Kia Unveils KND-5 Concept Car at 2009 Seoul Motor Show

Kia KND-5 Concept Car

By Zack Newmark
April 2, 2009 4:51 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Concept Car, Kia

Kia unveiled their latest concept car earlier today. The Kia KND-5 upmarket sedan was introduced hours before its debut at the Seoul Motor Show.

A representation of Kia's upcoming "near-luxury sedan," codenamed the Kia VG, this concept gives us a bit of insight into Kia's short-term plans. It comes with a strong 3.5-liter V6 Lambda engine, which produces around 275 hp. At 4,945mm long and 1,475mm high, the car has very similar measurements to the Honda Accord. The KND-5 is 1,850mm wide (5mm wider than the Accord), and has a 2,845mm wheelbase.

The new concept includes body-colored door handles, panorama sun-roof, LED headlamps, and big 20-inch alloys. In many ways, the vehicle looks near-production ready.  In front, the car has taken on "Kia's family-look radiator grille which is based on a symbolic representation of a tiger's roaring countenance," whatever that means.

Kia's new concept, the Kia KND-5, will be on display throughout the Seoul Motor Show.

Special thanks to Miha for the live images. Please visit his site Kia-World.net to see more.

Source: Kia Motors

Press Release (Click to expand)

Kia Motors has taken the wraps off its KND-5 concept car.

Kia released the first official images of the near-luxury sedan concept car, code-named KND-5, ahead of its debut at the Seoul Motor Show 2009 which opens to the press on April 2.

KND-5 boasts a dynamic and balanced appearance that reflects the style of the near-luxury sedan VG (code name) which is scheduled to debut in Korea in late 2009.

VG will be Kia's first near-luxury sedan and complete the automaker's passenger car lineup along with the Lotze mid-sized sedan (known as ‘Optima' or ‘Magentis' in overseas markets) and Opirus luxury sedan (known as ‘Amanti' in North America).

Based on the VG, the KND-5 features an exterior with a newly interpreted line and the striking LED headlamps of a luxury sedan.

The front of the car sports Kia's family-look radiator grille which is based on a symbolic representation of a tiger's roaring countenance. The 20-inch large-diameter alloy wheels enhance its aggressive yet refined image.

KND-5 employs the same color for its body on the door handles and has a powerful, muscular profile. The panorama sunroof extends seamlessly from the front windshield to contribute to its open and sleek facade.

The KND-5 measures 4,945mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,475mm high with a wheelbase of 2,845mm.

The concept car is outfitted with a 3.5L V6 Lambda engine.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President & COO, International Business Division, said, "The aggressive and sophisticated KND-5 exemplifies Kia's futuristic design and values. As a concept car that presents the new direction of luxury sedan design, KND-5 will likely generate a lot of buzz at the Seoul Motor Show."

 

Comments

Gh0st
April 2, 2009 5:15 PM
Audi a4 opel insignia copy:)

DTT
April 2, 2009 6:38 PM
hey stupid. where the hell are you getting this from? what a dumb ass.

need4speed
April 2, 2009 5:46 PM
your absolutely correct ghost...may i suggest that the backend resembles that of the q7/q5. It still looks quite nice for a kia badge.

Renegade
April 2, 2009 6:23 PM
This car was draw by a former Audi designer, so there u go, also the back lights continue the shape they started with Forte, I'm no Kia fan, but u guys make me laugh.

pchsh02
April 2, 2009 7:31 PM
Actually, Peter Schreyer had drown previous generation of audi/vw models.. He didn't participate in the design of Q7..


Edited by user on April 2, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Renegade
April 2, 2009 9:00 PM
Maybe he left with some future design projects in he's suit case...:P

pchsh02
April 2, 2009 5:54 PM
Personally, I don't see Opel Insignia but I can see some Q7-like feeling from its rear-end. I hope that it will come out as its concept, like Soul. I can't deny the designs of Kia has been improved a lot after Peter Schreyer became Kia's design executive..

Siawa
April 2, 2009 6:26 PM
This is a beautiful design for Kia coz they really have some ugly looking cars in market.

DTT
April 2, 2009 6:41 PM
very well designed. seriously. I hope to see RS3800 (Hyundai Genesis Coupe) engine in one of these sedans. possibly AWD?


Edited by user on April 2, 2009 at 6:43 PM
politz
April 2, 2009 7:01 PM
Stylish, contemporary and surprisingly original. Not groundbreaking, okay, but a great deal for Kia.

AOS
April 2, 2009 9:21 PM
hahaha... looks like an updated version of the 7th generation of Accord, not bad

Bristol411S3
April 2, 2009 9:50 PM
As a concept that's pretty lame, especially when it steals so many styling cues from cars on sale for so long. Must try harder!

Menbal
April 3, 2009 1:39 AM
Its a sedan version of the Q7. The outside design looks great, pity about the interior. They are getting the proportions and designs right at least. They should copy the excellent interiors of audi. If you want to change cars to Kia or Hyundai over Lexus IS or Honda accord, you have to improve the interior. White leather just doesnt cut it.

pchsh02
April 3, 2009 3:43 AM
I understand what you're talkin' about and I'm Korean.. I really admit Korean automakers have been improved a lot and I'm kinada proud of that. But the way of talking ur thoughts to the other guys is not so good.. I also hate some guys spitting bullshit but those are just something personal. Just pay no attention to'em. You should find better ways to pursuade people.. otherwise people's feeling toward korean cars can be worse.

Schizo0223
April 3, 2009 7:51 AM
Kleinberg... For someone with a juxtaposition of two Jewish sounding names you seem to be very passionate about defending Kia/Korean cars. I am Korean and I appreciate you standing up to comments like "looks like _____." As a late entrant to the global automotive scene it is inevitable for Kia to get the hard hand. You also have to remember that most of the people here are looking at things from a very Western/Euro-centric point of view. Ofcourse they will be looking through colored glasses. But everyone is entitled to their views no matter how ignorant it may sound. I am sure most reasonable people will judge those comments as what they are.

You don't need to use the sort of language you're using or suggest incest.

That is just uncalled for.

P.S. It should be noted that the mascot of the Kia baseball team is a tiger and one of the national symbols of Korea is a tiger.

elhou90
April 4, 2009 2:48 PM
It's kinda German style , i love it , it really looks good . Good job Kia.

kleinberg
April 5, 2009 4:54 AM
Who had erased my comment?

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