Concept Car Of The Day: 2007 Kia Kue (KCD-3) - AllCarIndex
Support our project
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
On January 8, 2007, Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the Kia Kue concept crossover at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This debut not only showcased Kia's design ambitions but also introduced Peter Schreyer, the new global design chief, to North American audiences. The Kue signified a bold shift in Kia’s brand direction, moving toward a more design-focused and performance-oriented future.
The Kia Kue was a crossover that broke away from the traditional utility-focused CUV. Instead, it was crafted with the driver in mind, delivering a sporty, performance-driven experience. Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA, emphasized that the Kue embodied the next phase in Kia’s evolution, promising to instill pride and passion in customers through innovative design. With a powerful 4.6-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, the Kue provided an exhilarating driving experience. This impressive power was paired with an all-wheel-drive system and a five-speed automatic transmission that offered manual shift capability, giving drivers both performance and control.
The Kue’s exterior design was a statement of bold simplicity, reflecting the “less is more” philosophy that Kia embraced under Tom Kearns, KMA’s chief designer. Its long 114.2-inch wheelbase, paired with 22-inch wheels, gave it a commanding presence on the road. The body featured muscular wheel flares, with crisp beveled sections that added a sense of refinement. The sleek, swept-back headlights connected seamlessly to the front grille, creating a clean and aggressive look. Unique design elements, such as scissor-style side doors and rear center-hinged doors for accessing storage, highlighted Kia’s innovative approach.
Inside, the Kue continued its modern, minimalist theme. With seating for four, it offered custom-built bucket seats for both driver and passengers. The mid-dark interior color palette, accented by sophisticated materials and textures, created an upscale atmosphere, breaking away from the typical light interiors of many concept cars. The technology-driven interface was a standout feature, offering touchpad and motion-sensing controls that adjusted to driver and passenger preferences. This system allowed users to program controls for audio, climate, and other features, providing a highly personalized driving experience. Rear passengers also had their own interface, further enhancing the vehicle’s modern and user-friendly design.
Although purely a concept, the Kue provided a glimpse into Kia’s future design direction. It hinted at a move toward bold, performance-oriented vehicles that would redefine the brand. With a length of 186 inches and a width of 79 inches, the Kue combined sleek proportions with aggressive styling, signaling that Kia was ready to challenge the conventions of the CUV segment.
The Kia Kue concept ultimately represented a turning point for Kia. While many crossovers focused on practicality, the Kue prioritized driving enjoyment and bold design, hinting at a future where Kia would be known not just for value and reliability but also for style and performance. As Kia continued to evolve, the Kue stood as a symbol of the brand's ambition to push boundaries and redefine the expectations of its vehicles.
