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Kia KV7 concept (photos)

For its concept at the 2011 Detroit auto show, Kia unveiled what it called a minivan, a truck-like vehicle with a loungey passenger area, complete with a tabletop computer in back.

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For the KV7 concept, Kia designers decided to embrace the essential boxiness of minivans, and so gave the vehicle a vertical grille and windshield. Kia refers to this element as bringing SUV qualities to the minivan, or "activity van," as it has dubbed the KV7.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

Kia specifies its turbocharged direct-injection 2-liter engine to power the KV7, giving it 285 horsepower, about typical for a standard minivan. The front headlight design is probably not practical, as there is no central LED.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

Kia boasts that its Soul and Forte models came to production looking very close to their concepts, possibly hinting that it has a production plan for the KV7. In reality, it does not look terribly different from the Ford Flex.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

Rather than a family wagon, Kia describes the intended buyer for the KV7 as a "ringleader," someone who organizes camping trips and other outings among friends.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

Despite designing an essential nonsporty exterior, this wheel has the flat bottom often seen in sports cars. The arrangement of the stereo and cruise control buttons on the steering-wheel spokes would be something Kia could bring to a production car.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Kia / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

Kia designed the entire dashboard to recess when the car is turned off, making egress easy. When the driver hits the start button, the dashboard motors out 6 inches.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Kia / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

The rear features a wood floor, a lounge on the right, and pod seats on the left. The seats are designed to swivel, making for a conversational space.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

This table is actual a tabletop computer. Kia envisions the car having an Internet connection and working as a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

Updated: January 11, 2011 9:22 AM PST

Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET / Caption by: Wayne Cunningham

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