2014 Kia Optima Lx on 2040-cars

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Kia previews new midsize sedan concept for Geneva

Kia has released a teaser and brief statement about a new concept it'll be bringing to the Geneva Motor Show. Though there's not much to go on, there are a few details to be extrapolated. Firstly, Kia says this is a D-segment model – which is Euro-speak for a midsize sedan. And as far as Kia's concerned, that means the Optima. Considering that the current model is the better part of five years old now, it'll be due for replacement soon, and this could be our first look at the fourth-generation model. What's interesting is that this concept was designed by the company's European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. (And it does look rather European: in fact if you covered certain parts like the tell-tale tiger-nose grille, and didn't tell us what we were looking at, we might start seeing elements of Jaguar and Skoda in its design.) Which could mean that this is simply the German office's proposal for the Optima's replacement, or that the model line could be split between European and North Ameican models – much like the Cee'd occupies the largely same segment in the Euro market as the Forte does here. Finally the "elegant energy" handle could suggest hybrid or fully electric propulsion, but we'll have to wait a little while long as its debut at the Swiss expo approaches, now just weeks away. ELEGANT ENERGY – KIA TO SHOW NEW CONCEPT CAR AT GENEVA - Concept to be unveiled at the 85th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015 - D-segment model is the 11th concept car created by Kia's European design studio - The concept has been created as a spacious and versatile accessory to an active lifestyle Kia Motors Europe will exhibit a stylish new concept car at the 85th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva on 3 March 2015. This new D-segment model is the 11th concept car created by Kia's European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. With confident, powerful lines which sweep elegantly from Kia's hallmark 'tiger-nose' grille towards the rear of the vehicle, Kia's new concept car embodies modern design and refined, understated energy. The concept has been created as a spacious and versatile accessory to an active lifestyle, as a purposeful, energetic design study for the style-conscious, and as a sanctuary from the stresses of the modern world. News Source: Kia Geneva Motor Show Kia Concept Cars Sedan 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Kia Trail'ster Concept brings traction for the Soul in Chicago

Kia teased its hybrid all-wheel drive Trail'ster concept prior to the 2015 Chicago Auto Show debut, but the company kept some of this off-road Soul's biggest features a secret. Designed both to go off the beaten path and drive efficiently in the city, the company's designers in California added 2.5-inches of extra ground clearance and aluminum skid plates to give the hatchback a more rugged appearance. Drivers can also let the weather into the cabin thanks to a retractable canvas roof. However, the Trail'ster's most intriguing feature is its drivetrain. With a platform still based on the production Soul, up front there's a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with stop/start churning out 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic gearbox. The gas engine exclusively runs the front axle; at the rear there's an electric motor with 35 hp and 100 lb-ft with a 1.2-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery under the cargo floor providing assistance. The whole system produces a total output of 220 hp and 285 lb-ft of twist, and the Kia claims, the concept could even run two or three miles purely on electric power. There's no physical connection between the internal combustion engine at the front and electric in the rear. Under low-throttle situations, the electric motor runs exclusively, but under most driving conditions, the all-wheel drive system provides extra traction and a bit more acceleration. Kia claims that if it put this layout into production it would offer 25-30 percent better city fuel economy and a 5-10 percent improvement on the highway compared to the current 2.0-liter powertrain in the Soul. That works about to about 30 miles per gallon city and 34 mpg highway, based on the maximum figures. The automaker isn't saying anything official yet, but it's at least hinting that a system like this could end up in the Soul one day. "The Trail'ster concept is a near-future look at how the production Kia Soul would logically evolve into an AWD-capable version that's built to escape the city streets and roam into the mountain wilderness," Tom Kearns, chief designer at the Kia Design Center of America, said in the model's announcement.

Hyundai, Kia recall 640,000 vehicles for leaks that can cause fires

DETROIT — Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a brake fluid leak that could cause engine fires. The recalls cover more than 440,000 Kia Optima midsize sedans from 2013 through 2015 and Kia Sorento SUVs from 2014 and 2015. Also covered are 203,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from 2013 to 2015. The affiliated automakers say brake fluid can leak inside a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes, possibly causing an electrical short that can lead to fires. Kia's recall will start Oct. 15, while Hyundai's will start Oct. 23. Dealers for both companies will inspect the control units for leaks and replace them if needed at no cost to owners. In company documents posted Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, Hyundai said it had 15 reports of engine fires caused by the fluid leaks, while Kia said it had eight. Hyundai said it's not aware of any injuries, and Kia said it had none. Hyundai said in a statement that there's no need to park vehicles outdoors before the problem is fixed, but if the anti-lock brake warning light comes on, owners should not drive their vehicles and should contact a dealer. They also should disconnect the 12-volt battery by removing the positive cable, the company said. Hyundai documents said the company received its first complaint about an engine fire in a 2014 Santa Fe in April 2018, and it started an investigation. Kia began investigating after getting a complaint of a melted control unit in a 2015 Sorento last February. The recalls are the latest in a series of engine fire problems that have plagued the two automakers and have touched off investigations by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In February, Hyundai recalled nearly 430,000 small cars for a similar but apparently unrelated problem. The company said water can get into the antilock brake computer, cause an electrical short and possibly an engine fire. That recall covered certain 2006 through 2011 Elantra and 2007 through 2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. The company said the electrical short could cause a fire even when the cars are turned off. Hyundai said the latest recall is not related to the previous recalls or the U.S. investigations.