Kia to sell sporty KOUP in 2009 in China for 200,000 yuan

Shanghai, May 12 (Gasgoo.com) Kia Motors will introduce a KOUP sporty car to China in mid-2009, said general manager of Kia Motors (China). This model is developed with the twin-turbocharged sporty car KOUP concept as the prototype. The mass-produced KOUP concept, available in 1.6Land 2.0L engines, will be styled in American California with an expected price at around 200,000 yuan ($28,571), close to Kia's Coupe.

The design of concept KOUP is similar to Spectra5 SX concept launched at the SEMA auto show last year. The headlamps are reminded of the BMW CS concept, and the rear is strikingly similar to Mitsubishi's EVO. The beltline, beginning beneath the carbon fiber wing mirrors, plummets to define the slightly sculpted sides and terminates into the rear end.

Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 39.9kgm at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. The KOUP is also equipped with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which should keep things composed and comfortable when the going changed.

The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including convenient smart key with the push-button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

In safety performance, six airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electric Brakeforce Dis-tribution(EBD) and Telephony Control Protocol Specification(TCS) provide standard safety for the KOUP. Also included is the adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP's advanced safety technology.