Kia KOUP Concept

The New York Auto Show marked another interesting premiere, the Kia KOUP Concept, a very aggresive coupe concept, designed at the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif and which, as Tom Kearns, chief designer at KMA, “represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies. Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.”

The aggressive appearance of the Kia KOUP Concept is given by the front fascia, featuring a tab-shaped upper grille and the LED headlamps, plus glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome elements used. The concept also features a cool panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight.

The car is build on a front-wheel-drive platform and is powered by a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine which produces 290 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. This is possible by using a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency.

So, overall, the Kia KOUP Concept is one of the coolest concepts from New York and if Kia is really serious about the KOUP previewing future Kia design philosophy, things look really great.