IRVINE, Calif., February 5, 2004 – Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) has rapidly expanded its product line-up in North America into several new segments, including the midsize SUV, large sedan and minivan categories, but today at the Chicago International Auto Show, the fastest-growing Korean car company held a world premier for something entirely different -- a concept mid-size pick-up truck dubbed the KCV4 “Mojave”The Mojave was designed at the Kia/Hyundai Research & Design Center in NamYang, South Korea, under the direction of Lee Jae-Rim, Designer and Senior Research Engineer on the Advanced Design Team at Nam Yang.
MAXIMIZING THE INTERIOR SPACE
Sized between American compact and full-size trucks, the Mojave features a sporty two-plus-two cabin with front-facing rear seats. All seating positions are easily accessible via four center-opening doors. The absence of a B-pillar enhances ingress and egress, creating a large entryway into the vehicle.
Using aircraft design as their inspiration, Mojave’s design team created an interior space that is focused around the truck’s instrumentation, including a center stack with oversized graphics for quick visual reference to instruments and running conditions, as well as controls for entertainment features such as onboard navigation and trip computers that can accommodate an add-on DVD video system.
Continuing the aircraft theme, the Mojave’s cabin features very little wasted space, with enough storage for even the most active of lifestyles. The Mojave features a removable center console storage box that can be used to haul CDs or even cold drinks to the beach, and a built-in storage bin underneath the rear seat offers waterproof , concealed storage once the adventure is over. Even the rear doors feature angled, fold-out storage bins for the use of rear-seat passengers.
Combining its advanced interior look with first class materials, all four seats are upholstered in bleached tan leather, with brushed metal accents highlighting the instrument panel and door trim.
POWERFUL AND PURPOSEFUL
The Mojave was engineered and designed in alignment with Kia’s reputation for offering the highest-value vehicles in each segment where the company competes, as well as fulfilling segment-leading levels of quality and safety in the company’s newest generation of vehicles.
At 130 inches, the Mojave’s wheelbase is considerably longer than the Kia Sorento platform on which it is based. The concept truck boasts a 3.8-liter, DOHC 24-valve V6 putting out an estimated 280 horsepower, coupled with a 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
The fully-boxed ladder frame with nine cross members provides a rugged foundation for the body-on-frame vehicle, supported by double-wishbone, coil-over-shock front independent suspension, and a five-link rigid rear axle with coil springs and level-control. Front and rear suspensions are augmented by stabilizer bars and gas-pressure shocks.
The Mojave uses power-assisted rack and pinion steering that was engineered to be capable of working with a hydraulically-controlled rear steering system that would provide maximum maneuverability while parking (counter-steer), and additional stability during lane changes or in heavy cross winds on the highway (same-phase steer). When called on to stop, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution (EBS) and brake assist help the driver come to a smooth, controlled stop. The final piece of the handling equation is an aggressive tire and wheel package that includes 20-inch sport tires on 20-inch machine-finished wheels.
WHY “MOJAVE?”
The KCV IV was named “Mojave” for two reasons. Not only does the name represent the ruggedness and beauty of the spectacular American Southwest, it also represents the geographic location (Mojave Desert, near California City, CA) where Kia and Hyundai R & D are building a 4,300-acre, $50-million proving ground facility where the next generation Kia vehicles for the North American market will prove their mettle before receiving the final approvals for production.
“The Mojave represents a great opportunity for Kia to continue to affirm our commitment to the North American market,” said Peter Butterfield. “We continue to invest heavily in the U.S. and around the world to support the steady expansion of sales and market share for Kia globally, and we hope that by showcasing designs like the Mojave more people will become aware of, and interested in, the Kia brand.”
All Kia models are covered by the company’s comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
© Source: article on seriouswheels.com
