First images of Kia KV7 concept car pop up to the web.
Kia Motors America has officially unveiled a new design study called KV7at the 2011 NAIAS.
Conceived as a modern-day “activity van,” the KV7 concept challenges the notion that vans are strictly for family transportation and reveals a vision for a vehicle with the functionality to transport a large number of people and their belongings while also serving as a connected social hub for groups of friends and adventure-seekers.
The KV7 concept’s design stands in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses found throughout the van segment, and builds on the philosophy of “embracing the box” established by Kia’s funky Soul urban passenger vehicle to create a unique and alluring design language that brings SUV-like qualities to the segment.
Note: production version of the KV-7 is called the 2016 Kia Sedona.
“From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty’ to their minivan, even though vans, at their very core are simply a box,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Motors America. “Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Kia Soul, and the result is a straightforward yet sophisticated vehicle that retains the functionality vans are known for and meets the changing and diverse needs of today’s consumers.”
Unlike many concept cars, the Kia KV7 does not sit upon a hybrid ( or electric) car platform. Instead, it uses more conventional, but highly-advanced turbo-charged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which incorporates gasoline direct injection -GDI technology. In the combination with Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission, the 285-horsepower 2.0L Theta II GDI engine delievers V6-type power and performance while maximizing fuel efficiency.
Kia KV7 concept image gallery:
Official Kia KV7 press release:
Kia KV7 boasts modern, confident exterior
Kia Motors’ design-led transformation has infused emotion and passion into the brand’s lineup of new and recently introduced vehicles, and the inspiration for the KV7 concept was found in the simplicity of elegant box shapes such as sleek smart phones and classic pieces of luggage.
The KV7’s wide stance is paired with an A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans and its smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels exude a modern appearance while projecting the confidence and strength of an SUV.
The KV7 concept’s most striking feature is its passenger-side gullwing door, which creates a massive point-of-entry to the lounge-like interior when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door.
The KV7 concept’s inviting face is highlighted by an interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design to create a clean, smooth look. The KV7 features several LED lighting elements that Kia’s design team is evaluating for future production vehicles, including a continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle and directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled.
The KV7 concept’s distinctive windshield follows the unique designs found on the new Sportage CUV and Optima midsize sedan, and a series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar provide uninterrupted views of a day at the beach or a night out on the town. And despite its non-traditional look, the KV7’s length (191.85 in.), width (80.0 in.) and wheelbase (122.0 in.) are consistent with the van segment and allow flexible seating configurations and a multitude of storage options.
Interior of the KV7 concept
In the process of rethinking what a van’s exterior appearance and image could be, Kia‘s Southern California design team also envisioned an interior to meet the needs of an entirely new group of consumers – a group of people referred to as “Ringleaders.”
Rather than using a van to transport children and their accompaniments, Ringleaders are busy organizing road trips, social outings and new adventures for themselves and their friends to experience together. As such, the KV7 concept’s interior employs four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver’s seat, and a rear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three and integrated storage compartments to promote interaction in an open social environment.
The simple yet sophisticated theme is brought to life inside the KV7 concept through its modern color palette featuring soft beige and green tones and the use of unique seat and surface materials. The KV7 utilizes a variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials help to foster a warm and inviting atmosphere.
When the KV7 concept’s push button start is engaged, the entire front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver, bringing all controls within easy reach, including the large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash. Rear passengers have their own, separate interface in the form of a floating tabletop touch-screen computer display.
The KV7 is Wi-Fi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with Internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle at one time and sign on to social networking sites.
Building on the experimental use of LED lighting elements found on the exterior, the KV7’s concept’s interior also features multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area to compliment the vehicle’s color palette.
The final element that separates the KV7 concept from the rest of the minivan crowd can be found under the hood – the concept is powered by Kia’s new Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine, which is capable of delivering up to 285 horsepower, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver V6-type power and performance while achieving better than 30 miles per gallon on the highway1.
Kia KV7 exterior dimensions:
Length: 191.85 in. (4873mm)
Width: 80.0 in. (2033mm)
Height: 42.6 in. (1082mm)
Wheelbase: 122.0 in. (3100mm)
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: P255/45R20
Tires: 20-in.
Kia KV7 exterior, interior features:
– Wide stance, smooth exterior skin and 20-inch wheels
– A-pillar and windshield design that is less vertical than traditional minivans
– Passenger-side gullwing door which creates a massive point-of-entry to when opened in conjunction with the pillar-less front passenger door
– A continuous line of LED fog lights that span the entire front end of the vehicle
– LED Directional turn indicators on the outside mirrors and the rear of the vehicle that pulse in the direction being signaled
– Interpretation of Kia’s signature bold tabbed grille with vertical LED headlamps integrated within the design
– A distinctive windshield and series of near-continuous windows starting at the A-pillar for maximum visibility
– Four custom-built swiveling seats, including the driver’s seatRear-corner mini-lounge with seating for three
– Integrated storage compartments
– Modern color palette featuring soft beige and green tones
– Unique seat and surface materials
– Variety of unconventional textures, including reclaimed teak wood flooring and sustainable wool and felt materials
– Front dash moves more than six inches toward the driver when push button start is engaged
– Large multi-use display which integrates infotainment, climate and navigation systems in one simple-to-use interface controlled by a trackball mouse mounted in the dash
– Rear floating tabletop touch-screen computer display
– Wi-Fi enabled cabin
– Ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones simultaneously
– Multiple flush-to-the-floor accent illumination points and standout green LED lighting throughout the front dash, instrument panel and rear display area
Kia KV7 engine, transmission information
– New Theta II 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged engine
– Up to 285 horsepower
– Six-speed automatic transmission
– V6-type power and performance while maximizing fuel efficiency
Looks like a minivan to me
Looks very similar to the new Chevrolet Orlando
I see the Kia KV7 as the replacement for Sedona MPV. What do you think?
Definitely a Kia Sedona replacement. Update: I LOVE the 2006 Kia Sedona I bought!! If people could get past the “Ego issue” of driving a minivan, the Sedona would be top seller. It is so comfortable, and it rides nicer than the Amanti. The only thing is the little squeaks and rattles that are characteristic of a minivan. I just might trade my 06 in for this when it hits the market….I am a little less than pleased with 21 MPG.
Refreshingly different, with the ‘new Kia look’. Appears more like a prduction model to me, most probably the replacement Sedona, which needs to be upgraded. Regardless of the KV7s fresh appeal, I still think that the ‘Soul’ concept vehicle has the shape and stance as an alternative MPV concept, which was not fully realised in the ‘Soul’ production model.
This Car looks amazing!!! well done kia cant wait to see the production model
Yeah replace the Sedona with this, and if KIA doesn’t do it this would be criminal.
In fact it’s criminal to have the Sedona on the lot one more day after seeing this.
Any one else think that its interesting that this concept doesn’t have roof rails? Wonder why
also if you look at the spacing from the back of the front seats to the back tail gate i am thinking there is only about 5.5 to 6 feet rather thatn the traditional 8 feet. I know Kia is trying to appeal to a different crowd but to make a CUV and call it a van is no different than a van being a CUV. call a spade a spade. This is a CUV, which is more than perfectly fine, but to call it a van just doesnt make sence. and I don’t know where those dimensions come form according to kia buzz the height is 68.1 inches. I don’t want to seem like a KIA hater because nothing is farther from the truth, it just doesn’t seem to make a ton of sence. It just isn’t a van. That is like calling the 2011 Ford Explorer which has the exact same seating, slightly larger dimensions, and same engine set up (2.0L turbo)and design cues a van????Really?? I love KIA. But this just angers me. It’s like Kia is saying we know the Van segment is soft and Kia hasn’t been selling many lets be like FORD and GM and come out with a 7 passenger SUV and call it a van and that way those people who like vans will still buy it because we call it a van and those people who don’t like vans will still buy it because it doesnt look like a van. ARGH
I drive a 2008 Kia Sedona and its perfect for my family of 5 (myself, wife, twin 6 year olds, and a 2 your old boy)
Most people who drive vans have small children and I am concerned about the safety of a front end collision. If kids are sitting on the “lounge” seat how safe is it from a front end collision?
As for the practical nature of a van how well will this fit my 3 kids stroller and groceries? From what I can tell it does not have any trunk space. If they replace the sedona with this I will be forced to buy a “groan” town and country. I see this as a rondo replacement not a van replacement. People who drive mini vans need space and this doesn’t look big enough. It would be a great car for people who car pool or grandparents that take the grand kids every so often but not a full time family mover.
Anybody else see the new Rio Sketches? It should be at Chicago.
Good points to all who comment. I am 24 and would in a heartbeat drive this vehicel, and a van …… i could probably be talked in to it. There is definitely the practicality of a van. My wife is due in march for our first and I think when we have our second child, this vehicle will be here and would be an awesome fit for us. The only thing I don’t like is the fact that everyone is still calling it a van. Thats like syaing that if you put conventional car doors on an odysee it would be a CUV or putting sliding doors on a traverse it would be a van, or like saying that the Rio5 is the worlds smallest suv with best in class aero dynamics. I hate the whole cross segment marketing crap. But I would definitely drive this…….vehicle.
Once toned-down a bit, and without gullwing doors, this will be ready for production and another hit for Kia