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Kia teases e-AWD Soul concept for Chicago

Kia let slip just a few days ago that it is preparing an outdoorsy concept based on one of its most popular models for the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. After a brief wait, we are getting our first look at an unnamed e-AWD concept – or at least the front third of it. By all accounts, it looks to be rough and tumble version of its popular Soul compact. Beyond some tougher looks, the concept will get some extra oomph from an electric all-wheel drive system. Plus, to fit its inspiration of letting city dwellers go on off-road adventures, the styling wears a few tweaks from Kia's California design studio. The teaser shows off black body cladding around the lower air dam and wheel wells. The headlights also appear blacked-out with white trim around them for contrast, and the orange highlights in the wheels provide some visual pop. We're curious to see if Kia will do anything else for this Soul concept's design and how much power the electric all-wheel drive system adds. With the way the teaser image is tightly cropped, it could be a different bodystyle altogether, from a convertible to a pickup. All will be revealed when the concept is unveiled on Thursday, February 12, at the show. For the moment, we're just happy it appears that Kia is finally formally entertaining the idea of an AWD Soul. Kia Motors America will unveil an advanced and capable electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) concept vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. This bold off-roader was conceived by Kia's California design studio and built for city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. Intended to enable a wide array of outdoor activities from skiing and snowboarding, to camping, hiking and mountain biking, this rugged runabout captures the essence of adventuring at higher elevations with the promise of surefootedness in the wild. Kia's newest concept will be revealed on the Kia stand Thursday, February 12 at 9 AM. See you there. News Source: Kia Design/Style Green Kia Crossover Hatchback Concept Cars Hybrid

Hyundai predicts 250-mile electric vehicle by 2020

Hyundai will start selling a battery-electric version of its Ioniq in the US later this year, but the company is ready for much more. Hyundai is forecasting having an EV with a 250-mile single-charge range by the end of the decade. Hyundai executive Ahn Byung-ki told Automotive News that, while electric-vehicle technology development has been steady during the past six years, it will accelerate during the next two. Think of it as the "hockey stick" effect, but for South Korean automakers instead of Silicon Valley tech giants or Canadian hockey players. The Ioniq, which will also get plug-in and hybrid variants, will have a single-charge range of 110 miles when the EV version arrives in November. After that, Hyundai and its Kia and Genesis sister companies may develop a 200-mile range EV for 2018, and then that 250-mile-range car for 2020. Byung-ki isn't concerned that the Ioniq will quickly be outdated because the longer-range vehicles will also be priced higher. The Hyundai executive also said the company had no plans to take on Tesla Motors in the luxury EV market. The Ioniq EV was unveiled at the New York Auto Show this past March. A hybrid version of that sedan debuted in South Korea in January, while the EV went on sale in South Korea last month. Overall, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are planning to introduce 10 hybrids, eight EVs, eight plug-in hybrids, and two hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles by the end of the decade. The Hyundai group's only electric vehicle currently sold in the US is the Kia Soul EV, which has a single-charge range of 93 miles as well as some dancing hamsters in its commercials. Neither the Tesla Model 3 nor the Chevrolet Bolt can make that second claim. Related Video:

2017 Kia Model Year Preview and Updates

Kia continues its growing market momentum on the strength of three all-new intros and/or updates, along with its selection as a top pick by Consumer Reports. Kia's Niro - pictured above - is an all-new hybrid, combining a fairly conventional crossover profile with front-wheel drive and up to 50 miles-per-gallon. Also of note: Later in the '17 calendar year most dealers will receive the all-new STINGER GT, first introduced at the '17 Detroit Auto Show. KIA CADENZA: Kia's upsized, upscale Cadenza presents a near-luxury ownership experience without the penalty of a near-luxury price point. Its new platform is stronger, lighter and more rigid, while the interior is dramatically upscale. Finally, the Cadenza boasts Kia's first application of an eight-speed automatic in a front-wheel drive powertrain. FORTE: Kia's sedan and hatchback enjoy freshened styling and a new, 2.0-liter base powertrain. There is also the optional availability of a whole suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning and Dynamic Bending Light, which allows your lights to follow the direction of your steering wheel. K900: Kia's large, rear-wheel-drive sedan is unchanged for 2017. NIRO: Kia's all-new hybrid crossover is an outlier in the hybrid segment, with the high hip point and generous greenhouse of a crossover and a projected EPA estimate of 50 miles per gallon (combined) efficiency. It is powered by a normally-aspirated 1.6-liter four and electric motor, delivering a total system horsepower of 139, and 195 pound-feet of torque. OPTIMA: Following a redesign in 2016, Kia's midsize entry enjoys package refinements, standard 18-inch wheels on SX trim, a new value package on the 1.6T and new colors. More significant is the addition of both an Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The Hybrid promises to be 10-percent more efficient, while the plug-in will offer an estimated electric-only range of 27 miles. RIO: New colors and a discontinued four door SX highlight the changes. SOUL: Kia's two-box box adds new alloy wheel designs, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on Plus and Excalibur trims. And news of two new colors pales when compared to the Soul Exclaim's new turbo powerplant, connected to a seven-speed DCT transmission. SOUL EV: UVO eco is now on EV and EV+, while all trims receive an upgraded fast charge and a second-generation Pedestrian Warning System.