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Kia KMS-4 Concept Coupe Shows Economy Doesn't Have to be Dull

31 March 1999

Kia KMS-4 Concept Coupe Shows Economy Doesn't Have to be Dull KIA MOTORS AMERICA The Kia KMS-4 concept coupe, which has its North American debut today at the New York International Auto Show, proves that economy cars don't have to be dull. (PR NewsFoto) [ES] NEW YORK, NY USA 03/30/1999     
    NEW YORK, March 30 -- Economy cars have often been called
"penalty boxes," but the Kia KMS-4 concept coupe, which has its North American
debut today at the New York International Auto Show, proves that economy cars
don't have to be dull.  The KMS-4 offers a lively, organic exterior styling, a
fresh, modular interior scheme and surprising performance from its four-
cylinder engine to vault itself out of the mundane, grocery-hauler class.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990330/LATU080 )
    Designed by Kia Motors Corp., in Korea, the KMS-4 has a face that brings
to mind classic Italian sculpture.  The front end has four grille openings,
faired headlights and separately mounted driving lights to provide a facade
full of character and interest.  The hood is studded with functional, gill-
like openings to improve breathing and reduce underhood heat that can diminish
performance.
    The heavily sculpted theme is carried through exaggerated rocker panels
that culminate in functional air scoops to provide air for the rear brakes.
Rear fender flares accentuate the taut, organic look of the vehicle.  At the
rear a simple, taillight treatment is complemented by an integral wing, a rear
fascia that suggests ground effects and aggressive dual chrome exhaust
outlets.  The alloy wheels are a simple, three-spoke design with wide cutouts
for brake cooling.
    Adding to the distinctiveness of the KMS-4 is a full glass roof.  The
sweeping arc of the glass roof is both eye-catching and functional, offering
more headroom than a traditional steel roof with fabric headliner.  The KMS-4
also features a solar cell to power electrical accessories.
    At 98.4 inches, the KMS-4's wheelbase is nearly the same as the Mitsubishi
Eclipse, but its overall length is nearly three inches shorter.  The KMS-4 is
also very wide for a small car, with an overall width of 72.4 inches.  At just
under 51 inches tall, it offers a sleek, aerodynamic look without sacrificing
front or rear headroom.  The well-integrated design also features body-color
bumpers, mirrors, door handles and grille.
    The KMS-4 is powered by a state-of-the-art Kia-designed 2.0-liter DOHC
four-cylinder engine.  Equipped with multi-port electronic fuel injection, the
16-valve engine delivers 151 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 114 lb.-ft. of torque
at 4,500 rpm.  Combined with an exceptionally low curb weight of just 1,980
lbs., the KMS-4 is expected to offer outstanding performance.
    The concept coupe's performance is enhanced by its unique Programmed
Semi-Automatic Shift transmission.  The PSAS transmission is operated by two
paddles placed immediately behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver to
activate up- and down-shifts in a matter of microseconds.  Five forward speeds
are available.
    The KMS-4's all-independent suspension has been tuned for responsive
handling, while retaining good ride comfort.  The sophisticated layout uses
MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link design in the rear.  Aiding
handling is a precise rack-and-pinion steering system that is equipped with an
engine-speed-sensitive power assist.  The final piece of the handling puzzle
is an aggressive tire and wheel package: 235/45R17 sport tires on 17-inch
alloy wheels.
    The KMS-4 is equipped with power-assisted vented front disc brakes, which
handle most of the braking, while at the rear drum brakes are fitted in
keeping with the economy theme.  A four-sensor, four-channel antilock braking
system is also fitted to the vehicle.
    Excellent interior ergonomics were part of the KMS-4 design parameters
from the beginning.  The car is a full four-passenger vehicle that doesn't
sacrifice rear seat room to styling considerations.  To enhance comfort, all
seat belts are fitted in the seats, which makes them more convenient to use
than pillar-mounted belts.
    The dashboard features a well-integrated, pod-like instrument cluster
containing a full array of gauges.  The pod groups all the instruments
conveniently and opens the interior to give driver and passenger a "command-
of-the-road" position.  A head-up road speed display enhances this effect.
    The smoothly contoured center console holds essential comfort and
convenience control as well as a Global Positioning Satellite navigation
system.  The easy-to-operate system makes cruising in unfamiliar areas simple
and trouble-free.
    On the safety front, the KMS-4 offers dual front and side airbags and an
emergency brake assist system.  The distance sensing and warning system alerts
the driver to potential collisions before they occur by sounding a
progressively more intense signal.
    Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia
Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.