What is it? With the Kue concept, Kia explores a crossover vehicle that
emphasizes performance. At 186 inches, the Kue is slightly longer than the
Hyundai Santa Fe, though its 114-inch wheelbase is significantly larger. The
Kue is powered by a 400-hp supercharged 4.6-liter V8, which could make it a
particularly fast mid-size SUV. The five-speed automatic transmission uses
paddle shifters. At each corner, massive 22-inch wheels are fitted. The
interior features gauges integrated with the steering wheel so drivers can
always see them, no matter how tall or short they are. Kia says the concept
is for the "hardware driver", the driver that drives to the hardware store
but takes the winding road.
What is new or notable: Even though this is purely a concept, the South
Korean manufacturer hints of future styling cues. As Hyundai continues to
expand its own product portfolio, it would be natural for Kia to follow suit
with a midsized SUV.
CR's take: The real news from Kia's press conference is that the Soul (a funky, boxy, youth-oriented SUV-thing) will show up as a production vehicle in 2008. (For pictures and more information you can look in our 2006 Detroit coverage to the left).
