Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
X

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.

KiaKV7_SS01.jpg
1 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

KiaKV7_SS02.jpg
2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

KiaKV7_SS03.jpg
3 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

KiaKV7_SS04.jpg
4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

KiaKV7_SS05.jpg
5 of 8 Kia
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

KiaKV7_SS06.jpg
6 of 8 Kia
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

KiaKV7_SS07.jpg
7 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

KiaKV7_SS08.jpg
8 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET
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

More Galleries

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos
Best sound bars under $300
polk-magnifi-mini-15.jpg

Best sound bars under $300

18 Photos
2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty
2018 Ford F-150 diesel

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty

22 Photos
Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark
dsc0515.jpg

Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark

34 Photos
Music-friendly cell phone accessories

Music-friendly cell phone accessories

11 Photos