Kia VG Spy Shots

[jwaters943]

Okay, I know the description says it's Azera-based (FWD), but from what I can tell the proportions look a lot like the RWD Genesis. The wheels are the same as the V6 Genesis (minus the chrome inserts on each spokes and the centercaps). The sharkfin antenna and sideview mirrors also look the same.

More info: http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/07/16/kia-vg-spy-shots

 

[GrandPrix08]

I first saw it a few days ago when someone posted them on GMI board. I thought it was a Buick Lucern just by looking at the side. I am not sure if it will be comming to US though.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I know the XG was on the same platform as the Amanti.. Is the Azera a different platform? I never looked into it but I assumed they were all the same... If not, than this very well could be Kia's Azera.. If not, than it's probably Kia's Genesis...

 

[jwaters943]

The 3rd generation Grandeur was sold in other markets, including the U.S., as the XG. The 4th gen Grandeur is sold as the Azera. The current Grandeur/Azera shares a platform with the Sonata. The Amanti is based off the "old" XG/3rd gen Grandeur platform.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I see.. So this could be the new Amanti on the Azera platform...

 

[jwaters943]

I actually think this is the Amanti replacement. The Optima should remain a tiny bit smaller and more mainstream (e.g. Sonata-based) with a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines. The VG is supposed to get the 3.8l Lambda V6 and possibly the Tau V8, which also leads me to believe it's Genesis-based. If it is Azera-based (FWD), I hope they at least offer AWD on the V8.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Crap! I meant to say Amanti in my post above.. I don't know how or why Optima came out.. I fixed it...

 

[ConceptVBS]

Looking at the length of the front wheel overhang, I believe its the Amanti replacement.

 

[jwaters943]

If you remove the pad clearly visible under the camo, the front overhang is quite small actually.

 

[ConceptVBS]

If you remove the pad clearly visible under the camo, the front overhang is quite small actually.

True. Also, if you look at the distance between the front door and the front wheel well, the gap its quite small. In RWD vehicles, that distance would be greater.

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[jwaters943]

More spy shots/info:

Kia may not be getting a version of the Hyundai Genesis sedan (yet), but if this Kia VG Sedan spotted testing in Death Valley is any indication, it won't be sitting out of the near-luxury segment for much longer. As part of the ambiguously managed Korean duo's march towards a wider audience and greater respect, the VG sedan shares bits with the Hyunda Azera chassis, but gets unique sheetmetal and bright bits. Between stops at tourist destinations, we can see the Kia is sporting some stylish (and Audi-like) LED tail lights and frenched exhaust tips a-la Toyota Avalon. Those Koreans, always borrowing styling elements. Full spy report below.

Kia's upcoming near-luxury sedan made an appearance in Death Valley for some endurance testing in the balmy 122-degree heat. Reportedly code-named VG within the ranks of Kia's product development team, the big Kia is expected to share mechanical bits with Hyundai's Azera. Our latest shots reveal some more elements of the VG's nicely nuanced design, including its interesting grille, the elongated headlights, striking LED tail-lights, and nicely integrated exhaust tips. The VG is expected to reach Kia showrooms sometime in late 2009 as a
2010 model.

Source: http://jalopnik.com/399851/kia-vg-sedan-goes-sightseeing-in-death-valley

I spy LS460 exhaust tips.

 

[Michael_S]

I like the styling better than the Azera.

Interestingly enough, the current Amanti (based on the previous generation of Hyundai's FWD platform) has better crash test ratings than the Azera. I'm hoping the next Amanti and a refresh to the Azera can put them both at or near best-in-class.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

This car is looking very nice! It's big! So far - from what I can see - I really like this car.. Hyundai and Kia are going to end-up competing with themselves too much.. Genesis, Azera, Amanti/VG(?)...