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The 2012 Kia Kue Concept employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking elements of what makes a CUV to a new level, namely performance. KIA Kue Concept is designed first and foremost as a driver’s vehicle. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement center than on how much it can haul.
The 2012 Kia Kue Concept has a monocoque platform that sits on 22-inch tires with a wheelbase of more than 114 inches, packaged in an overall length of 186 inches. Though purely a concept, the Kia Kue Concept does, however, hint at future styling directions for Kia Motors. Good design shouldn’t look like you are trying too hard,” said Tom Kearns, KMA chief designer. The future Kia direction will incorporate the ‘less is more’ philosophy but still include a heavy dose of boldness to be distinct.
With its four wheels pushed to the corners and exterior skin tautly stretched over its underpinnings, the Kue Concept sits powerful and poised. Draped muscular wheel flares play a nice contrast to crisp beveled sections found elsewhere on the body. Swept back headlights connect to the front grille to create a clean, aggressive down-road appearance. The side window shape flows effortlessly into the rear backlight where two centerline hinging doors open to access rear storage. A single side door that incorporates a negative skive shape opens scissor style for easy ingress and egress.
On the inside Kia Kue Concept continues the clean, athletic theme with bold understated simplicity. With a four-passenger seating arrangement and custom-built bucket seats, Kue Concept is a vehicle both driver and passengers can enjoy. A technology-driven interface designed to adjust to driver and passenger preference is the focus of the interior functionality. Touch pad and motion-sensing controls are used to adjust things like audio and climate, and the entire system is programmable so that one surface may activate the stereo for one driver and temperature for another. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface.
The generation-next functionality of the interior is complemented by the use of sophisticated seat and surface materials and a modern color palette. Carefully selected materials and textures are vital components to the interior design of Kue, and they create an upscale feel that is both modern and inviting. A mid dark interior theme with highlights was chosen in place of the typical light interior common to many concept cars. Overall, the Kue Concept interior presents a new perspective of upscale function with an emphasis on comfortable, user-friendly interaction.
Just as inviting is KIA Kue appeal to be driven in a sporty fashion. Fitted with a 400-horsepower, DOHC, supercharged 4.6-liter V8 that twists out 400 lb-ft of torque, Kue is a true performance vehicle. Helping the driver harness all that power is a full-time all wheel drive system yielding predictable driving characteristics both on- and off-road. Developed by the KMA design team as an expression of Kia’s global design language, the Kia Kue Concept is a true reflection of the Kia brand and the passion it embraces.
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Posted in: KIA
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