Kia VG Flagship (now updated with new pics)
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,439
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From: il
All these Kia pics look like Audi R8 especially the front.
Looks like that Audi designer only knows how to design Audi cars. Kia hired the wrong person. I don't like the fact that the designer is from Audi. I want the Koreans to do the designing. They need to work on creativity. When I used to go to CCS (Center for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI) it's the creativity that counted the most, bringing lots of ideas.
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Looks like that Audi designer only knows how to design Audi cars. Kia hired the wrong person. I don't like the fact that the designer is from Audi. I want the Koreans to do the designing. They need to work on creativity. When I used to go to CCS (Center for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI) it's the creativity that counted the most, bringing lots of ideas.
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i disagree. Kia can't afford to design something too original. i think Soul is enough for their attempt for originality in design.
it is too risky for them especially for their flagship. let them grow first then when they have luxury to be original than go for it. consumers won't care if their Kias looks similar to audi. it's a good thing for them, at least for now.
this will outsell current amanti by 3-4 times. it will be a home run if they stick with this design. it does look almost production ready.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,806
Likes: 7
From: californication
i disagree. Kia can't afford to design something too original. i think Soul is enough for their attempt for originality in design.
it is too risky for them especially for their flagship. let them grow first then when they have luxury to be original than go for it. consumers won't care if their Kias looks similar to audi. it's a good thing for them, at least for now.
this will outsell current amanti by 3-4 times. it will be a home run if they stick with this design. it does look almost production ready.
it is too risky for them especially for their flagship. let them grow first then when they have luxury to be original than go for it. consumers won't care if their Kias looks similar to audi. it's a good thing for them, at least for now.
this will outsell current amanti by 3-4 times. it will be a home run if they stick with this design. it does look almost production ready.
kia's originality has sucked every since day 1
This however, is a smart move.
i wouldn't consider this car as copying other brands, since the audi guy designed it. plus, audi is now going another direction with their tail lights.
it is interesting how much emphasis there is on the console computer. They probably have the most integrated OEM mp3/digital audio player, with usb port and all.
does ANY lexus model have a usb port?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,439
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From: il
kia managed to pass mazda with their boring lineups. i don't know how much they sold Soul, but it probably didn't help them much yet. imagine kia offering an german like 'amanti' or whatever they call this. it would sell ALOT and kia will keep eating pies. with a new sorrento, and upcoming Forte coupe, Kia will make noise again and again. our perception of Kia is still cheap, value oriented, 'poorman's hyundai, but it will quickly change within 2-3 years. just like how our perception of hyundai has drastically changed in last 2-3 years.
anyway, i honestly think being original is overrated. just look at acura. their grill really is original, but it's not doing them any good. we are making fun of them everyday.
anyway, i honestly think being original is overrated. just look at acura. their grill really is original, but it's not doing them any good. we are making fun of them everyday.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
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From: MA
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,041
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From: Southeastern PA
Actually, I'm from north Texas.
I'm not saying these cars won't be reliable, but they will have to establish a record of reliability. I don't doubt that there are other manufactures besides Toyota and Lexus that can deliver high reliability.
Also, they will need to build a luxury dealer network to compete with the established luxury brands. Many people who drive luxury cars expect upscale dealerships with service above and beyond the norm. They expect nice loaners when their cars are in for service and comfortable and luxurious waiting areas. These things cost money. Competing brands will have to allow profit margins high enough to allow their dealers to provide this.
I welcome the competition. It will be the end users who will benefit.
I'm not saying these cars won't be reliable, but they will have to establish a record of reliability. I don't doubt that there are other manufactures besides Toyota and Lexus that can deliver high reliability.
Also, they will need to build a luxury dealer network to compete with the established luxury brands. Many people who drive luxury cars expect upscale dealerships with service above and beyond the norm. They expect nice loaners when their cars are in for service and comfortable and luxurious waiting areas. These things cost money. Competing brands will have to allow profit margins high enough to allow their dealers to provide this.
I welcome the competition. It will be the end users who will benefit.
As was debated with the Genesis, I do not think that the true target of this car is other luxury brands. I think the biggest source of new customers will be people looking at cars at our around the same price point, that see they can get much more "bang for the buck" with the Kia or Hyundai. For the price of an Avalon XLS Limited, if you can have a Genesis with more features, I think a lot of people will buy it. Same with this Kia. I just don't think it's realistic that LS and GS buyers are suddenly getting thrifty and buying a Kia or Hyundai.
And if you are coming from a Honda, Nissan, Toyota, or other non-lux brand, the Kia or Hyundai dealer network is not much of a change from what you had already.
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,806
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From: californication
since kia is using the hyundai parts bin, i'd assume kia is now pretty reliable.
hyundai and kia finally got smart and realized that a car's sales has 90% to do with exterior styling, and 10% everything else.
a hot looking car will sell itself.
in the past, hyundai and kia were unreliable AND ugly..
hyundai and kia finally got smart and realized that a car's sales has 90% to do with exterior styling, and 10% everything else.
a hot looking car will sell itself.
in the past, hyundai and kia were unreliable AND ugly..
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 40
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From: tx
Kia's chief designer, Peter Schreyer, used to work for VW/Audi Group before he joined Kia. He designed the Audi TT.