Kia Rocks Detroit Auto Show

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) commonly referred to as the Detroit Auto Show is being held January 11-24. Kia has made quite a splash with the automotive press and car enthusiasts with its keen eye on the future and technology. 

Kia unveiled a cutting-edge hybrid electric, full-size premium SUV, the Telluride, hat pushes boundaries. Telluride’s front doors and rear-hinged back doors swing open 90 degrees in opposing directions, creating an inviting portal. Leather captain’s seats appear to float within the spacious cabin in front of a folded third-row bench and the middle seats recline nearly flat All seats are embedded with Smart Sensors to capture a passenger’s vital health information which are displayed on the interior door panel screens, which then systematically synchronize with a Light Emitted Rejuvenation (LER) system. The LER system utilizes a massive, wing-shaped LED panel mounted beneath the oversized sunroof that displays a pattern of therapeutic light to treat jet lag and improve the passengers’ energy levels. 

Another unique technology is Swipe Command which allows rear-seat passengers to quickly scroll and select desired media by simply swiping their hand. Passengers may listen to music through the seven-speaker premium Harman Kardon® audio system, or via a set of portable Harman Kardon® wireless headphones. Kia’s first use of 3D-printed components add a distinct, modern design element to the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel.

“This. This is what a good 4×5 looks like. Boxy. Upright. Simple…in my humble opinion, the platonic idea of a true SUV,” said Bob Sorokanich, Road & Track News Editor. Although there are no current plans to produce the Telluride, Kia has history of delivering vehicles based on its concept cars.

Kia also debuted a refreshed Forte and Forte 5. Visual changes are subtle, but the sedan features a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain engineered for improved fuel economy and performance, and advanced convenience and driver-assistance features.

NAIAS also provided Kia with another showcase for the totally redesigned 2016 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage, its hybrid HUV, the Novo and DriveWise, its new sub-brand for autonomous driving technologies that debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month.

Kia recorded its best sales year ever in 2015 and with an upcoming slate of innovative vehicles, it is poised for even greater future growth.