Kia Opirus

Kia Opirus is the new pinnacle of the Kia range. It represents a significant new move for Kia Motors as the company introduces a top-of-the-range passenger car onto the international market for the very first time. Opirus will head the Korean brand´s renewed challenge to penetrate new markets around the globe.

In Europe, Kia Opirus provides a major step for Kia into sectors of the market previously unexplored by the brand. Opirus will move the brand´s image further away from its outdated perception as merely a maker of inexpensive, high volume, family cars. Never before has a Korean car offered customers such a comprehensive range of sophisticated safety and driving technologies. Neve7r before has a Kia product set out to create such an imposing presence on the roads of Europe.

Distinctively styled in-house in Korea, but with numerous European design cues in mind, Kia adopted a refined ´Neo-Classical´ theme for the creation of its new flagship model. Elegant lines, with well-balanced proportions give the five-metre, five-seater sedan timeless exterior styling to envelope and protect the luxurious comfort and innovative technologies within.

Kia Opirus features ABS (anti-lock brakes), BAS (emergency brake assist), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), TCS (traction control system), ESP (electronic stability program) and ECS (electronically controlled suspension) - all as standard equipment.

Combining great comfort with a full range of sophisticated cutting-edge technologies, Opirus is designed to be a pleasure to drive, and to be driven in. The breadth and quality of Kia Opirus´ comfort, convenience and technology features reflect Kia´s ambition for its new model to become a top-of-the-range competitor to Europe´s established premium brands. Opirus demonstrates that Kia´s reputation for providing a great deal of car at a real value price, is not restricted to its higher volume family models.

2005 Kia Opirus

Designed to replace Kia´s flagship model in the Korean domestic market, the Enterprise luxury sedan, the Kia Opirus was always intended to be the vehicle to power Kia Motors into the premium sector of many international markets for the first time.

Developed over 22 months at a cost US$167 million ( €143 million ), the Opirus is a breakaway model for Kia in terms of its styling and its positioning. It is also the first premium end vehicle that Kia has developed on a shared platform with sister company Hyundai Motors.

"The Kia Opirus is a perfect example of the synergies that have been achieved through the takeover of Kia Motors by the Hyundai Automotive Group and also a clear indication of the differences between the two companies," comments Kia Motors´ Chief Operating Officer Yong-Hwan Kim. "Opirus is built on the same platform as Hyundai´s Equus (Centennial) premium sedan, enabling us to reduce development costs dramatically. Indeed, some 18% of the total development cost went in R&D investment and a further 41% in the development of production technologies. Kia Opirus is also one of the most distinctively styled vehicles, both inside and out, that Kia has ever produced."

The development of the Opirus rounds out Kia´s international range with a highly competitive luxury sedan that combines safety and performance with exceptional comfort.

Taking Kia another step further away from its obsolete perception as a maker of small, cheap cars, the Kia Opirus is positioned to compete between the middle-high and near luxury segments. The car will be aiming to attract new customers to the brand by providing a level of sophistication and a range of features more usually found at the higher end of the European market - at a highly competitive price.

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 Kia Opirus would therefore appeal, for example, to established businesspeople who are just starting their own enterprise or making a major career change. It is also a compelling buy for executive fleet managers and younger professionals eager to purchase their first luxury car but not yet in a financial position to consider the more traditional luxury brands.

The Opirus will be built at Kia´s Hwasung plant and initial production is expected to be 35,000 units per year rising to 60,000 units from 2004.

Frontal Styling

A dominant feature of the Kia Opirus´ styling is the assertive, trapezoidal, chrome-finish radiator grille. The large horizontal slats are angled slightly downward from the outside edges toward the bold vertical strut in the centre of the grille, continuing the line created by the leading edge of the bonnet and generating a sense of dynamic motion.

The radiator grille sits in an indentation scooped into the front bumper, standing proud of the scalloped nose that recalls aspects of classic European automotive design. From the A-pillars, two character lines on each side of the bonnet flow down to create this scalloped look. The major line gives the bonnet a sense of volume while the minor line gives the car a more elegant, streamlined look.

The grille is flanked by dual elliptical headlamps with their vertical axis angled slightly inward to match the line of the radiator. The minor character line from the bonnet comes down to wrap around the larger, outside headlamp while the major line encircles the smaller high-beam inner lamp.

The large front bumper curves around the side of the car, blending seamlessly with the wheel arch. A chromed accent strip on the corner of the bumper matches the line of the side moulding to harmonize with the rear. Beneath the front bumper is a wide air-dam featuring a single horizontal slat. On either side of the air-dam are elongated LED turn-signals that are both stylish and highly visible.

Profile Styling

A single character line runs the length of the side view, emphasised by a wide chrome side protector. The chrome strip continues the line begun with the corner strips on the front bumper and unites them with a similar strip wrapping around the rear.

Otherwise, the side is smooth and rounded, with a sleek, streamlined finish. The play of light across the top of the door gives a sense of volume and space to the car. The door handles stand proud and are positioned over circular indents in the doors that echo the shape of the headlamps.

At the bottom of the car, understated character lines add emphasis to the lower part of the bumpers and highlight the slightly upswept front and rear profiles. A solid rib runs along the base of the passenger compartment, adding a sense of rigidity to the side view. The profile of the glasshouse is emphasised by black doorframes and a black B-pillar, which gives the impression of a single, tinted side window extending the length of the car.

A key element of Kia Opirus´ distinctive appearance is the treatment of the C-pillar design which creates a strong, executive look, rounding off the passenger compartment and emphasising the fullness and spaciousness of the cabin. The sense of volume is further emphasised by the deep doors over shallow side sills, and the tall rear door which promises easy entry and exit. Side mirrors feature a body coloured trim.

Completing the side view are stylish 16 inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 225 / 60 tyres.

Rear Styling

Seen from the rear, the Kia Opirus is equally distinctive. The boot lid is rounded and creates a smooth surface that extends across the rear of the car, complimenting the line of the rear windscreen.

Dominating the rear view are the tail-lights, which are split across the boot shut line. On the rear fascia are the brake lights and turn signals. Built into the boot lid are the reversing lights and rear fog lamps (ruming lamp in General market). The tail-lights are protected by a clear polycarbonate lens cover and embellished with jewel-like faceted detailing that imparts an upmarket appearance and a stylish, polished appeal. The circular motif on the brake lights echoes the elliptical headlamps.

The rear windscreen contains a built-in glass antenna, providing more refined vehicle aesthetics and giving the vehicle a more streamlined, aerodynamic appeal.

A chrome garnish around the rear license plate cut-out echoes the chrome protector that extends the entire width of the broad rear bumper. At the base of the bumper is a slightly indented character line that relieves the solidity of the rear end and completes the streamlined look of the car as a whole.

Interior

The interior design for the Opirus builds on the car´s stylish exterior. With full leather trim, it provides total comfort and refined looks in a package that also offers a full range of convenience features. The interior continues the same flowing lines that characterise the exterior of the vehicle, with gently curved surfaces and smooth edges and the wood-grain finish on the centre fascia, doors and steering wheel gives the interior a crafted look and feel. The interior is light and airy, thanks to the large expanses of glass, and will accommodate five adults in considerable comfort.

The dashboard extends in a single, broad arch between the A-pillars, creating a sill that shades the instrument cluster from glare. The four-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather with woodgrain inserts, with a chromed logo displayed prominently in the centre.

The broad central fascia is finished in a wood trim and brings forward the audio and climate controls, within finger-tip reach of the driver, without impeding the sweeping line of the dashboard. The automatic gear selector below the fascia features a polished top plate that adds a touch of flair to the interior and the centre console continues rearwards to incorporate a large storage box, topped by a high, padded armrest. The parking brake is operated by foot, freeing additional space on the centre console by removing the need for the customary hand-lever.

The door panels reflect the design of the rest of the interior and are highlighted once again with woodgrain trim, while the door handles are chromed. Seating, front and rear, looks sumptuous and supportive and is every bit as comfortable as it looks.

Engine

For the European market, Kia Opirus is powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine offering a compelling mix of power and performance. Designed using computer aided technology and manufactured utilising lightweight alloys such as aluminium for the cylinder block and power-cast metal for the connecting rods, the Opirus engine is very light and offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

The engine is fitted with a drive-by-wire electronic throttle, linked to the traction control system and electronic stability programme computers. Double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank operate 4-valves per cylinder - two intake and two exhaust valves - to ensure complete and efficient combustion of fuel. Good useable power is available from just 2,000 rpm, and the engine will rev to a maximum of 6,300 rpm before the electronic cut-off intervenes.

The engine´s peak power output of 149 kW (203ps) is achieved at 5,500rpm, while maximum torque of 298 Nm (30.4 kg.m) is generated at 3,500rpm. More than 90% of maximum torque is available across a broad rev-band, from 2,000 to 5,000, contributing to Kia Opirus´ feeling of effortless performance. The engine will propel the Opirus from standstill to 100 kph in 9.2 seconds, from 60-to-100 kph in 5.1 seconds, and onwards to a top speed 220 kph.

The appearance of the transversely-mounted engine is enhanced by the addition of a full engine bay cover to complement the engine cover itself. Both covers also play a role in subduing mechanical noise for greater vehicle refinement.

Transmission

The Kia Opirus engine is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox which offers drivers the choice of fully automatic adaptive operation or a sequential manual mode with the sportier handling of a clutch-less manual transmission.

The driver can select manual mode at any time when the gear selector is in the Drive position by pushing the gear stick into the shorter slot of the "H" gate. Pushing the gear stick forward then shifts up a gear and pulling it back shifts down - one ratio at a time, sequentially. Sensors measure engine speed and acceleration and, when appropriate, will limit the drivers choice of gear ratio to avoid over-revving the engine.

In fully automatic mode, gears are changed according to a pre-programmed ´adaptive´ shift pattern which allows the gearbox to adapt its characteristics to match the current driving style. The gearbox has four settings - D (Drive), N (Neutral), R (Reverse) and P (Park).

Gear changes are controlled by a neural network that monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed, oil temperature and road conditions. An artificial intelligence program then selects the optimum gear, preventing frequent gear changes during ascents to improve power efficiency and using engine-braking on descents for improved stability. The position of the gear lever is shown by an LED display on the dashboard with a second numerical display indicating the current gear.

Improving shifting performance still further is an independent clutch control system. Each clutch is directly controlled by a separate hydraulic control valve making the gear shift smoother and more responsive.

Top gear in the five-speed transmission is a high ratio designed to deliver whisper-quiet cruising and improved fuel economy. For each 1,000 rpm of engine speed Opirus travels at 50 kph, so travelling on a European motorway at a typical cruising speed of 130 kph means the engine is running at just 2,600 rpm.

Suspension

The exceptional ride quality of Kia Opirus begins with the choice of layout for its fully-independent suspension system. The front suspension employs a classic double wishbone design which offers engineers many advantages, including optimum tyre grip, improved traction for the driven front wheels and near perfect camber control. The wide base of the lower wishbone arm, gives improved lateral rigidity, reduces road noise and brings improved safety performance in frontal collisions. Despite its width, the design allows good wheel clearance for maximum steering lock.

At the rear, Opirus rides on a compact, multi-link set up attached to a transverse sub-frame. The design ensures that there is minimum intrusion into the boot space. Front and rear, the suspension system features coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and anti-roll bars - 26 mm front and 16 mm rear. The front wheel offers 170 mm and the rear wheel a generous 200 mm of travel for extra ride comfort.

Gas-filled shock absorbers provide damping force proportional to the amount of compression, reducing the transference of road shocks to the body of the car. They optimise initial wheel deflection characteristics, while minimising transmitted noise levels. Minor movements of the wheels are damped smoothly but larger oscillations are more strongly damped.

This combination of suspension layout and hardware gives the Kia Opirus maximum agility, predictable steering, good road-holding, consistent handling behaviour during cornering and excellent directional stability.

As well as the generous wheel travel, a major contributor to the silky smoothness of Opirus´ ride is the specially developed software in the suspension´s electronic control system (ECS). Seven sensors constantly monitor the vehicle´s speed and attitude, assessing the degree of roll, dive or squat that the car is experiencing. That information is integrated and relayed to four actuators that adjust the individual firmness of each shock absorber to minimise the degree to which those forces are relayed to the vehicle body and its occupants. The result is a supremely comfortable ride and greatly enhanced manoeuvrability.

A button to the left of the gear selector on the centre console allows the driver to switch the ECS settings from automatic to sports mode. Automatic mode adjusts the suspension stiffness to ensure the most comfortable ride, however rough the road surface becomes. Selecting the ´Sport´ mode stiffens the shock absorber settings which stay constantly firmer, regardless of variations in the road surface.

Steering

Kia Opirus steering is by rack and pinion for optimum accuracy and steering feel. Electronically power assisted, it has an overall ratio of 15.24:1 and is geared to 2.76 turns of the 380 mm diameter steering wheel lock-to-lock. The level of assistance varies from high at parking speeds, to low at high speed to create a system that is responsive without being too nervous. The turning circle diameter of the five metre long Kia Opirus is 5.7 metres between kerbs.

Brakes

Kia Opirus´ braking system is powerful, responsive and highly effective. Large diameter ventilated discs (303 mm front) and solid discs (284 mm rear) resist heat build-up and fade, and deliver sure and stable braking performance. Standard equipment includes an advanced Kia-developed ABS system that is lighter and more responsive than previous systems and comes with four channels and four sensors. The ABS system also incorporates an emergency brake assist system (BAS), electronic brake force distributor (EBD) and is linked to the traction control system (TCS).

ABS allows the driver to apply maximum brake force to all four wheels without locking them and to retain steering control even on wet and uneven surfaces. When activated by heavy braking on a slippery surface, it applies and releases the brakes at a rate of 30 times per second, preventing wheel lock up and allowing the driver to retain steering control. The Emergency Brake Assist System (BAS) senses when a driver is braking in an emergency and immediately applies maximum available power boost. BAS overcomes the human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough.

The integrated EBD system acts as a brake booster, helping to distribute braking force evenly among all four wheels by regulating the number of pumps required to prevent skidding. The system adapts to different wheel grip conditions, and distributes braking force front and back according to the vehicle weight, which differs according to the number of passengers and the cargo load. The net result is shorter, safer braking distances. On straight roads, the EBD-ABS system automatically adjusts the braking effect to ensure the car tracks along a true course, under braking. It also allows simultaneous emergency braking and emergency steering to avoid obstacles - all without wheel lock-up.

The parking brake is engaged by a foot-pedal and immobilises the two rear wheels of the car. The brake is released by a pull-handle located on the lower left side of the dashboard, adjacent to the steering wheel.

Wheels & Tyres

Kia Opirus is equipped with 16 inch diameter nine-spoke cast alloy wheels as standard. Both front and rear, the wheels are 6.5 inch wide and shod with 225/60 Michelin tyres, with a V rating for speeds up to 240 kph.

Performance

Opirus´ 3.5-litre V6 engine, which generates 149 kW (203 ps) of power and 298 Nm (30.4 kg.m) of torque, propels the new front wheel-drive sedan from standstill to 100 kph in 9.2 seconds, from 60-100 kph in 5.1 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 220 kph. Drivers can switch the five-speed automatic transmission to manual sequential mode to fully exploit the engine´s power for a more sporty performance.

The fully independent suspension, with its long wheel travel and standard ECS ´active´ shock absorbers, greatly enhances the manoeuvrability and handling of Kia Opirus. Additional electronic aids give this new Kia unprecedented levels of road holding.

Traction Control

To help the front tyres transmit the generous power and torque to the road surface, Kia Opirus is fitted with a traction control system (TCS) as standard. It incorporates speed sensors on each wheel that detect tyre slippage by the driven (front) wheels when starting out or accelerating, or at any time - it operates continuously at all speeds. When slippage is detected, the system instantly reduces engine output to the driven wheel or applies that wheel´s brake to slow its rotation and re-establish traction.

Electronic Stability Program

Kia Opirus is also equipped with third generation Electronic Stability Program [ESP] developed by Continental Teves Corporation of Germany - the first time a Kia vehicle has ever been fitted with such a system.

Unlike traction control, ESP works on all four wheels and, when it senses a severe skid situation, or extreme oversteer or understeer, it intervenes to adjust engine power and individual wheel speed by applying that wheel´s brake, to restore the car to the driver´s intended course.

The ESP computer employs eight sensors to monitor each road wheel, the steering wheel angle, throttle position, acceleration and yaw. It compares data on the intended direction of the car and the actual track of the car. When a potential skid is identified, the ESP "sees" the problem by constantly comparing the status of the car to a computer generated reference model based on the current situation.

The system is able to correct driver errors and also to give greater control in wet, icy or slippery conditions. More importantly, the system is constantly operating and thus able to make precise adjustments even during an extreme emergency manoeuvre. ESP is therefore able to defuse potential accident situations under extreme conditions, even before the driver has a chance to react.

Fuel Economy

The combination of a modern, efficient engine and computer-controlled ´adaptive´ high-geared automatic transmission enables Opirus to achieve good fuel economy for a sedan of its size and class. The figures for Extra Urban (motorway) driving and the Combined driving cycle are 8.23 and 11.40 respectively. Urban fuel consumption is 16.92 litres of gasoline per 100 km. The 70-litre gasoline tank gives Kia Opirus a typical range of 600 km in everyday motoring. Kia Opirus CO2 rating is 273 g/km.

Preventative Safety

The interior of Kia Opirus has been designed to ensure comfortable, fatigue-free motoring. The instrument cluster is clearly laid out and easy to read, control dials on the central fascia are simple to use and are placed within easy reach of the driver while the 8-way powered driver´s seat provides an exceptional degree of adjustability.

The large expanse of glass around the passenger compartment ensures that there is abundant natural light during the day. At night, high-intensity discharge headlamps provide a clear view of the road ahead and mirror natural light as closely as possible to reduce eye-strain and driver fatigue. The automatic headlamp-levelling device (manual in General market) and headlamp washer system (Europe only) ensure optimal illumination regardless of weather conditions or vehicle load, while the rear-view mirror features electro-chromic technology that automatically dims during night driving to reduce glare from following cars.

Interior noise levels can play a role in generating driver fatigue and Opirus has been designed to be an exceptionally quiet vehicle. From day one of the creation process, engineers employed a number of different structural and technological refinements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The results are remarkably low interior noise levels - from just 39 dB at standstill with an idling engine, up to 74 dB while driving at speed with the air-conditioner switched on. Road noise and driving interior noise are kept down to 64 dB at 60 kph on rough roads and 62 dB at 100 kph on smooth asphalt.

Active Safety

Kia Opirus features an improved all-disc braking system supplemented by a range of electronic systems that ensure the driver maintains complete control of the vehicle even when braking under difficult conditions. The car comes with ABS, BAS, EBD, and TCS systems as standard for smooth, even braking and maximum control when accelerating. For the first time on a Kia, Opirus is also fitted with an ESP system which corrects driver errors and delivers even greater control during emergency manoeuvres.

The combination of these four systems makes the Kia Opirus the most comprehensively equipped vehicle that Kia has ever produced in terms of active safety technology.

Sensors also reduce the risk of collision when the Opirus is reversing. Four ultra-sonic sensors mounted on the rear bumper detect obstacles which may be out of the driver´s line of sight. A variable audible warning system alerts the driver when an object is within 1.2 metres of the car - the warning tone rising as the distance decreases.

Passive Safety

While the Kia Opirus monocoque bodyshell is computer designed to minimise deformation of the passenger compartment in the event of a collision and to disperse collision forces in a controlled and progressive manner, a host of additional passive safety equipment is fitted as standard.

A full complement of eight airbags includes driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags in both front and rear seats, and curtain airbags each side of the roof. The airbags are controlled by sensors that gauge the severity of a frontal impact before deploying the bags. This ensures that the airbags are not triggered by low impact collisions during parking manoeuvres or by stresses not caused by impact, such as hitting a pothole in the road at speed.

The airbags are also linked to seatbelt buckle sensors. This ensures that the car´s systems can respond to a collision in a different manner, depending on whether passengers are wearing seatbelts or not. In a minor, low-speed collision in which adequate protection is provided by the seatbelt alone, the airbag will not deploy. If seatbelts are not worn, however, the airbags will deploy at lower speeds in order to provide the required protection.

The airbags deploy a milli-second after initial impact. The driver´s side cushion-shaped airbag has a volume of 60 litres when inflated. The passenger´s side elliptically-shaped airbag has a volume of 125 litres. The airbag system also includes an electronic diagnostic system that checks component electronics. In the event that an error is detected a warning light on the dash warns the driver.

A first for Kia, Opirus side-airbags are installed in both the front and rear seats to provide added protection to an occupant´s chest and head in the event of a side impact. The four side airbags have a capacity of 10 litres each. Complementing the side airbags are two curtain airbags that extend the full length of the cabin on each side and deploy downward in the event of a side collision. With a capacity of 14.5 litres, the curtain airbag provides added protection for occupant´s heads.

Deployment of the side airbags is controlled by sensors in the bottom of central B-pillars. In the event that a side impact is registered, a signal is relayed to the front airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners, ensuring that all safety systems work in an integrated fashion to provide full occupant protection.

Kia Opirus front seats are fitted with ´active´ head restraint technology which moves the head restraint forward and up when sensing an impact. This prevents the occupant´s head from whipping violently backward and forwards and thus helps to prevent the neck injuries that can result from comparatively minor accidents.

Three-point seatbelts are fitted for all five occupants (Europe only). The front seatbelts have height-adjustable top mounts for greater security and a more comfortable fit. They also have pre-tensioners and load limiters as well as buckle sensors to determine whether the seatbelt is being worn. Upon detecting a collision, the lap and shoulder belts tighten under resistance to maintain consistency at all times and to protect the passenger against violent forward movement. The load limiter then gradually pays out the belt to reduce tension and the risk of internal injuries. Two ISOFIX anchorage points for attaching child safety seats, are built into the rear seat (Europe only).

Security

To deter thieves, the Opirus comes with an ultra-sonic alarm which monitors the status of all doors, bonnet and boot and sounds the horn at half second intervals for a 27-second period if there is an unauthorised attempt to enter the vehicle.

Kia Opirus also comes with an immobiliser incorporated in the head section of the ignition key (not included in General market). When the ignition is turned on, the transponder sends an ID code on a specified frequency. An antenna located in the front section of the steering wheel lock picks up the signal and transmits it to the immobilizer control module (ICM). The ICM analyses and verifies the signal to determine if it matches the pre-registered code. If the code and the signal do not match, the engine will not start.

Another thoughtful security feature allows the lock for the glove box and boot to be isolated from the ignition. A switch in the glove box allows both the glove box and the boot to be locked together, so that only someone with access to the glove-box key can open the boot. Where the car needs to be driven by another party - in a valet parking lot, for example - that other driver can be given an auxiliary key which will only open the door and start the engine.