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Hyundai and Kia recalling 1.6M more models for faulty brake switch

In what is likely the largest recall campaign for Hyundai and Kia, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of more than 1.6 million models due to a faulty brake switch. This is in addition to almost 700,000 Hyundai and Kia models recalled for the same problem back in 2009.
In more than 620,000 Kia models and 1 million Hyundai products for the 2007 through 2011 model years, the brake switch could malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate, which could lead to accident. Other possible issues with a faulty switch include the cruise control not cancelling with the brake pedal, the push-button starter not working properly and the shift interlock not disengaging causing the transmission to be stuck in Park. To fix the problem, the brake lights switch will be replaced.
Due to the large number of units being recalled, both automakers are issuing a notice by next month with parts not expected to be ready until June. The full list of affected vehicles and the NHTSA press releases are posted below.

Kia ProCeed GT shooting brake spied ahead of its reveal

Kia plans to introduce its ProCeed GT to the world tomorrow, but our spy shooters just caught a fully camouflaged version out testing on public roads. This five-door shooting brake most likely isn't coming to the crossover-crazed U.S., but it's still cool enough that we thought you'd like to see it. We were thoroughly impressed with the ProCeed Concept shown in Frankfurt last year. If the production car is similar to that, we'll be extremely jealous of everybody in Europe who gets to buy the Stinger-looking vehicle. As far as specs go, Kia hasn't given any hints. Rumors point to a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque as at least one of the available engines. From what we can see on this prototype, the grille has retained its shape and style – even the little GT badge remains. Here's hoping the best bits from the concept make it into production without too many alterations. Kia is definitely getting it right with design as of late with the Stinger and soon-to-be-announced ProCeed GT. Sadly, all that those of us in the U.S. can do now is look from afar. Related Video: Featured Gallery Kia ProCeed GT: Spy Shots View 11 Photos Spy Photos Paris Motor Show Kia Wagon

Kia Cub Concept wanders over from Seoul

The little machine you see above is the Kia Cub. The Cub first debuted at the Seoul Motor Show, but this is the first time we've been able to see it ourselves in person, so we pointed our camera lenses its way and got to snapping.
According to our men on the show floor, the Kia Cub Concept is "quite good looking," with a squat and funky shape that looks mostly ready for production. With a five-door hatchback shape featuring reverse-opening doors (we'll resist calling them suicide doors... whoops...), this machine doesn't seem to share much design DNA with current Kia products. And that's fine. As much as we like Kia's swoopy line of cars and 'utes, a little shakeup every now and then never hurts.
We're sure the diminutive hatchback would be a fun car to pilot, with 204 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque coming from its turbocharged and direct injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Kia quotes a 0-62 time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 143 miles per hour. Sounds to us like it could be a worthy competitor to such successful sporting hatchbacks as the Mini Cooper S and Fiat 500 Abarth.