Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Kia Announces Electric Soul for 2014
Kia Motors announced that its popular utility car-ute, the Soul, with be getting an all electric powertrain in the future.
The Next Generation Of Kia Soul Will Retain Some Of Its "Distinctive Look" From Behind the standard (petrol) Kia Soul is now the oldest model in the Kia lineup. and will be undergoing a generational upgrade next year, and will likely debut at the Chicago or New York auto show in 2013.Kia (and by extension) Hyundai has been slow to offer electric drive technology, but recently the company did introduce an Mondeo-class Optima HEV in Europe that has a 148bhp Atkinson engine and a 39bhp electric motor.After the new gas Kia Soul debuts in 2013, the integrated electric drive model will come to market in 2014 according to the company. No other details or specifications were given.Courtesy of Inside EVs
Monday, October 8, 2012
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
Maintain your transmission.
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter after the first 5,000 miles (8,000 km) and after every 25,000 miles (40,000 km) or two years thereafter, or as recommended in your owner’s manual. If you use your vehicle for towing, change the fluid and filter every year. For manual transmissions, change the lubricant (motor oil or gear oil, depending on the car) after the first 5,000 miles and after every 50,000 (80,000 km) thereafter. Use synthetic motor oil or gear lube for longer transmission life unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Kia Motors and DC Entertainment Band Together to Create a Fleet of Justice League-Inspired Vehicles for Hunger-Relief Effort
Kia Motors America (KMA), one of the fastest-growing car companies in the U.S.[1] over the last five years, has joined forces with renowned comic book publisher DC Entertainment, to bring the World's Greatest Superheroes to life by combining automotive styling with comic book art. The partnership, which will yield eight individually customized vehicles, harnesses the talents of legendary comic book artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee, who has collaborated on the design of each car with his vision for each iconic member of DC Comics' Justice League.
Each core member of the Justice League line-up – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg – has been matched to a Kia vehicle based on key attributes and character traits to create custom, one-of-a-kind rides to be unveiled over the next ten months at major auto shows and comic-cons across the U.S.The Kia-DC Entertainment partnership will yield a total of eight vehicles timed to be unveiled around five major events around the U.S., including New York Comic-Con, SEMA Show in Las Vegas, North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Wonder-Con and San Diego Comic-Con. Many of Kia's most recognizable and decorated models – the Optima, Soul, Sorento, Sportage, Rio and Forte will wear the iconic colors and marks of the legendary Justice League Super Heroes and be built by West Coast Customs, RIDES magazine, Import Tuner magazine and others."Kia and DC Entertainment are both global brands sharing a youthful and creative mindset, and both serve to inspire and exhilarate their respective fan bases," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "This partnership will allow us to band these two great brands together in an effort to make the world a better place through the 'We Can Be Heroes' campaign. And with Jim Lee's vision combined with the efforts of some of the best customizing shops in the business, it's going to be a lot of fun unveiling these cars around the country."The partnership between KMA and DC Entertainment was conceived to benefit "We Can Be Heroes" (www.WeCanBeHeroes.org), a giving campaign, dedicated to helping fight hunger in the Horn of Africa and inspired by the heroism of the iconic Justice League characters. "We Can Be Heroes" encourages everyday people to join the fight by getting involved and donating to bring help and hope to the people most affected by the hunger crisis. Each vehicle will feature a customized piece of Lee's specially-designed artwork to be auctioned at the conclusion of the program with all net proceeds going to the "We Can Be Heroes" program. In addition to the seven vehicles inspired by the individual superhero characters, the Kia-DC Entertainment partnership will culminate with a fully-drivable custom car that encompasses each member of the Justice League that will be auctioned off to raise money for the cause. Kia will help to raise awareness for the "We Can Be Heroes" campaign throughout the partnership through customized "We Can Be Heroes" license plates, signage, collateral materials and in-vehicle video displays."DC Entertainment is pleased to be partnering with Kia on this program to help raise awareness and funds for the devastating hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa," said Amit Desai, SVP of franchise management, DC Entertainment. "Each of the iconic members of the Justice League is a superhero in his or her own right, but when they band together as the Justice League, they become an unstoppable force for good and right. The Justice League reminds us that when we combine our efforts with others, we can create a world of change. And that we can do all that and more with style and panache. The Justice League characters look amazing on some of Kia's best-looking and technologically-advanced vehicles."SOURCE Kia Motors America
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
2013 Kia Optima SX Limited "Appealing" Commercial (Video)
Introducing the 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited with 18" chrome wheels, LED lighting, Nappa leather-trimmed seats, an electronic parking brake and sport-tuned suspension.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
Maintain your car’s battery.
Maybe the manufacturer says your battery is maintenancefree, but don’t you believe it! Check your battery regularly to extend its life and avoid the hassle of being stranded with a dead battery. Begin with the simple: keeping your battery clean. A dirty case can actually cause current to drain. Wipe with a damp rag. Use a mild detergent if necessary.Next, clean the battery posts or terminals. Loosen and remove the negative cable (black or minus sign) first, then the red positive cable. Use a brass wire battery brush dipped in a paste made from a few tablespoons of baking soda and a little water.
Inspect the battery case for damage, such as cracks or bulges — signs that a battery needs to be replaced.
Reinstall the cables, positive first, and coat the terminals and clamps with a thin coating of grease to prevent new corrosion.