2008 Kia KOUP Concept
March 24, 2008 by George Skentzos
Introducing the Korean Camaro, better known as the Kia KOUP concept, which has been unveiled at the New York International Auto Show.
A surprisingly fresh and attractive offering from Kia, the KOUP concept signals a new design direction for the otherwise bland brand.
Flared wheel arches, twin exhaust outlets and an aggressive aerokit leave no doubt that this concept aims to lead Kia’s assault on the performance car market.
Carbon-fiber highlights are used extensively both inside and out, including on the stunning alloy wheels which cradle an impressive Brembo brake package.
Under the bonnet is a powerplant to match its menacing appearance, featuring a twin screw turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre Theta II four cylinder engine producing an impressive 217kW of power and 391Nm at just 2,000rpm.
The KOUP has more than enough potential on paper to compete not only with fellow turbocharged Korean sports car entrant, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0t, but also the flagship V6 Genesis Coupe.
However unlike the Hyundai, the Kia KOUP concept is built on a front-wheel drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension.
A seemingly production-ready interior uncharacteristic of the usually flamboyant Kia concept designs indicate this model is most likely destined for the production line in the near future.
Print it: 
Hey OZ, I think i will go with the 351 cubic inch engine with Tremec 5-speed transmissions.
Ford 8,8 limited slip differential would this be a good choice.. or if you go to http://www.python.au.com site they have some serious race engine setups that would be superb out of reach examples below;
PYTHON S/QC 4.6 LT V8
PYTHON S/QCS 4.6 SUPERCHARGED
PYTHON S/R QCS 4.6 SUPERCHARGED
ENGINE DOHC FORD COBRA 4.6LT V8 300hp
hey Cobra! I know alot of replicas have Jaguar suspension. And which 351 is it, Cleveland or winsor?
Here is what I have conjured up so far OZ,,,
Suspension:- Jaguar XJ6 Series II Front and Rear Gauges:- Smiths
Brakes:- Jag ventilated discs
Interior:- Black leather
Engine:- Ford 351 Windsor Stroker
Heads:- 302 Modified chambers, ports and valves
Carburettor:- Holley Ultra HP 650cfm DP Inlet manifold:- Edelbrock Performer 351
Cam:- Isky Racing
Coil:- Bosch HEC 716 coil :-)
actually golfschwein…
Honda has a civic coupe out, its not the type R either.
Its for the US market at the moment and Toyota has the scion tC here too, in which both cars are pretty much head to head in demographic market target.
This Kia looks similar to the civic coupe actually, if someone can google it or look it up. Its just a tiny bit but still.
And this car is actually nice looking, so kudos to Kia.
What the….hmmmmm????????????????????????????????
The Holden brigade will love this car sense they have a fond attraction to the lower grade of Korean sh*tboxes.
Bring it to Australia as the current Daewoo lovers will swap to Kia.
Arrr, Nasty, I think you’ll find most Holdenwoo buyers aren’t even aware that most of Holden’s lineup is Daewoo in disguise. Anyways, Kia left a bad taste in my mouth years ago when I worked for a Ford dealer that did Kia on the side. I’m guessing they’re probably better today than they were 10 years ago, but really they should stick to whitegoods like Toyota. Kia is definitely a product for the boganvillia “we wan’t something for nothing” brigade.
golfschwein – VW Freak = Same Person? :)
No, I’m just little old Golfschwein, Oz. Always have been. Some people HAVE to change their name regularly, but I’m not one of them. :)
Thanks for answering my question….
Cool car for a Mondeo rip off. The headlights/Taillights are Mitsi lancer/Alfa 149 or what ever. However the grill and the air intake under the bumper is pure Ford. You could stick a ford badge and call it a Mondeo/Falcon……lol
Yeah its a rip off of Mondeo……………………..
N e way, hot car.
Exterior is great. However, the interior screams Korean.
Nah Oz, golfschwein and I ain’t the same. I don’t post here too often…
well it looks great, but does it handle and perform great?
I’ll wait for topgear’s review…
(clarkson is bound to tell us if the boot doesn’t have enough space :D)
Woow sxcc as car!! how much is it??