2022 Kia K5 Gt-line on 2040-cars

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Genesis bringing an EV concept and G90 to New York Auto Show

It's official, the entire Hyundai Group has plans for the New York Auto Show. During the Hyundai Sonata press launch in South Korea, design head Luc Donckerwolke told Roadshow "You'll have an electric show car for Genesis." This year will be the charm for Genesis and EVs, after showing the GV80 SUV concept and its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2017, and the electric Essentia coupe concept last year. We will also see the production version of the U.S. market Genesis G90 and its mongo grille. The premium brand's debuts will join the new Sonata sedan and Venue crossover, and an as-yet-unnamed Kia show car expected to be our version of the SP Signature concept potentially called Tusker. Hyundai-Kia isn't getting its electric razzle dazzle ready for New York alone. Auto Express reports the group is working on a new electric car platform to serve the carmaker the same way Volkswagen's MEB architecture serves the German group's brands. At the moment, the only four EVs in the South Korean automaker's range are the Hyundai Kona and Ioniq, and the Kia e-Niro and Soul. They are all built on ICE platforms, the Kona and e-Niro still proving popular enough for this year's planned UK-market production to sell out already. According to a "company insider," the dedicated EV platform is around two years away and will focus on B- and C-segment cars. That's the same year that Genesis is expected to have its EV ready, but unless the luxury arm has plans to dip its grille into C-segment waters, Genesis likely has other EV platform plans. By 2025, Hyundai and Kia have said they'll have 14 EVs in the combined lineup as part of 38 electrified offerings. Whatever's on the way could prove far more radical than today's offerings. Donckerwolke told Auto Express that in order to attract the future EV buyers that aren't necessarily car people, "[You] have to ask whether you want science fiction or whether you want to conform. We can create something that doesn't appeal to someone in the traditional sense." If the head designer gets his way, 3D-printing will help whip up those attractions. Last year's Essentia concept showed off 3D-printed carbon fiber ornament, but the potential goes much further.

Kia reveals new K3 Forte sedan in Korea [w/video]

Kia's new version of the Forte sedan has already been unveiled back in South Korea, where it's known as the K3. But while details have yet to be announced, we can expect most (if not all) of these updates to make their way to US showrooms soon. The facelifted version of the model known here as the Forte, in Korea as the K3, and elsewhere as the Cerato has a more sophisticated exterior appearance, with a larger grille, new head- and tail-lamps, and reshaped bumpers to give it a wider, more planted appearance. The interior features a sporty new flat-bottom steering wheel as well as new vents, multimedia controls, and trim. The Korean automaker has also taken the opportunity to outfit the new K3 with speed-sensitive electric power steering, lane assist, automatic park assist, and hands-free trunk opening. In its home market, the revised K3 offers 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. But considering that the current Forte packs more punch than that already, we wouldn't take too much stock in the KDM engine specs. The 2015 Kia Forte LX available in the US packs a 1.8-liter inline-four good for 145 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque, while the more potent Forte EX steps up to a 2.0-liter four delivering 173 hp and 154 lb-ft. The Forte nameplate was launched in the US in 2009. The current, second-generation model launched in 2013. It's currently offered as a sedan, five-door hatchback, and as the two-door Forte Koup. The closely related Kia Cee'd offered in Europe is sold as a three-door hatch, five-door hatch, or five-door wagon.

Kia design chief Peter Schreyer named Hyundai-Kia President

Automotive News reports Peter Schreyer has been appointed the first non-Korean president of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group. Schreyer is expected to retain his role as the chief designer for Kia, while also taking on new, high-level executive duties. He is now one of three presidents at the automaker.
The designer made a name for himself at Volkswagen, where he penned the 1998 New Beetle and lent his eye to the Audi TT. In 2006, Schreyer moved to Kia, where he quickly revised the brand's styling from bland, forgettable lines to bold, "tiger nose" creations. Analysts attribute much of the brand's recent sales success to Schreyer's influence.
Kia is expected to move 2.75 million units worldwide next year, while sister company Hyundai will likely beat its 2012 sales forecast of 4.29 million units, according to CFO Lee Won Hee.