http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/rumormill-kia-planning-mazda-mx-5-fighter-all-wheel-drive-soul/
That's right folks, KIA is making the next Miata competitor. Honda and the S2000 couldn't do it, and neither could the General with the Solstice/Sky. Could this actually knock the Miata off the top? Thoughts?
I'm in. Where do I sign?
It looks like the Daewoo variant of the Solstice/Sky.
How much does it weigh, what engine, what tranny options, how much will it cost?
Biggest issue I see with trying to make a Miata competitor is the aftermarket. The Miata has a ton of stuff out there, and race series to utilize it.
But, make it cheap enough, and I don't think any of that will matter. IMO Mazda has priced the Miata a little too high. Other than the basest of base models, a new Miata off the lot will run you $26k. If Kia drops a 5-speed car with an LSD for $20k, I don't think they'll be able to keep them on the lots.
92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: It looks like the Daewoo variant of the Solstice/Sky.
QFT. But if Kia does it right, they have a chance. They can make it cheap enough, they've got Hyundai to crib for the drivetrain, and it isn't ugly.
ReverendDexter wrote: I don't think they'll be able to keep them on the lots.
Unless they make them that ugly. That car looks horrible. Yuck.
Honestly, i'm not digging the looks. But then again, i don't like the new MX-5, either.
93EXCivic wrote:ReverendDexter wrote: I don't think they'll be able to keep them on the lots.Unless they make them that ugly. That car looks horrible. Yuck.
At $20k, looks won't be that important. I mean, look at the Genesis Coupe.
ReverendDexter wrote:93EXCivic wrote:At $20k, looks won't be that important. I mean, look at the Genesis Coupe.ReverendDexter wrote: I don't think they'll be able to keep them on the lots.Unless they make them that ugly. That car looks horrible. Yuck.
ZING!
In reply to ReverendDexter:
???? The Genesis coupe isn't great looking but it isn't bad either IMHO.
Did I see AWD? Weird man.
Teh E36 M3 wrote: Did I see AWD? Weird man.
That was for the Soul.
Doesn't even confirm that it is rear wheel drive at this point.
Kia and Hyundai still continue to impress.
93EXCivic wrote: In reply to ReverendDexter: ???? The Genesis coupe isn't great looking but it isn't bad either IMHO.
Looks are subjective, but in my not-so-humble opinion, all the parts about the GC that look good are the parts that can be attributed to the fact it's a 2+2 Coupe and nothing that's specific to how Hyundai made it distinctive from all the other 2+2 Coupes.
You also have to look just with your eyes, not with your knowledge of what the car is. Picture it as a FWD with a slushbox and a mediocre single-cam 1.6L. You can't tell me that it's a prettier car than a Mustang, Z, Altima Coupe, Accord Coupe, Challenger, 3-series, or FT86 concept.
In reply to ReverendDexter:
Yes but just average beats ugly as hell. I think most people who buy cars like that do so for the looks and the fact it is a convertible.
cheap will be key.
also, small.
small and cheap. you hear me KIA?
To people commenting on the looks: that was a completely made up rendering, that's not something from Kia. From the fine article: "UK-based magazine Auto Express has put together a rendering of such a vehicle," meaning they made it up whole cloth using their interpretation of existing Kia design language.
ReverendDexter wrote: How much does it weigh, what engine, what tranny options, how much will it cost? Biggest issue I see with trying to make a Miata competitor is the aftermarket. The Miata has a ton of stuff out there, and race series to utilize it. But, make it cheap enough, and I don't think any of that will matter. IMO Mazda has priced the Miata a little too high. Other than the basest of base models, a new Miata off the lot will run you $26k. If Kia drops a 5-speed car with an LSD for $20k, I don't think they'll be able to keep them on the lots.
Not true at all, buddy of mine got a brand new 2010 model in January with a lot of trimmings for $20k out the door, just have to buy in winter months...
DILYSI Dave wrote: 1. Real headlights. 2. RWD w/LSD option from factory 3. 2000# 4. $18k 5. WINNING!
There I fixed it 
DILYSI Dave wrote: 1. Real headlights. 2. RWD 3. 2200# 4. $20k 5. WINNING!
agree...
Except for #5 Charlie sheen = 
Raze wrote: Not true at all, buddy of mine got a brand new 2010 model in January with a lot of trimmings for $20k out the door, just have to buy in winter months...
Yeah, I'm just looking at MSRP on Mazda's site.
I am in the same situation I was back in 1988 or so when the Lotus Elan was due to be released; I really wanted a sports car and the Elan came out as a FWD. This configuration meant that it was not a sports car and off the list it came. Then along came the Miata and I had to have one. Bought a 1990 and drove the wheels off the thing for 13 years.
I have been wanting a new Miata ever since. However, for some years now, some influential designer at Mazda had been sitting on the ugly button. I have pretty much given up on any loyalty that I have to the brand and am just praying that someone comes out with a fun RWD sports-car in the next two years.
Fix the headlights and the grill and you have a decent, if not good looking car right there.
Oh, and for the love of (insert deity), please do NOT put those huge wheels on it. That car needs nothing larger than 15'' wheels standard.
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