Thursday, March 29, 2012

Kia Racing Chases back to back wins at Barber Motorsports Park in Round Two of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge

IRVINE, Calif., March 29, 2012 - Kia Racing and Kinetic Motorsports return to Barber Motorsports Park for round two of the 2012 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) aiming for back-to-back wins at the beautiful, purpose-built road course carved into the hills outside Birmingham, Ala. Coming off a thrilling race and photo finish at Daytona in January, the team is optimistic about the Koups' chances to once again stand tall on the podium at Barber.

"We are really looking forward to going back to Barber where we had our first GRAND-AM win with Kia last year," said Jönsson. "Both Forte Koups should be very strong in Birmingham, and following the racing debut of the new Kia Optimas last weekend in St. Petersburg, which resulted in two top-ten finishes in our first World Challenge series event, the entire crew is energized to return to Barber and take the next step in defending our 2011 Team and Driver championships."

Something else to watch for this weekend: Andy Lally has a chance to make motorsports history at Barber by becoming the first driver with 100-career GRAND-AM podium finishes. Following his most recent CTSCC podium with Kia and his Rolex series victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Lally has climbed the podium 98 times in his decorated GRAND-AM road racing career. At Barber, Lally will again be doing double duty, co-driving the No. 10 Infinity Audio Kia Forte Koup with Jönsson and piloting a GT-class Porsche in the Rolex series.

Last year, joined by co-driver Michael Galati, Nic Jönsson and the No. 10 Forte Koup dominated the CTSCC round at Barber much to the delight of a large contingent of team members from Kia's nearby manufacturing plant – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). Jönsson and Lally visited KMMG on Tuesday, March 27 to talk about Kia's expanding motorsports program and sign autographs as the team made final preparations for Barber.

"Returning to Barber feels a lot like coming home for Kia Racing," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With our U.S. assembly plant just down the road in West Point, Ga., our strong dealer body in the area and Kinetic's home base nearby, we are looking forward to seeing a lot of Kia Racing fans at the track and hoping to give them another great show by repeating last year's historic performance."

Round two of the CTSCC at Barber Motorsports Park starts Saturday, March 31 at 5 p.m. ET. Kia Racing fans can check out live race status updates, photos and videos at facebook.com/kiaracing. Televised coverage of the race begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8 on SPEED.

Courtesy of kiamedia.com

Km

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

2012 Kia Soul - Review

Kia2
It's a compact car that could arguably be called a wagon, but the 2012 Kia Soul's styling, attitude, and options lists position it as something far, far different--not to mention the music-loving hamsters who appears in its TV ads.

The compact "small box" hatchback is roomy, inexpensive, and relatively frugal on gasoline. Its funky sheetmetal is wrapped around a tall cabin that positions the driver high enough to feel like he or she is piloting a small-ish crossover. There's superb headroom, though front-seat occupants may find the wide console trims a bit too much room off their ability to sit with a wide stance.

In the rear, the tall doors make entry and exit much easier than for compact sedans, especially those with fashionably drooping rooflines. The rear bench seat will hold a pair of adults or three kids--and with the rear seat folded forward, there's a substantial 53 cubic feet of cargo space. The load floor is low, and the only drawback to the Soul style is the thick rear roof pillars, which drastically limit rear-quarter vision.

The based engine is a 1.6-liter four whose power has risen to 135 horsepower this year. It's not a particularly speedy set of wheels, but with either the six-speed manual gearbox that comes standard or the optional automatic transmission, it's rated at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, giving a combined 30 mpg. If you fit the optional Eco package, consisting of one of the first start-stop systems sold in the U.S. (only offered with the automatic), those numbers rise incrementally, to 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway--or 32 mpg combined.

The more powerful engine is a 164-hp 2.0-liter four, which can be fitted either with the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Either variant is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, for a combined 29-mpg rating. Add the start-stop system, and ratings rise to 27 city, 35 highway, for a combined 30 mpg. The larger engine gives the Soul a bit more pep in urban-combat driving, and a slightly more relaxed feel for highway cruising.

The 2012 Kia Soul has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it comes with six airbags standard, along with the usual array of electronic safety systems, including stability control and antilock brakes. Laudably on a car this inexpensive, a rear-view camera is now an option. The NHTSA, however, gives the 2012 Soul four stars out of five overall, with four-star ratings for frontal crash and rollover results, but five stars in side-crash testing.

Befitting its young and digital target audience, a USB port is standard on the Kia Soul. So are power windows, locks, and mirrors, and satellite radio. Optional fittings include HD radio, a navigation system, and Kia's voice-activated control system, known as UVO, which lets drivers run certain features of the navigation, audio, and mobile phone systems via voice recognition and steering-wheel controls.

Against the other boxy hatchbacks--including the aging Scion xB, the Nissan Cube, and others--the Kia Soul stands out as the most practical and versatile of the bunch. We think its optional Eco start-stop system sets it apart as well.

Courtesy if greencarreports.com

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Kia Rio tops Consumer Reports ratings of subcompacts

(MoneyWatch) Consumer Reports rates the Kia Rio the top subcompact sedan, ahead of the Hyundai Accent and Chevrolet Sonic, in its road tests released Thursday.

CR test drivers praised the redesigned Rio for its nimble handling, smooth transmission and relatively low level of noise for a subcompact. The magazine also cited the Hyundai Elantra for top MPG and the Chevrolet Sonic for comfortable ride and good handling, but ranked them just below the Rio. The full results appear in the May issue or, for subscribers, online at the Consumer Reports web site.

The overall tests showed how much subcompacts have improved recently as auto makers work to meet consumer demand and federal regulations for higher gas mileage. "Subcompact cars were once collectively known as penalty boxes for their noisiness, rudimentary interiors, uncomfortable rides and weak performance," notes David Champion, head of the CR auto test center. "But now improved redesigns, combined with an affordable price and impressive fuel economy, make a number of subcompacts good choices for people looking to stretch their budget."

The one redesign that failed to impress the test drivers was the 2012 Nissan Versa sedan. The Versa dropped from the top of the rankings last year to the bottom with the new model. Toyota Yaris also continued its perennially low score in these subcompact tests.

For Korean auto maker Kia, the strong Rio rating comes on top of recent sales success. Kia sales in February were up 37% over a year earlier following a 36% gain for all of 2011.

 

Here is closer look at what Consumer Reports had to say about the subcompacts in this road test:

--Kia Rio The Rio EX sedan, selling as a 2013 model, was priced at $17,275 with options as tested. It has a 138-horsepower, 1.6- liter, four- cylinder engine described as having decent power that registered 30 MPG in combined city and highway driving in the CR tests. Good handling, braking and lots of features for the price helped the Rio sedan top its rankings. CR also tested the hatchback version of the Rio, which finished third behind the previously-tested Honda Fit and (not yet redesigned) Nissan Versa hatchback.

--Hyundai Accent This model from Hyundai, Kia's corporate sibling, uses the same 138-horsepower engine as the Rio but squeezes out slightly better mileage, 31 MPG in CR's overall rating. The Accent GLS sedan ($16,050 as tested) was marked down vs. the Rio for a rougher ride over bumps and not as smooth cruising on the highway.

--Chevrolet Sonic The test drivers praise the Sonic -- a new model in 2012 -- for responsive handling, good brakes and a comfortable ride. But the Sonic's 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produced overall CR test mileage of just 28 MPG -- not impressive in this company.

--Nissan Versa A loud whirring engine that sometimes generates offensive noise helped sour ratings for the redesigned Versa sedan. The Versa SL ($15,560 as tested) did manage 32 MPG overall with the loud 109-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. But the noise, just average performance and a drab interior pushed the Versa down the ratings. On the other hand, CR describes the not-yet redesigned Versa hatchback, previously tested, as "a much better all-around car."

--Toyota Yaris "Despite being redesigned, the Yaris is still bare-bones transportation," says the CR statement. The Yaris LE ($17,920 as tested) did get an overall 32 MPG with its 106-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. But the Yaris remained low in the ratings because of its noise, choppy ride and drab interior.

In other words, the Yaris does not live up to the much-improved comfortable features now available in its top subcompact competitors here, or in previously tested models such as the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, which were both new as 2011 models.

Courtesy of cbsnews.com

Rio

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Driving into the future with Kia at the 82nd International Motor Show Geneva

The 82nd Geneva Motor Show kicked off with 30 participating countries, over 1,000 automotive brands and 800,000 people in attendance. The show took place at the Geneva Palexpo Convention Center, which is situated at the center of European automotive power nations, and has come to be known as the automotive industry’s ‘battlefield’ and debut stage for new models and concept-cars.

 

‘Driving into the Future,’ is this year’s show theme and with 180 cars making their world debut, the anticipation leading up to the opening day was beyond imagination.

 

This was my first time being on site at a grand scale motor show, so I wanted write about what I experienced in terms of Kia’s vision for the future and provide a personal recap of the motor show. Let’s get started.

 

All eyes on the All-New cee’d

 

The All-New cee’d was hands-down the center of attention for Kia, especially since it was its world premiere. The impressive debut started with a sneak peek at an exclusive pre-media event on March 6th, which led into the official Press Day (World Premier) the following day.

 

 

My initial impression of the cee’d’s debut was ‘confidence and agility.’  Design-wise, I felt it was more masculine and sporty compared to the past cee’d because the coupe-style seemed to be combined with the hatchback. A 3-door body type cee’d is also expected to be released which apparently would have a sportier look than the 5 door.

The cee’d Sport Wagon was unveiled alongside the hatchback, and it drew a lot of media attention. Specific details were not revealed at Geneva, so please stay tuned for more information.

The combination of LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) headlamps which has become Kia’s signature design, and the new family-look radiator grille were attractive enough to turn heads.  The newly adapted signature front look has a bigger radiator grille and also has a curvier line, demonstrating Kia’s design transformation from a simple and square theme to a more dynamic, rounded and fluid style.

A special note about the All-New cee’d is the diverse engine options with two diesel types and three gasoline types for Europe. The new Dual Clutch Transmission along with the 6 speed auto transmission and the ‘Flex Steering System’ allows drivers to select a mode out of ‘Normal, Comfort and Sport’, depending upon their preferences. The driver-oriented space design, which is also present in the Optima and Rio, echoes the strong the ‘fun-to-drive’ and ‘owner driven’ identity that Kia strives to maintain.

Track’ster’s European Debut

 

The Track’ster, made its European debut at Geneva following its first unveiling at the Chicago Motor Show. The show floor buzz on the Track’ster from journalists and motor heads were frequently mentioning that it was “outstanding among many competing concept-cars” and many folks said they were eagerly waiting to see this concept become reality.

Track’ster by all means showed Kia’s future with a 1.6 T-GDI high-performance 4-wheel coupe concept vehicle. Did you know that the eye catching Track’ster was influenced by a bulldog and ski boots? Its design creation story can be found in the video below.

Ray EV

 

We also had the European debut of the Ray EV, Korea’s first electric vehicle, which is opening a new chapter in Kia’s EcoDynamics (sub-brand). Many brands introduced their eco-friendly cars at Geneva showing a shared industry value towards the environment, and the Ray EV along with the Optima Hybrid are helping to honor that value and our commitment to sustainability.

Technology and Beyond

 

First unveiled at CES 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, The IVI (in-vehicle infotainment) and UCD (user-centered driving) systems showed off Kia’s in-car tech philosophy – That vehicles need to adapt to peoples’ lifestyles and go beyond the simple role of transportation.

 

Thanks for sticking around and reading my summary of Kia at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. I would like to close this ‘Driving into the future of Kia’ blog post, by saying that Kia’s future looks bright and I look forward to seeing what we will unveil in the near future.

Courtesy of kia-buzz.com

Ceed

A big thanks to the author of this outstanding review!

Friday, March 16, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (1 pound 1.5 ounce) pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
  • 6 drops green food color
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

 

Directions

  1. Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl, until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
  2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Cookie

Thank you, Sandy!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Kia Motors’ “Kia Rio Windows Down” Playlist on Spotify Gains Momentum as Facebook users Submit their Favorite Songs.

IRVINE, Calif., March 13, 2012 - In an automotive first, Kia Motors America (KMA) and music-loving Facebook users are creating a one-of-a-kind online playlist, titled "Kia Rio Windows Down," through Spotify, the award-winning digital music service that embraces sharing music and hearing tracks instantly by hitting play on any music post or posting tracks on Facebook and Twitter. Since the submission period began on the Kia Rio Facebook page in February, more than 1,100 songs have been submitted for inclusion on the playlist on Spotify, with song selections totaling 15 hours of music and an average of 24 minutes of time spent per user listening to the playlist, which provides an environment for users to listen, discover, and share the unique playlist with their friends. To create the perfect playlist for a joyride in the all-new Kia Rio subcompact, songs from Spotify's library of more than 15 million tracks can be submitted for the playlist until April 15, and will remain on the Spotify platform indefinitely.

"From our 'Share Some Soul' ad featuring LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem' to Mötley Crüe belting out 'Kickstart My Heart' in last month's Super Bowl commercial, music plays an important role in Kia's marketing efforts and being the first in the auto industry to partner with Spotify continues that trend," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Spotify is an innovative music service, and aligning with a new platform that embraces the sharing of music was a natural fit for Kia to extend our Rio launch. Being the first to create a car-centric playlist on Spotify in the U.S. increases Kia's interaction with our target audiences that are passionate about music and social media."

About the Kia Rio 5-Door and Rio Sedan
Available in a sedan or hatchback configuration, the eco-friendly Rio and Rio 5-door offer three trims – LX, EX and SX – and are equipped with a 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic. One of only two vehicles in the segment to offer a GDI engine, the 2012 Rio provides an inviting combination of power and fuel efficiency, achieving standard class-leading 138 horsepower1 while maintaining a standard class-leading fuel economy rating of 30/40 mpg (city/highway)2.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality3 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking4. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan5. Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

Courtesy of kiamedia.com

Rio

Thank you for your great feedback!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Kia to push CNG development.

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Kia
The head of Powertrain engineering at Kia is pushing for more emphasis to be put on the benefits of powering cars with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), saying its benefits are currently under-utilised.

Dr Joachim Hahn told Autocar at the Geneva motor show: "With all the work we do on internal combustion engines and hydrogen-powered cars, making big gains in CO2 reduction is either incredibly difficult or incredible expensive.

"That's why I see big potential in CNG. It can offer a 20 per cent CO2 reduction just like that – what other technology can give you that?

"It's also cheaper for the consumer than petrol and easier to store than either electricity or hydrogen. What's more, a wider spread of use of CNG would take some emphasis off oil, and open up more opportunities for worldwide suppliers – there would be no reliance on certain countries for supply."

Hahn conceded that widespread use of CNG was someway off, but argued that increasingly aggressive political legislation was making it more attractive to car manufacturers with time.

"The market so far tells a different story to the one I'm pushing for, but in time CNG will make progress," he said. "I'm sure nobody thought 'Mr Diesel' had a good idea at first, but look at the situation now."

Source: Autocar

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Kia Motors America Announces Kia Classic Winner to Receive New Range-topping Optima Limited

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IRVINE, Calif., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The third annual Kia Classic, from March 19-25, is attracting a strong field of LPGA players who will compete for a $1.7 million purse with the winner taking home a first-place check for $255,000 and one of the first range-topping 2012 Optima Limited midsize sedans to roll off the production line at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

"Kia is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the U.S., and sports marketing initiatives such as our involvement with the LPGA have significantly raised awareness and consideration for the brand and our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "We are pleased to offer an enhanced prize package for the winner of this year's Kia Classic.  The Optima Limited is Kia's most refined and premium product offering to date, and we are excited to showcase the vehicle to golf fans at the Kia Classic and reward some of the tour's best players for their outstanding performances."

In addition to the Kia Classic winner, Kia will honor the outstanding achievements of LPGA players this season by presenting the winners of the Kia Performance Award with an Optima Limited. The awards, which will be presented at the CME Group Titleholders event in November, include:

  • Kia Power Drive – Awarded to the player with the longest average driving distance
  • Kia Drive to the Top – Awarded to the player with the most Top 10 finishes
  • Kia Most Compelling Performance – Recognizing a player with exceptional performances throughout the year; this award is chosen by fans through an online vote
  • Kia Community Assist – Recognizing a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs

 

Following strong event-attendance and TV-ratings growth in the tournament's second year, Kia signed on as the "Official Automaker of the LPGA."  Kia also serves as the "Official Tournament Vehicle" of eight LPGA events.

New 2012 Optima Limited
Produced at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia[1], the new 2012 Optima Limited is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivering a class-leading 274 horsepower[2] and achieving 22/34 mpg[3] (city/hwy).  Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima Limited is equipped with sporty red front brake calipers and uniquely designed 18-inch chrome wheels.  Other premium-level features include LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills.  Interior appointments and amenities include rich wood trim, high-grade Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and an Infinity®[4] audio system. 

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling.  Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand.  In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality[5] and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking[6].  Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan[7].  Kia's value and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The LPGA Futures Tour serves as the official developmental tour of the LPGA, consistently producing a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage.

Courtesy of prnewswire.com

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

$1,000 Cash Back for all 2012 Kia Forte Koup Trims

Don't miss Kia's $1,000 Cash Back offer for all 2012 Forte Koup Trims, happening now at Paramount Kia Hickory!
Kia

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia Produces 500,000th Vehicle

West Point, Ga. Feb. 29, 2012 - This morning, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated production of the 500,000th vehicle at the West Point, Ga. automobile manufacturing facility.

KMMG began mass production of the Kia Sorento CUV on Nov. 16, 2009, a vehicle that quickly became the brand's best-selling product in the U.S. Then, on Sept. 2, 2011, KMMG began production of the Kia Optima mid-size sedan, a vehicle that led the brand's U.S. sales in December 2011 and January.

Since opening, KMMG has added two additional shifts of production with more than 3,000 team members hired by the plant to date. In 2011, KMMG completed a $100 million expansion that pushed the plant's total capacity to 360,000 units per year.

"Building 500,000 vehicles in just over two years is quite a milestone for our first U.S. manufacturing plant to accomplish," said Byung Mo Ahn, Group President and CEO for Kia Motors America and KMMG. "The commitment from each one of our team members is a big reason we've been able to achieve 17 consecutive months of record sales. Their dedication to building world class, high quality vehicles is apparent in each vehicle we produce."

Vehicle number 500,000 was a snow white pearl Optima SX and will now be allocated to one of KMA's more than 755 dealerships nationwide.

Courtesy of kiamedia.com

Opt