Spied: 2011 Kia Optima/K5 (TF)

Hot on the heels of the forthcoming domestic launch of Kia's K7/Cadenza, we bring you the latest spy shots of Kia's upcoming replacement for the mid-size Optima sedan, to be called K5 in the Korean market. The current-generation Optima, badged as Lotze in Korea, made its debut in November 2005 and was significantly revised for 2009 with major styling updates.

Scheduled to make its Korean debut in April 2010, the upcoming Optima/K5 (code-named "TF") will be a complete redesign. As indicated by spy shots, Schreyer's latest work will also be substantially larger compared to the current model.

Stylistically, the K5 is a stunning departure from the mundane style of the generation it will replace. The front end will feature Kia's sleek corporate fascia(for reference, see the new Sorento and Forte) incarnated by Peter Schreyer. As evident in a close-up shot, the K5 will also be available with LED headlights in the Korean market. The side profile is highlighted by a sweeping chrome window sill that extends to the trunk lid. The rear-end will ostensibly resemble the K7/Cadenza.

As of now, we have no confirmed details on what engines will be available for the new K5. The 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder will certainly be one offering, as well as the 2.4L GDI (gasoline direct injection) 4-cylinder with an output of 201 horsepower. In addition, we expect an array of diesel and LPI engines to be offered in various markets. The North American model will likely be available with a 3.5L Lambda II V6 as well.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots in future posts.

Continue reading to view more spy shots of the K5.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Debuts in Forza Motorsport 3 for Xbox 360

Racing game enthusiasts will be able to test their driving skills in the Genesis Coupe in "Forza Motorsport 3," launched in the U.S. on Oct. 27, exclusively on Xbox 360. Developed by Turn 10 Studios, "Forza Motorsport 3 unites the racing game genre where players will live out their dreams behind the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars, including a roster of Hyundai favorites."

"Genesis Coupe's participation in 'Forza Motorsport 3' will raise Hyundai's awareness with driving enthusiasts and the very important youth segment," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of Marketing at Hyundai Motor America. "The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car and for it to appear in such a realistic racing simulator is awesome."

The vehicles can be driven on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. Breathtaking HD graphics and advanced vehicle performance modelling make "Forza Motorsport 3" arguably the most realistic racing game in the market today. To celebrate the flourishing "Forza" community, Hyundai will be gifting a free downloadable vehicle package on Xbox LIVE on Nov. 17, 2009. The package will include the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, HKS Genesis Coupe and a one-of-a-kind Genesis Coupe.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will also boast its own race series within the Career mode of the game. Hyundai is also developing an online photo and video upload contest for "Forza" gamers who can show off their best in-game photo and video of the Genesis Coupe in action.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America via Reuters]

Kia Releases Soul Tempest Limited Edition for U.K.

Kia Motors has launched a limited-edition Soul "Tempest" for the UK market today. Replacing the outgoing "Samba" model, the Tempest is the latest addition to the automaker's Original Collections line-up in the UK.

The Tempest comes in a Titanium Silver finish with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. As for the interior, the Tempest gets 'Soul-Shine' black seat trim with metallic center fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters.

Other key features of the limited edition model include a reversing camera system with electrochromic rearview mirror and an upgraded audio system featuring a dash-top centre speaker, rear sub-woofer and external amplifier.

The Soul Tempest is available with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines with prices starting from £12,845.

[Source: Kia Motors]

Continue reading for the press image.

Hennessey Builds 500 HP Carbon Fiber Genesis Coupe: SEMA 2009

PRESS RELEASE: HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL TRANSFORMS HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE INTO 500-HORSEPOWER BEAST FOR SEMA

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/29/2009 - Demonstrating the wide range of aftermarket potential for the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Motor America has partnered with Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) and the Tuner School to develop a powerful entry for this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The matte black, carbon fiber-wrapped Hennessey Genesis Carbon Coupe is designed with a high-end European look and performance capabilities to match. The vehicle will be in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth # 24387).

Founded by HPE president John Hennessey, Tuner School is a 14-week program dedicated to teaching its students the secrets to success in the high-performance automotive aftermarket. It was established as a way to offer its students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals in the field, and springboard their career in the aftermarket industry.

“The Genesis Coupe architecture is the ideal platform for tuners looking to make everyday modifications to their vehicles and our students at the Tuner School took full advantage,” said Hennessey. “The visually stunning complete carbon fiber matte black wrap and high-end performance benchmarks create a monster SEMA car.”

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

HPE and the Tuner School will blow away the SEMA crowd with its Genesis Coupe achieving 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft of torque, an estimated 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.5 seconds. These aggressive performance capabilities were accomplished through a variety of engine modifications. The Genesis Carbon Coupe features a Hennessey Custom Single Turbo System, Precision 66 mm ball bearing turbocharger, Tial blow-off valve and 44 mm wastegate, a HKS boost controller and upgraded injectors and fuel pump, among other additions.

“To work with a leading tuner such as John Hennessey and his Tuner School is a testament to the potential of our rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With its 500 horsepower and 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds we expect this vehicle to be one of the stars of SEMA.”

On the outside, SEMA Show attendees will find Savini lightweight wheels with chrome lips and silver centers, Eibach springs and Brembo lightweight rotors.

HENNESSEY TUNER SCHOOL

Tuner School's unique curriculum immerses its students in a combination of classroom education and hands-on experience, all while surrounded by the day-to-day operations of HPE's 30,000+ square-foot facility. Spanning a range of horsepower-induced topics, including engine building, forced induction and dyno testing, Tuner School covers all aspects of building and modifying some of the fastest cars in the world. With dozens of high-horsepower vehicles coming and going, students are placed in a rare position to experience every nuance of working within a high-performance automotive business. For more information, please visit www.TunerSchool.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

Pagani Zonda C12 F Roadster The Fastest European Cars

Origin: Italy
Price: $683,592
Top Speed: 214.4 mph
0-60: 3.5 seconds

When Pagani took the wraps off this convertible version of its flagship supercar at this year's Geneva Auto Show, it caused a noticeable stir. Built alongside the regular production version, the Zonda F is Pagani's tribute to five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio. While the F shares the same basic shape with all Zondas,

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

The 458 Italia looks impressive from any angle as it has a design that has never been seen before on any Ferrari. The high performance sports car comes complete with a new engine, improved aerodynamics, upgraded handling and improved instrumentation and ergonomics inside the cabin.

The wedge shaped body was penned by Pininfarina, while the interior was left up to the work of Donato Coco,

Hyundai Genesis Receives Custom Paint Job: SEMA 2009

PRESS RELEASE: GENESIS SEDAN TO RECEIVE CUSTOM PAINT GRAPHIC LIVE AT SEMA

Street Concepts and Designer Courtney Mason Bring an Artistic Display to the Show Floor

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/28/2009 - Hyundai Motor America and Street Concepts, one of the leading developers of auto show vehicles, bring custom vehicle design live to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show with a paint demonstration on a Genesis sedan. Detroit-based illustrator and graphic designer Courtney Mason will paint a one-of-a-kind graphic on a Pearl White Street Concepts Genesis sedan in Hyundai’s display at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov. 3–6, 2009 (booth #24387). This marks the eighth consecutive year Hyundai has partnered with Street Concepts.

Using special paint pens, Mason will place her signature stamp on a “blank canvas” Genesis sedan. Mason’s illustrations are typically figurative and inspired by organic forms found throughout nature. As the co-founder of Studio Jellyfish (http://www.studiojellyfish.com), Mason has worked with clients such as Nokia, Motorola, Sony BMG, VH1 and Rockstar Games.

In addition to the graphic, the Street Concepts Genesis exterior will be outfitted with 3M carbon fiber roof panels, black chrome accents by Chrome Tech, and upper and lower spoilers from RKSport. The vehicle will boast upper and lower E&G front mesh grilles also finished in black chrome by Chrome Tech. Interior features include custom suede and piano black detailing as well as carbon fiber dash accents.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Continue reading for the complete press release.

“The Genesis sedan serves as the perfect platform for a one-of-a-kind high-performance vehicle at SEMA,” said Shawn Williams, owner, Street Concepts. “We were able to capitalize on what the Genesis already has to offer – smooth lines, luxurious interior features and a world-class Tau V8 engine – to create a customized vehicle sure to inspire the tuner crowd.”

The custom Genesis will showcase Nutek Series 530 22-inch wheels featuring Chrome Tech black chrome wheel centers with black lips and General Exclaim UHP tires. Eibach lowering springs, Brembo brakes and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust will further enhance the performance of the standard 4.6-liter V8 engine, improving on the impressive 375 horsepower pumped out by the factory engine.

Audio and video enhancements will include a custom Harman International audio system, Nav-TV interface and Vizualogic headrest monitors.

“Matching the sophisticated design of the Genesis sedan with the artistic ability of Courtney Mason and the show-car experience of Shawn Williams created a ‘dream team’ for SEMA,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Inspired by the creative minds involved in the project, we decided to showcase the final design of the vehicle live on the showroom floor to involve the SEMA crowd in the experience.”

STREET CONCEPTS

Street Concepts was formed in June 1998 to build award-winning show vehicles for the corporate world. Street Concepts has built numerous top quality show vehicles for an array of manufacturers including Kenwood USA, Oakley, Toyo Tires, MHT Wheels, Mazda Design and several local radio stations. Street Concepts vehicles have graced the pages of magazines such as Truckin’, Street Trucks, Today’s SUV, Lowrider, Lowrider Euro, Import Tuner, Car Audio, Hot Rod and Motor Trend.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.