As an update to our previous story Kia Motor Corp. released the first photo and technical specifications on the new Opirus.
The Opirus will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2003. Available with a 3.5 litre gasoline engine mated to a five speed automatic gearbox, the Opirus contains a full range of features that make it the most comprehensively equipped vehicle that Kia has ever produced for the international market. With brake assist and ESP systems and a full complement of eight airbags, the Opirus also contains the very latest in safety technology.
A very roomy car, the Opirus will seat five occupants in total comfort. Internal dimensions exceed those of most competitors.
Senior executive vice president Kim, Young-hwan, Kia Motors’’ chief operating officer, said of the vehicle, ’’The Opirus moves the Kia brand to a new level. Kia has been producing luxury sedans in the Korean market for over a decade, but this is the first time our top-end product has been released on the global market. It offers a blend of technology, quality and value that make it a very competitive car. I am convinced that it will build on the success of the Sorento and raise awareness of Kia still further.’’ — new K-series lineup.
The car will be aiming to attract customers from vehicles including the Nissan Maxima, the Toyota Avalon and the Peugeot 607 by providing a level of sophistication and a range of features more usually found at the higher end of the market.
The target buyers for the Opirus are professionals in their mid forties to late fifties for whom appearance and image are important but who are also sensitive to value. The Opirus will be available in left hand drive markets only.
A teaser site for the Opirus was launched earlier this week at www.kia-opirus.com. — Frankfurt Show debuts.
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.co.kr) is Korea’’s oldest manufacturer of automobiles. A part of the Hyundai Automobile Group, the company currently sells more than one million vehicles per year worldwide and maintains a network of distributors that covers 190 countries. Kia Motors is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and the international sponsor of the Davis Cup for the Euro/Africa zone.
Technical specifications
ENGINE
Displacement (cc): 3,497
Bore x stroke (mm): 93.0 x 85.8
Compression ratio: 10.0 +/-0.2
Max. power (ps/kW@rpm): 198/145.6@5500
Max. torque (kg.m.Nm@rpm): 30.0/294.2@3500
Injection system: Distributorless ignition system
Valve system: Double overhead camshaft, Hydraulic valve lash adjuster
Fuel system: Electronic multipoint fuel injection, In tank fuel pump — 5th generation Sonata.
Cooling system: Liquid cooled circulation, centrifugal timing belt driven water pump
Emission control system: EVPO.GAS CONT.
Lubrication system: Mechanical Gear Type Oil Pump, Full Flow Oil Filter
Electric system
Battery (AH) 80AH
Alternator 120A
Starter 1.2 kW
Lubricant oil capacity (liter): 4.3 (With oil filter)
Cooling capacity (liter): 10.247
DRIVE TRAIN
Type Automatic
General 5-Speed Transaxle w/ Floor Shift
Gear ratio
1st 3.789
2nd 2.057
3rd 1.421
4th 1.039
5th 0.731
Reverse 3.865
Final gear ratio 3.333
Lubricant oil capacity (liter) 8.5
STEERING WHEEL
General Rack & Pinion
Overall steering gear ratio 15.24
Steering wheel turn (lock to lock) 2.76
BRAKES
General Tandem
Booster size (inch) 8*9
Front brake (type/diameter*thickness)Disk / 303*28mm
Rear brake (type/diameter*thickness) Disk / 284*10mm
Vacuum Booster
Type Vacuum Servo
Diameter: 248
Thickness (mm) 110
Booster ratio 8.0 : 1
Master cylinder
Type Tandem
Diameter: 25.4
Parking Brake
System Mechanical Cable Type
Type of control Foot Brake Pedal
Wheel to which applied Rear 2 Wheels
SUSPENSION
Front Double Wish Bone (Independent)
Rear Multi-link (Independent)
WHEEL & TIRE
Wheel 6.5J X 16
Tire 225/60 R16
WEIGHT
Curb weight (kg)
Lightest 1822
Heaviest 1863
Maximum weight (kg) 2253
*Above weights may vary between countries
BOOT CAPACITY (LITER)
Cargo area (SAE / VDA) 440(SAE), N/A(VDA)
FUEL TANK CAPACITY (LITER)
Material STEEL
Fuel tank (’’) 70
DIMENSIONS(mm)
Exterior Overall length 4979
Overall width 1850
Overall height 1486
Wheel base 2800
Wheel tread Front 1570
Rear 1560
Over hang Front 1002
Rear 1177
Interior
Interior Length 1930
Width 1510
Height 1200
Leg room Front 1110
Rear 945(P/Seat:960)
Head room Front 1015
Rear 975(P/Seat:960)
Shoulder room Front 1475
Rear 1460
Hip room Front 1402
Rear 1386
Minimum ground clearance 175
Minimum turning circle radius (m) 5.7
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
Max speed (kph) 220
Acceleration 0-60kph 4.3
performance (sec) 0-100kph 9.2
60- 100kph 5.1
Reach to 400m 16.6
FUEL CONSUMPTION
City L/100km 12.9
