KIA Looking to Make a Two-Door Soul?

It’s true, the popular KIA Soul might be transforming into a two-door Soul-based coupe. The KIA Soul leads in sales numbers among subcompact crossover/wagon competitors in the U.S. and at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis.

Similar to the KIA Track’ster concept which debut two years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, the new two-door Soul may have a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. KIA claims this engine will fit under the hood of the two-door Soul if the coupe ever goes to production.

Jim Butler KIA hopes the two-door Soul rumor is true but KIA has not made any official announcements. Make sure to check our blog at Jim Butler KIA for more information on the KIA two-door Soul!

The New Electric 2015 KIA Soul EV

Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2015 KIA Soul EV showed off its electric capabilities. The 2015 KIA Soul EV will be for sale later this year at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis.

The 2015 KIA Soul EV will have a range expectation of 80 to 100 miles taking 24 hours, on an ordinary household current, to charge. With a 240-volt charger, the new Soul EV will take 5 hours to fully charge. For the fastest possible charge, buyers can opt for a 50 KW system charging the 2015 KIA Soul EV to 80% in about 33 minutes.

Fitted with three charging ports, the 2015 KIA Soul EV offers two ports for conventional AC charging and one for CHAdeMo public stations. CHAdeMo meaning CHArge de Move, can charge the Soul in less than 30 minutes. Three charger suppliers will be offered including Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment.

The new 2015 KIA Soul EV will provide two operating presets- Eco On and Eco Off. Each will offer “Drive” and “Brakes” modes which can capture as much as 12 percent of the lost kinetic energy.

Powered by a liquid-cooled AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, the 2015 KIA Soul EV is good for 109 horsepower and 210 Ib-ft of torque. The new Soul is estimated to do 0-to-60-mph in less than 12 seconds.

An app displaying all recharging stations will be available plus KIA dealers who sell electric Souls will offer free recharging to KIA customers!

Stay tuned to Jim Butler KIA for more information on the 2015 KIA Soul EV!

The Refreshed 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid Coming to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis

The Chicago Auto Show revealed a refreshed 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid. With updated front and rear fascias, the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid was designed with efficiency in mind. Jim Butler Kia cannot wait to get the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid on the lot in St. Louis!

The 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid showed off its eco-friendly additions including updated front and rear fascias designed to increase aerodynamic efficiency, new wheel designs, and unique grill and lighting elements. 

The new Hybrid has a combined gas-electric 199 horsepower rating and a combined 235 Ib.-ft. of torque with its 47 HP electric traction motor. Available in two trims, the LX and EX models, with the LX model achieving an EPA estimated 36 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The EX trim gets an EPA estimated 35 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Inside the new 2014 Optima Hybrid you will find a 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen.  Other high-tech features include push button ignition, UVO eServices, 8-speaker Infinity sound system and SiriusXM Traffic.

Advanced safety features including passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control come standard with all trims of the 2014 Optima Hybrid.

Make sure to come take a test drive of the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid when it arrives in St. Louis at Jim Butler KIA! 

KIA Reveals a New Dual-Clutch Gearbox and Mild Hybrid at Geneva Motor show

The future of KIA looks bright with new additions hopefully making their way to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis soon! The new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and mild hybrid powertrain made a big debut at the recent 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The new seven-speed gearbox comprises of two dry clutches fitted with electric motor-driven actuators. According to KIA, it is 7 percent more efficient than the six-speed and improves acceleration times 5 percent. We may even see the new seven-speed gearbox in vehicles next year; however it has not been said when it will make its way to the U.S.

Combining battery, electric motor, and a small engine supercharger the new mild hybrid system increases power by 15 to 20 percent. The electric motor allows for a pure electric mode at low speed and cruising situations. Powered by a 48-volt lead-carbon battery, the mild hybrid battery is said to do better in cold weather as well as  easier to recycle.

Stay tuned to our blog at Jim Butler KIA for more information on the new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mild hybrid!