Expect plenty of earthtone paint jobs in the next few years...

 

BASF releases global automotive color trend report

Green, bronze, brown go beyond the silver trend; 'naturally cultivated' berry and copper tones ahead

SOUTHFIELD, MI, July 26, 2012 -- Designers from BASF Automotive Coatings have announced the results of its latest automotive color trend report. In the report, BASF color experts from North America, South America, Europe and Asia provide a forecast of the automotive colors of the future.

Results from this year's report show future colors will be "naturally cultivated" with nuanced berry and copper tones, along with natural colors such as brown, blue and green.

"Although popular staple colors such as silver, black and white make up approximately 50 to 80 percent of current production, there is a rich diversity of potential shades that is returning to the market," said Paul Czornij, Technical Manager for the BASF Color Excellence group. "The increasing inclination of society to celebrate beauty in earth tones and more traditional green and blue hues is the basis for this trend."

In recent years, the color green has not played much a role on the roads, yet in four to five years, the color is predicted to become more popular. Similarly, white, silver, and gray will gradually wane in popularity at the expense of more saturated colors like blues and browns.

"There are signs from automakers and consumers that the desire for more color on the roads is continuing. We will be tapping into further color spaces, such as bronzes and emeralds," says Mark Gutjahr, Head of Design for BASF in Europe. "The continued high value assigned to the notion of ecology may now again be signified by the color green."

New diversity
The topic of sustainability continues to be on the radar, attracting attention to not only the environment, but also the everyday world. Finding novel ways to use materials, simplify lifestyles and have a closer focus on daily experiences are the main inspirations for this trend.

"The innovation that arises from this mindset nurtures a stronger awareness for things great and small, which in turn raises social responsibility," said Czornij. "Colors are being developed that evoke this sense of purpose, stretching the aforementioned blue, green and browns into both strong and subtle tones."

Materials that can be experienced
Modern communication technologies are triggering huge changes. Setting the tone are phenomena such as the increasing "dematerialization" of technology. In the future, technology will be less tangible in a haptic sense, and instead will be increasingly more intuitive. For example, smart phones use a touch display instead of a keypad.

"We are observing new narrative and haptic qualities in many areas. Heavy substances, striking surfaces and expressive materials such as wood and stone create a stronger emotional connection to the world we live in. In the automotive world, this means that we can expect more intensive colors and bolder effects," said Corinna Sy, Designer at BASF Coatings Europe. "The new colors are expressive, but not blatant, like a good story."

With dark berries, intensive browns and coppers, along with radiant emeralds, BASF designers anticipate powerful color experiences on the roads.

Global team - China
Carmakers are working and thinking globally. For this reason, BASF's design team has a global presence, sounding out international trends without ignoring regional features or color trends. In order to acknowledge the increasing significance of the Chinese automotive industry, and specifically the local manufacturers, the designers have included special colors, such as various shades of gold, in their trend collection.

The colors developed for China demonstrate the ability of BASF's Design Team to utilize its colorant tools and paint technology to span the range of bold blues to elegant browns, golds and grays. This reflects to the local market and its evolution to more interest in colors as an expression of self. The vivid hues support these trends and are balanced with metallic effects that bring increased prominence to this growing segment.

Check out the all new next gen Forte!

 

(SEOUL) July 23, 2012 – Kia Motors will introduce the next generation Cerato compact sedan later this year in its home market of Korea under a new name – 'K3' (domestic market only). Also known as Forte in some countries, the Cerato was Kia's global best-seller in 2011 with more than 445,000 units delivered.

While creating the latest model Kia's designers and engineers focused on giving the all-new Cerato futuristic and dynamic styling, with a more spacious cabin.

After going on sale in Korea, the all-new Cerato sedan will appear at Kia dealerships in many overseas markets during the first quarter of 2013, to be followed by five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants.

Kia Releases Name of new RWD Flagship (K9 in Korea)

 

Kia 'Quoris' flagship sedan promises premium driving convenience and innovative safety technologies

- New rear-wheel drive flagship to be named 'Quoris' for export markets
- Innovative driving assistance and active safety technologies
- Safety systems utilize radar, cameras and haptic technology

(SEOUL) July 18, 2012 – Kia's striking, rear-wheel drive, all-new flagship sedan will be called 'Quoris' when it goes on sale in overseas markets from the fourth quarter of 2012.

The new luxury model (known as 'K9' in the domestic market) went on sale in Korea in early May, and features a host of high-tech comfort and safety features, many of them never seen before on a Kia.

"Derived from the English words 'core' and 'quality', the name of our new flagship sedan hints at the attributes at the very heart of the vehicle," commented Thomas Oh, Kia's Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. "The word 'Quoris' conveys solidity, luxury and high-technology, all resonating together as a chorus.

"Our decision to give this striking new sedan an unconventional name means it will stand out even further from the established crowd, driving Kia sales in what is a new segment of the global automotive market for Kia," adds Mr. Oh.

Innovative 'active' safety technologies

The Kia Quoris will feature an array of high-tech driving assistance and active safety features.

"Quoris adopts a number of intelligent safety technologies never before seen on a Kia, in order to deliver maximum driver comfort and safety," comments Chang-Ki Kang, Senior Vice President of Kia's Namyang R&D Center.

"The Quoris can cruise at a desired speed, maintain a pre-determined 'safe' distance from the vehicle in front, and even come to a complete stop if necessary. Quoris can also detect and warn the driver of approaching potential hazards using innovative audio, visual and haptic alerts.

"Our new flagship sedan possesses remarkable abilities to monitor and detect changing traffic conditions, and is constantly processing information, immediately deciding the right course of action and precisely executing vehicle movement controls as necessary," concludes Kang.

Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC)

The Quoris employs Kia's first radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC). Located in the right side of the front bumper, the radar system constantly monitors the road ahead, up to a range of 174 meters.

With ASCC activated, the Quoris monitors traffic conditions and speed in order to maintain a pre-determined safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The driver can easily adjust this distance by choosing from four options (52, 40, 32 or 25 meters at a speed of 90 km/h) using a button on the steering wheel.

The Quoris will also automatically come to a complete stop, if necessary. When the stop is less than three seconds and traffic ahead moves off, the Quoris automatically moves forward, resuming the journey. For a stop longer than three seconds, the driver has to manually restart the vehicle by pressing the accelerator or pushing the resume button.

Advanced Vehicle Safety Management (AVSM)

The ASCC is linked to the rest of the vehicle controls by the Quoris' Advanced Vehicle Safety Management (AVSM).

Integrating the control of various vehicle monitoring systems, including the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seatbelt mechanisms and multiple warning systems, the AVSM can alert the driver, pre-pressurize the braking system and activate the Pre-Safe Belt (PSB) system, depending on the anticipated level of a collision risk.

Detecting a risk of a collision, AVSM warns the driver in three stages via a loud audible alarm, a visual warning on both the Head Up Display (HUD) and TFT LCD cluster and a haptic signal on the seatbelt.

Stage 1 At a low level of collision risk, a visual warning appears on the LCD cluster and HUD.

Stage 2 At a higher level of collision risk, in addition to the visual warning, an audio warning signal is sent out and the haptic seatbelt is activated via an electric motor, sending strong vibrations through the driver's seatbelt.

Stage 3 When a collision is imminent, the AVSM automatically applies the brakes to reduce the impact speed. The electric motor and pre-tensioners of the PSB system are also activated to retract the seatbelt and hold occupants closer to their seats, ensuring maximum occupant protection and minimizing abrasions caused by contact with the airbags.

Class-leading Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assistance

The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system for Quoris features two radar scanners located in each of the outer corners of the rear bumper. Each is capable of detecting objects up to 70 meters away from the rear, and four meters from each side.

Activated at vehicle speeds above 30 kph, BSD gives the driver a warning when a vehicle comes into the blind spot zone – an area approximately four meters wide along each side of the Quoris and extending more than six meters from the rear bumper.

Compared with sonic-based BSD systems, Quoris' radar-based BSD gives a longer detection range, which is also exploited by the Lane Change Assistance (LCA) system. LCA alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the rear at high speeds from up to 70 meters away.

If the system also considers the speed of approach to be a potential hazard – specifically if it calculates that a collision would occur within 4.5 seconds if no avoiding action is taken – it will illuminate a warning triangle graphic in the left or right door mirror glass and activate a warning signal on the HUD. If the driver does not react to this visual 'alert', an audible warning is also sounded.

Both the BSD and LCA systems can be deactivated by the driver, if required.

Lane Departure Warning System

While radars boast a superior ability to detect objects at long distances, cameras are used in Quoris to recognize the shape of closer objects such as lane markings.

A forward-facing video camera is at the heart of the new sedan's Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). It monitors the car's position in relation to lane markings and triggers a warning in case of unintended lane departures at speeds above 60 kph.

Around View Monitor system

Four cameras on each side of Quoris are used to create its class-leading Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which provides maximum convenience and safety during parking and low-speed maneuvering.

Unlike the majority of competitors' AVM systems with a field-of-view of less than a 270-degrees, the Quoris' system offers a true 360-degree all-around view in eight different viewing modes, displayed on the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) monitor.

Continuously synthesizing images from four cameras, the AVM provides a virtual 'top' view in motion, so the driver can easily have a full grasp of all his or her surroundings, maximizing safety for the car occupants as well as pedestrians. The AVM system automatically deactivates at speeds above 20 km/h.

The Batmobile Documentary feat. Chris Nolan, Tim Burton, Christian Bale and more!

For many of us the fascination with cars began with the Batmobile. Check out the trailer for the upcoming documentary featuring all of the Batmobile models in all of their glory. Which version is your favorite?

A new documentary is setting out to discern exactly where Batman gets his wonderful toys – more specifically, the Batmobile. The film will feature interviews with notable Batman movie directors including Chris Nolan, Joel Schumacher and Tim Burton, as well as actors like Christian Bale and even Adam West. From the looks of things, the documentary delves into every aspect of the Batmobile's evolution, from the early comics to the animated series and everything in between. With plenty of in-movie footage and words from stunt drivers and creators like George Barris, this looks to be the final word on epic transportation in Gotham City.

Visitors to this year's Comic-Con were treated to a special preview of the film, though the rest of us will have to wait until the holiday season to get a hold of either the digital download or a Blu-ray copy

 

Kia K9 Caught in California

The new Kia flagship sedan, the K9, which is currently only available in Korea was caught by the camera in Cali! What a beautiful car.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Come in and check out the Optima Hybrid

We have a great selection of Kia Optimas including the Hybrid model. Click HERE to visit to check them out!

Kia Mini-Minivan Spotted Testing in Michigan; Return of the Rondo?

 

Are mini-minivans on their way back in the U.S.? If the Kia prototype shown above is any indication, the answer is yes.

Spotted testing near Ann Arbor, Michigan, our sister publication found this tall-roof, seven-passenger van believed to be the next generation of the Kia Carens, known to you and me in the U.S. as the Kia Rondo. Or, if you heard the incessant radio commercials in the Greater Pittsburgh area in 2010, you know it as the “rockin’ Rondo.”

Last sold in the U.S. as a 2010 model, the Rondo was here for four model years before being discontinued amid slowing sales and a drive for a refocused brand image. Kia continued selling the Carens overseas, and now the time has come to give it a clean-sheet redesign.

Likely built off the same chassis as the European-market Kia Cee’d, which itself is based on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback, the future mini-minivan will likely carry the same formula as the current one—compact dimensions and seven-passenger seating. It will slot below the larger, next-generation Kia Sedona minivan, which is anticipated to debut for the 2014 model year.

Seeing the Kia Rondo replacement in the U.S. is no guarantee that it’ll be sold in the U.S. when it reaches production, as many foreign automakers test cars away from the markets where they will be sold. But seeing as the lineup of mini-minivans and small wagons is filling out here, with the Mazda5 and Toyota Prius v on sale already and the Ford C-Max coming for the 2013 model year, we wouldn’t bet against Kia re-entering our market with its redesigned small people hauler.

KIA MOTORS' RANGE-TOPPING OPTIMA SX LIMITED ARRIVES IN DEALERSHIPS

 

Fastest-Growing Automotive Brand in the U.S.1 Moves Upscale by Adding Premium Features and Materials to Critically Acclaimed Midsize Sedan

2013 Optima Limited builds on the foundation of Kia's award-winning, turbocharged Optima SX with enhanced appearance, technology, convenience and performance features

The top-tier Limited strengthens Optima's value proposition as the full Optima line provides exceptional residual values

IRVINE, Calif., July 2, 2012 - The 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited (SXL), which is the new top-tier trim level of the ultra-popular midsize Optima sedan line, is now arriving in dealerships with an MSRP under $35,000. First introduced at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the upscale Optima Limited went into production at Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia* in early-June and builds on the Optima SX's existing foundation of class-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency while adding a number of exclusive design and feature upgrades, including: 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake calipers, LED lighting and exterior brightwork. Within, the SXL boasts high-grade Nappa leather seating trim, rich wood grain accents and an electronic parking brake, which is exclusive to this trim level.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

"With the arrival of the Optima SXL, the Kia brand propels itself into a more premium class, which is something consumers have told us they want to see when they walk into our showrooms," said Tom Loveless, executive vice president of sales, KMA. "This Optima shows buyers that value and upscale character need not be mutually exclusive. For this reason, the SXL stands apart from traditional competitors in the midsize segment."

The SXL trim arrives on the heels of the Optima's record-breaking sales success and exceptional residual value from Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. Contrary to conventional industry residual value trends, the Optima's residual values improved for MY12 and again for MY13 following its launch as a 2011 model. Specifically, the Optima SX trim's notable rating of 57-percent of original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for 24 months of ownership is a full 10 points higher than the previous year.

The Optima SXL is based on the fully loaded turbocharged Optima SX, which Edmunds' Inside Line hailed as an "Editors' Most Wanted℠" mid-sized sedan. Including destination and handling, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Optima SXL is $35,275. Offered exclusively in Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl and Titanium Metallic exterior colors, the Optima SXL features many luxury details, including LED daytime running lights, chrome-accented rear spoiler and lower door sills, and wood interior trim. Standout red brake calipers can be seen through the Optima SXL's uniquely designed chrome 18-inch wheels while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers class-leading 274 horsepower5 and achieves 22/34 mpg (city/hwy).

Inside the cabin, high-grade black or white Nappa leather adorns the seats, door panels, center console armrest and center fascia trim for a premium feel. Wood accents can be found on the steering wheel, interior door trim and shift knob, and a black tricot fabric lends a premium feel to the headliner, sun visor, and A, B and C pillars. The Optima SXL also boasts an electronic parking brake, which is offered exclusively on this uplevel trim. A first-aid kit and cloth door weather strip round out the SXL package.

Top-of the-line Kia Optima SX Limited is now available with a host of premium features and materials

Like every Optima, the SXL projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic with a sleek silhouette, aggressive stance and sculpted elements that embodies the styling language chief design officer Peter Schreyer has created for the brand. Every 2013 Optima comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features, and the Optima SXL builds on the technology, performance and convenience features found on the Optima SX, including: unique front and rear lower bumper design, sport-tuned suspension, HID headlamps, Supervision™ meter cluster with LCD display, steering wheel paddle shifters, metal pedals, illuminated door scuff plates, panoramic sunroof, eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory, four-way power front passenger's seat, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, navigation system with back-up camera and SiriusXM Traffic™ and Infinity® audio system and speakers.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality9 and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking10. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.