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Kia teaming up with DUB to bring modified Stinger GT and K900 to SEMA

SEMA kicks off this week, so continue to look for all manner of modified cars, trucks and SUVs. For years, SEMA was ruled by aftermarket companies — it isn't called the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association for nothing — but in recent years, the automakers themselves have used the show as an opportunity to showcase a variety of fun but often garish modified vehicles. This year, Kia is bringing a pair of cars that appear to fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. All we have right now are a few teaser images of a bright blue Kia K900 and a silver over red and black Kia Stinger GT. Kia has teamed with DUB, one of the most famous aftermarket outfitters in the business, to design the vehicles. The K900 has been updated with gloss black accents, 24-inch wheels, a blue and black interior, air suspension and a "specially developed multimedia setup." We'll be disappointed if that doesn't mean TVs in the headrests. The Stinger GT will have 22-inch wheels, a custom intake and exhaust, air suspension and a redone interior. We won't have any other details until the cars are fully revealed at Kia's press conference, but stay tuned to the site this week for more SEMA coverage from Kia and other automakers and suppliers. Related Video: Featured Gallery DUB 2019 Kia Stinger GT: SEMA 2018 View 11 Photos Related Gallery DUB 2019 Kia K900: SEMA 2018 View 9 Photos Related Gallery Kia SEMA 2018 News Source: KiaImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2018 Drew Phillips / Autoblog.com Aftermarket Design/Style SEMA Show Kia Sedan kia k900 kia stinger gt kia stinger

Kia teases e-AWD Trail'ster concept ahead of Chicago

Last week, Kia dropped a teaser on our heads of a new concept it would be bringing to the Chicago Auto Show. Now it's revealed another view, and this time it's revealed the name, as well. The new concept is dubbed the Trail'ster, and it's essentially a turbocharged Soul with an electric all-wheel drive system, a retractable canvas roof and a rugged design. The shot above (depicting the back three-quarters angle from low on the ground) doesn't show us much more than the previous side shot of the nose, but as you can see, the round light theme continues around back, with lower body cladding, underbody protection panels and red-trimmed, five-hole wheels wearing chunky rubber. We'll have to hold on to find out more, but from what we've seen so far, our level of interest is officially piqued. Kia to Bring Electric All-Wheel Drive Trail'ster to Chicago Aligning form and function to conceive a uniquely compelling vehicle for the city-dweller-turned- outdoor-adventurer, Kia Motors America will take the wraps off the rugged Trail'ster e-AWD concept at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. With its bold design, fully retractable canvas roof and smartly integrated rear electric all-wheel drive system, the turbocharged Trail'ster takes Kia's iconic Soul to a new level of expression, efficiency and capability. The Kia Trail'ster concept will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show on Thursday, February 12, at 9 a.m. CT.

Hyundai CVVD engine brings another dimension to valve timing

A new technology from Hyundai Motor Group places another marker on the march to more efficient internal combustion engines. Called Continuously Variable Valve Duration, the innovation permits two options for how long the intake valves remain open during the combustion cycle. The feature adds a third take on valve chicanery, atop variable valve timing that changes when valves open, and variable valve lift that changes how far valves open. Hyundai says the feature returns a 4% improvement in performance, a 5% increase in fuel economy, and lowers emissions by 12%. Hyundai applied for two patents on the valvetrain process in South Korea in 2011 and again in 2015. The altered valve duration in this latest iteration is made possible by two movable arms inside the camshaft. Each arm is anchored at its base to a pin at the center of the camshaft, while the end of each arm extends toward the edge of the camshaft. Changing the position of the pin in the center of the camshaft changes the angle of the arms relative to one another, which moves the camshaft along its mounting rod. Voila, a new intake cam profile that either lengthens or shortens valve overlap.   During low-speed spells at low load, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to the end of compression stroke. The weaker detonation isn't a factor at low load, and the reduced friction during compression improves fuel economy. During heavy engine loads, the intake valve closes at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air mixed for detonation, boosting torque. Four additional features enhance the benefits of CVVD. A more powerful direct injection system increases fuel spray pressure from 250 bar to 350 bar. Hyundai doesn't go into details on its Integrated Thermal Management System, but says the ITMS "quickly heats or cools the engine to the optimal temperature." Low-friction components lower overall engine friction by 34 percent. And a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation layout diverts low-pressure exhaust gas from the traditional EGR route to the turbocharger compressor under high load for better fuel efficiency.   The first engine to boast the new tech is the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder, which produces 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It will appear in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Turbo going on sale in South Korea later this year.