporting the same shape as an XJL rear door. Kia Hamsters When they first surfaced, the Kia hamsters were definitely strange. But the Korean automaker has kept with the campaign for so long that there are now giant inflatable hamsters outside certain Kia dealerships. In a way, they have become iconic, but that doesn’t make it not weird. In fact, the latest commercial introducing the turbocharged Kia Soul might be the strangest ad yet. MINI “Cooper” Cold Front If we were ranking these marketing campaigns, this one might be the weirdest and most unfortunate we’ve come across. In 2012, MINI sponsored to name a cold front “Cooper,” which turned into a complete disaster. That’s because “Cooper” ended up being tragic, killing at least 100 people in Europe. Parent company BMW apologized for sponsoring the cold front, saying, “you cannot tell what a weather system will do.” Lincoln and Matthew McConaughey By now, actor Matthew McConaughey’s association with Lincoln has become viral — it has hit meme status on the Internet, which is as good as it gets. These commercials have captured the attention of other famous actors, with Jim Carrey and Rob Lowe spoofing the ads. We don’t think these cheesy commercials are very effective, but they got so weird that nearly everyone has heard of them now. Smart Car Bicycle Lock What’s a creative and clever way to show that your subcompact is ideal for urban driving? Maybe have it squeeze through tight places or parallel park between two cars in a very small spot. Or you could get real big bicycle locks and lock the car to a pole. That sounds like a smart idea. The post Top 10 Weirdest Automotive Marketing Campaigns appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

“The well-proportioned interior is the most memorable aspect of our time with the Rio, though: It offers comfortable and intuitive controls without tiring the driver with road and wind noise, even after several hours of driving on different types of roads. And with fuel economy figures of 28 city/37 highway/32 combined for the automatic hatch and sedan, the Rio is a fuel-sipper without resorting to costly hybrid tech.” Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel

The hybrid car market is booming, but there are still some consumers who need a little nudge in that direction. Kia have released a limited edition version of the Niro hybrid crossover that is surely going to be one that … Continue reading → Lees volledige artikel

One of the fun parts about being a Kia fan is being able to witness the creative collaboration between Kia and our network of brand ambassadors. On many occasions, Kia teams up with prominent figures in various fields of sports and entertainment to deliver exciting surprises. Today on Kia BUZZ, let’s meet some of our notable sports ambassadors who work with us to promote our brand values! Rafael Nadal Our treasured partner for over a decade, the ‘King of Clay’, Rafa Nadal, has been endorsing Kia Motors Worldwide globally since 2006, after two years of partnership with Kia Motors Spain. As a passionate sportsman and humble champion, Rafa has set many professional tennis milestones and is currently the number one ranked men’s player in the world. In partnership with Rafa, Kia has rolled out various on and offline events for tennis fans around the world. LeBron James Kia Motors America’s partnership with basketball idol Lebron James came as a delightful surprise to all the Kia and NBA fans out there. Widely known as an avid car enthusiast, our luxury ambassador expressed his interest and affection for the Kia Quoris (also known as the K900) long before the sponsorship began. The decision to make him an official brand ambassador of Kia Motors America may have been our best one yet! Dominic Thiem Ever wondered which car a highly talented professional tennis player drives? Austrian tennis superstar Dominic Thiem is the proud owner of the versatile Kia Sorento SUV. After joining forces with Kia Motors Austria as a brand ambassador in 2015, Thiem won his first-ever title on the ATP World Tour. His continued success has carried onward with Kia, hitherto winning eight singles titles on the ATP Tour. Without a doubt, this bold and victorious tennis star is a perfect fit for Kia and our ‘Power to Surprise’ spirit. David Hearn As a long-standing brand ambassador at Kia Motors Canada since 2012, Canadian professional golfer David Hearn has represented Kia Motors not only on the PGA Tour, but also off the course – making a Kia Sorento SX his family’s vehicle of choice. Hearn’s pursuit of giving back to society has materialized with Kia in the form of two initiatives: the David Hearn Junior Series and The David Hearn Foundation Kia Grant. With an aim to grow junior golf and offer incredible opportunities for young players in Canada, the first initiative takes the form of a series of five junior golf tournaments held nationwide, followed by a championship event with David Hearn. In addition to the tournament, the foundation encourages and enables junior golfers across Canada to give back to their communities by recognizing their local Alzheimer’s Society. José Calderón Last but not least, Kia Motors Spain has maintained a strong partnership with Spanish NBA All-Star José Manuel Calderón since 2011. As a basketball representative for Kia Motors Spain, Calderón made an appearance at the 2016 Madrid International Auto Show when the new Kia Niro was unveiled to the Spanish public for the very first time. By supporting the José Manuel Calderón Foundation and its core values of helping young children with a passion for sports and basketball, Kia stands behind Calderón’s efforts to promote meaningful contributions to society. We are constantly inspired by the passion and spirited endeavors of each of our brand ambassadors and are always seeking for new ways to create meaningful and memorable collaborations. Stay tuned as we bring you more interesting collaborations with our partners! Lees volledige artikel

Car owners spend more time inside their car than looking at it from the outside, so a car’s interior has to be a nice place to be. Of course, luxury vehicles excel at making sure their drivers have a comfortable and pleasing place to spend time, but luckily for the rest of us, there are plenty of affordable cars that have surprisingly higher-end interiors. Here are some vehicles with inviting premium-looking interiors despite their modest pricing. ALSO SEE: Top 10 Best Car Interiors of 2017: WardsAuto Top 10 Affordable Cars with Surprisingly Higher-End Interiors 10. 2018 Honda Civic Honda has recently undergone a styling revolution for its cars both inside an out. The 10th-generation Civic starts at just $20,125 in the U.S. ($21,512 in Canada), but the interior looks like it could be from a more expensive car. Well textured dashboard plastics, metal effect trim pieces, smart details, and a nicely integrated seven-inch infotainment touchscreen create a classy look. The new Honda Accord also has a premium-looking interior for its price. 9. 2018 Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen has perfected the restrained but classy interior feel with its unmistakable Germanic ambiance. Its most popular model, the Golf, showcases this best. Quality interior trim pieces, a large eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, and drilled aluminum pedals help to create a sumptuous looking interior and everything is screwed together tightly, giving it a solid feel. At a $20,715 U.S. starting price ($22,249 in Canada), it’s like getting a deal on an Audi-like interior without actually getting an Audi. 8. 2018 Subaru Crosstrek There are a few instances when an automaker makes drastic leaps in interior quality and we are forced to pay attention. Subaru wins the prize here. The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek’s redesigned interior is a pleasant surprise. From playful contrast stitching on the steering wheel and seats to tasteful splashes of piano black trim on the doors and around the infotainment touchscreen, this should be a shock to subcompact crossover fans expecting a predictably bland interior. Pricing starts at $22,710 ($25,745.50 in Canada). 7. 2018 Toyota Camry Toyota used to make interiors that were about as exciting as reading your dishwasher’s instruction manual. Fast forward to 2018 and things have taken a turn. Despite prices remaining at a very affordable $24,895 U.S. ($28,105 in Canada), this Camry’s interior has the kind of quality usually found in higher priced vehicles. An intricately curvy dashboard, quality-looking metal trim pieces, and nicely textured leather seats create a confident-looking package. An even further highlight: Red leather seats! ALSO SEE: Top 10 Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Actually Are 6. 2018 Ford Mustang The Mustang always had this knack for making retro-looking interiors that aren’t too kitschy. Everything in this interior pays homage to design themes of the past while still embracing a modern feel. It uses finely crafted cabin materials and a liberal use of distinctive metallic trim, which is what sets it apart from others in its segment. Pricing starts a surprisingly reasonable $26,085 U.S. ($30,638 in Canada). 5. 2018 Volvo XC60 Losing none of the Volvo XC90’s premium approach to interior design, the XC60 smartly copies major elements of the XC90’s interior while still retaining its own individual feel and a much lower price. We love the minimalist Scandinavian design and use of unique materials. Pricing starts at $42,495 U.S. ($47,915 in Canada). 4. 2018 Kia Rio The subcompact hatchback class of vehicles is normally known for having simple interior designs that take a no-frills approach. The 2018 Kia Rio refuses to live up to that stereotype. Starting at just $14,795 U.S. ($16,594 in Canada), you don’t feel punished for buying an affordable car. Rather, you are greeted with quality seat materials, tastefully designed dashboard gauges, and a smartly placed infotainment touchscreen. ALSO SEE: 2018 Kia Rio Review 3. 2018 Acura MDX Just a feel of the soft-touch dashboard and a glance at the white contrast piping on the seats gets your attention with the Acura MDX. The MDX competes in a segment where competitors are priced about $10,000 to $12,000 higher, yet it never feels out of place when rolling with those more expensive cars. Pricing starts at $45,175 U.S. ($56,062.50 in Canada). 2. 2018 Genesis G80 If the Genesis G80’s interior quality is any indication, the company is taking luxury very seriously. It’s not that the G80’s interior is redefining the idea of the luxurious interior, but it’s the confidence it shows by putting all the right materials in all the right places. Pricing starts at $42,725 U.S. ($55,000 in Canada). 1. 2017 Mazda CX-5 The Mazda CX-5’s interior speaks for itself. Just sit in it, touch the vital surface points, and begin to wonder how Mazda got away with this level of quality at such an affordable price point. From the available white leather seats to the substantial-feeling buttons and knobs to the metal trim pieces, Mazda offers a more dignified interior experience than many of its competitors. Prices start from $24,985 U.S. ($26,795 in Canada). ALSO SEE: Top 10 Expert Detailing Tips on Keeping Your Car Looking New The post Top 10 Affordable Cars with Surprisingly Higher-End Interiors appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

Consumer Reports has released its list of safe, reliable vehicles that are well-suited for young drivers. Picking a car for a teen driver is never easy, especially when you’re trying to keep it within a certain budget. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of teens involved in a car crash die, and motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14- to 18-year-olds. So while shopping for an affordable car with good reliability and safety marks is a good start, there are also vehicles that are better suited for inexperienced drivers. SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $10K To narrow down its picks, Consumer Reports ignored certain vehicle types for its list. For starters, larger vehicles aren’t included because they can be hard for inexperienced drivers to handle and they generally return poor fuel economy. In addition, they can hold a lot of passengers, which could be potentially distracting for a young driver. As a result, there aren’t any minivans, large SUVs, or pickup trucks on the list. Naturally, sports cars are also not on the list due to their performance and high insurance premiums. So what’s left? Vehicles that have zero-to-60 mph times faster than 11 seconds but slower than 7.5 seconds, as well as having braking distances shorter than 145 feet in dry conditions. Vehicles with mediocre emergency-handling scores were also left off the list. It’s worth noting the Mazda CX-3 as an honorable mention for the list, but its price tag is $19,960 not including destination. Chevrolet Sonic Honda Fit Honda HR-V Hyundai Elantra Kia Forte Kia Soul Mazda3 Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla iM Toyota Yaris iA The post Top 10 Best New Cars for Teens Under $20K: 2017 Consumer Reports appeared first on AutoGuide.com News. Lees volledige artikel

“The Stinger drives more like a European car than anything from Korea so far and most things from Japan. There’s a measured, almost Germanic, weighting to all the controls and to the body motions. “ Click to Read More Lees volledige artikel