Kia to Develop AI Assistants For Cars: Unveiling Scheduled for 2018 CES

For quite some time now, homes across the nation have been asking “Alexa”, Google's pod-shaped assistant, to help them with tasks ranging from finding Chinese takeout, to checking to see how bad their commute home will be. This is a machine that “lives in a cloud”, so its always getting smarter, and updates are delivered automatically. The more you interact, the more your speech patterns and personal preferences are noticed, and you can also do things like request an Uber ride, or control your TV. It was bound to be only a very short matter of time until many consumers were anxious to have this type of technical prowess along with them for their ride, and Kia has already undertaken the duty of development.

Beginning in 2019, Kia vehicles will ship complete with a voice-powered virtual assistant, equipped with built-in artificial intelligence. Slated to be unveiled at CES 2018, the assistant will be named “Intelligent Personal Agent”, and will put to use connectivity that is provided by cars, combined with voice recognition software. It will also tap into user's other services, to provide valuable assistance while consumers are going about their daily tasks. Work has begun with SoundHound to develop this assistant, an entity that has already completed its own trademark AI tool. Already available to consumers as a smartphone app, “Hound” is currently one of the most advanced assistant apps in existence.

When rolled out to the public, the Intelligent Personal Agent will have the ability to tap into calendars, map platforms, and use other services to be able to predict what the driver will need. You will be able to be reminded of an upcoming meeting, or glean suggestions about when to leave your starting point based on traffic patterns. Control of heating systems, door locks, and other parts of the vehicle will also be possible. While Nissan and BMW are working with Amazon to add the now-familiar Alexa into their vehicles, we are confident that Kia's unique assistant will in many ways be the most useful addition to a vehicle in automotive history.

Every single company involved in auto production is looking to offer infotainment center-based alternatives to AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, in an effort to make sure that there is more control over the experience. Founded in 2005, SoundHound has their headquarters located in Santa Clara, California. During 2014, SoundHound became the first wearable music search product available ever, and two years later, boasted over 300 million users worldwide. When vehicles with such technical prowess and ability hit the market, you can bet that we will be able to show you all the exciting details right here at Jim Butler in St Louis: as the future rapidly collides with the present, options for in-car control are bound to dazzle even the savviest of drivers in their new domains! 

2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid: Value from The Most Innovative Engineering Around

If there is one thing that is true about our beloved brand, it is that we are very experienced in loading up large amounts of value and features into small places. That trend continues on all fronts with the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV: with the base LX trim level, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a 4.2-inch display in the gauge cluster, power adjustable driver's seat, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. Within the base trim's infotainment system, you get a 7-inch touchscreen, equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

Moving up to the middle EX trim level provides heated side mirrors for cold St Louis mornings, cloth seats with leather inserts, heated front seats, and rear AC vents. For safety, there is blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert on deck. When customers come to talk to us here on the lot at Jim Butler Kia, safety is among their top concerns. We know what it's like to have a family or loved ones in tow, and the need to keep them safe at every single turn. Backing up out of a driveway sometimes takes place in a hurry, and it's so crucial to monitor every little bit of movement around you before you go to reverse.

At the top of the Niro's lineup is the EX Premium trim: it really doles out the extras with LED headlights, a 7-inch display for the gauge cluster, a 110-volt power inverter, leather seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and an able-to-rock 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features have seen the ante upped a bit, thanks to the addition of front and rear parking sensors, and the infotainment screen gets a few more navigation capabilities, as well as a screen with an extra inch in size.

No matter what trim you choose the powertrain remains the same on the Niro. A 1.6-liter, Atkinson-cycle 14 pairs impressively with an electric motor for an impressive output of 139 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The battery provides the power for 26 mile of all-electric range, yielding a total range of around 550 miles. EPA ratings on mileage are 48 mpg in the city, and 44 on the highway. The good folks at Road Show blog were impressed this week with what the car offers for the price, and we know that you will be too. As far as getting around in the New World, the games have changed a bit, and sustainable energy has been a hot topic of concern. Check out just how much the new Niro has to offer, and get ready to make a difference for the environment with your New Year's vehicle selection. 

Kia's 'Stinger Salon' Exhibits Highlight High-octane Excitement and Luxury Factor

Everyone here at Jim Butler knew right away that the Kia Stinger was unique when it was first conceptualized. It possesses an amazing amount of style, yet still completely dominated at the legendary Nurburgring track, and numerous reviews have clued consumers into its powerful capabilities and prowess. As people scramble to get last-minute holiday gifts or get into somewhere warm for a little exercise, they'll be able to explore Stinger Salons that showcase the car's capability as a first class performance sedan. They are interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Stinger's history, from the days on the drawing board to its impressive performance on the track.

Once inside the salon, video displays and virtual reality are incorporated to explain performance features and the design of the new Stinger. The Hololens VR tool is the very first self-contained holographic computer, enabling the user to engage with digital content, and interact with realistic holograms in the settings around you. Specialized components like multiple sensors, advanced optics, and a custom holographic processing unit enable the user to truly “go beyond the screen”. This is the perfect way to showcase the luxury image that Kia is moving towards, and stimulate the senses of passing consumers who are in the market for a new vehicle.

The Stinger is a dream car in many ways: it has a faster top speed and zero to 60 time than the Porsche Panamera, and evokes stylish charm overwhelmingly at just a first glance. Whether you are a diehard auto enthusiast, or a passerby curious about all types of 2018 models, the salons will take visitors on a high-tech journey of discovery. The Stinger is a very special and unique offering, and we're positive that these Salons will leave shoppers educated on the finer points regarding the thrill of ownership. The first three salons are open at the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD, Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL, and Westchester Mall in White Plains, New York. Early next year, more salons will pop up in Austin, TX, Buford, GA, Santa Clara, CA, and Irvine, CA.

The Safety Features on the Stinger are top notch: included are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and driver attention assist. The exterior design was inspired by the GT Concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, and this is one incredibly eye-catching accomplishment. This is the car for the New Year that is going up against the likes of the BMW 4 Series, the Audi A5, Infiniti Q50, and the Jaguar XE. Buyers will have the choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, or the more powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6.  We would love a visit from you this holidays, our absolute favorite time of year: come pay us a visit here in St Louis, and see how fantastic Kia's newest fleet addition is! 

New Stinger is Auto123.com's Midsize Car of the Year

This past month in Toronto, the 2018 Auto123.com awards ceremony took place, with an expert panel consisting of five veteran contributors, experienced test drivers, and the chief writer on staff. They each cast their votes for the vehicles they thought were the most memorable of 2018, and only those sold before November 1^st were eligible for their consideration. Beating out the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, The Kia Stinger took the honors in the midsize car category, generating, even more, excitement and recognition for the Kia brand. The rivals of the new Stinger are some of the most luxurious sedans in the world, and many have been amazed by its world-class powertrains, as well as its practicality.

Because of the presence of the hatchback in the rear, there is still an element of day-to-day usefulness, although the Stinger could also be at home on the most demanding racetracks, such as Germany's Nurburgring. Under the hood of the fastest Kia ever made is a powerful 3.3-L twin-turbo V6 engine, that delivers up to 365 Hp, 376 lb-ft of torque, and the delightful snarl once only found within cars of European origin. Every model comes with an all-wheel-drive system, that uses torque vectoring control to thoroughly modulate power transmitted to each wheel. Stopping duties are completed with very high-performance Brembo brakes, and it won't be too difficult to notice that this car was put to the test on a frozen lake in the Arctic circle for two months.

The fastback-styled trunk opens at the command of a remote, making way for ample cargo space, and solidifying the love for the Stinger among more than just the diehard racers who will find themselves behind the dash. The UVO Intelligence application allows the driver to use their smartphone to control vehicle-management, driver assist, and other remote functions. This is a no-subscription information system that enables you to make hands-free calls and complete other cool tasks like managing your entire music library. Navigation, diagnostics capabilities, and useful features like parking minder are all under the guise of this easy-to-use and revolutionary suite governed by a smartphone app.

Originally introduced as the Kia GT concept during the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the car derived its beginnings as a study in design that previewed what a fastback sports sedan from Kia would look and drive like. 3 years later, the concept of the GT4 Stinger was pitched at the 2014 Detroit Auto show, and it was a bit of a smaller, rear-drive sports coupe. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four with 255 hp and 260-Lb-ft of torque, and the upper-level choice is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 365 Hp, and 376 Lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to an automatic 8-speed transmission, and we invite you to pay us a holiday visit here at Jim Butler. While you're here, we will show you how the Stinger will wow everyone during the coming year, with more features for the money compared to the heavy hitting BMW 4-series, as well as the Audi A5 Sportback! 

2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid Crossover Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

As innovation, artificial intelligence, and many other facets of car technology evolve at a breakneck pace, hybrids and electric cars have really moved from the background to a front-and-center position on the stage. The 2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is Kia's third plug-in model, and was on display last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It offers up the same crossover functions and fun driving experience as previous models, along with an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range. As consumers are becoming more and more aware of the perils that the planet faces in terms of green energy and consumption, some are now leaning towards electric power for their vehicle choice. This is a startlingly efficient new vehicle that takes massive strides in helping drivers consumer less gasoline, and while in all-electric mode, produces zero emissions.

Here in St Louis and in other large cities across the nation where emissions have been under close scrutiny for decades now, a car with zero emissions has been coveted for quite some time. The rating of the total driving range is 560 miles, and the offering of extreme versatility in driving experience is going to be a major selling point. With the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, you are tapping into the potential to have it all: pure EV driving on the daily, as well as the ability to take long road trips. This is the vehicle that heftily represents the next step to nearly tripling the brand's global selection of alternative vehicles within the next three years, including the Niro, Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV, and the Soul EV.

The Niro matches up an all-aluminum and efficient 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. Along with a powerful 60-HP electric motor, this is the perfect formula for driving range under the guise of electric power, as well as optimum fuel efficiency. Increased high-voltage battery capacity and output are two key ingredients that have helped the Niro Plug-in Hybrid have a very efficient, low emissions crossover, while successfully touting a 105 MPG rating. The single battery charging port is located in the driver's front side fender, and a full charge is complete in around 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, or in just under 9 hours via a Level 1 charger.

The very lightweight structure of the Niro Plug-in utilizes over 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel. The structure is improved greatly by the use of hot-stamped steel components, and the car has been heavily targeted to earn top honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new Niro PHEV seats five, and you can ask us here on the lot at Jim Butler how the different trim levels improve your experience: LX, EX, and Premium are the slated options. You'll enjoy driver assistance technologies such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, and forward collision warning to assure your drive is the absolute safest it can be.

With UVO eco, you can remotely monitor and charge your battery, setup and alter the schedule, preset temperature, turn on features like window defrosters, heat the steering wheel, and lock or unlock the doors to get ready to roll. If you're parked at a large event or something unfortunate happens, you can also see where the vehicle is from a smartphone or other web-enabled device. Take a close look at what the new Niro Plug-in could do for your daily driving routine, and marvel at the fact that our entire ability to protect the environment will be drastically improved during the days to come. 

2019 Kia Sorento First Look: Utility and Rugged Good Looks Live On

We are excitedly situated in one of the most action-packed times of year as a car dealer: not only has the 2018 lineup been completely announced and for the most part arrived, but glimpses of an exciting future are also on hand. The 2017 Sorento truly tried to up the ante and dominate two markets with one vehicle, and many consumers loved the avid 5-seater right off the bat. This year, the top-of-the-line SXL was just a V-6 item, all SXL versions were equipped with HID headlights, as well as a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an electric parking brake were included within the SXL level to boot.

Car and Driver were impressed with the engineering that resulted in less exterior noise, and pointed out that it was an impressive seven decibels quieter than the Audi Q7 during idle. The 2019 Sorento is slated to be available in front or all-wheel drive configurations, and on limited models, comes standard with seating room for seven. Another great new feature is two-way Lumbar support for the front passenger, one of the top features recommended by chiropractors for better posture. Nappa leather upholstery in Mahogany or Terracotta two-tone schemes is a noticeable upgrade as well, and the car is available in front or rear-wheel configurations.

The large difference under the hood is the addition of updated transmissions: a six-speed automatic accompanies the base 185-hp 2.4-liter model, and the 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission found in the Cadenza full-size sedan. The new Harman Kardon premium surround sound system will noticeably enhance your audio experience; this is one brand of equipment that always dazzles us as far as sound dimensions are concerned. There are new lighting patterns on the taillights, and the ice cube LED foglights have been trimmed down a bit, with a good aesthetic result. The 2019 Sorento gets an infotainment system that is updated with Apple CarPlay + Android Auto capability, and there is a 7-inch touchscreen even on the base trim level.

Safety is the category that many customers come to us and rave about how satisfied they are with Kia, purchase after purchase. All 2019 Sorentos with EX trim or higher will include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. All-wheel drive models will still come with a 4-wheel lock mode, which splits power evenly from front to rear, and employs torque vectoring to help minimize understeer.

So many potential buyers come to us on the lot and ask just why the Sorento is better than the Chevy Traverse. Sure, they both have size: we love how this is not a tiny SUV that could be tipped under pressure like a flimsy matchbox. Come down and give the Sorento a test drive: when you experience the agile response, perfectly grippy handling, and safety features on board, you'll be ready to succumb to the anticipation of the 2019 wait list!

Performance-Focused Post-Holiday Fever: 2018 Stinger Pricing Announced

The 2018 Kia Stinger is bound to turn heads within the auto market for many reasons: it's the first true sports coupe from the brand, and offers up well-thought and class-leading design. The power you have access to is obtained at a reasonable price, and it has risen to the challenge of competing with luxury sport sedans substantially. The car is a prime example of the brand we love to represent's commitment to surpassing expectations in every aspect. Drivers are really going to notice how this is still very much a traditional Kia, but the performance and handling ante has been upped noticeably.

A few days ago in Irvine, CA, Kia announced the pricing stats for this highly anticipated urban or otherwise commuter's dream. Here's the general scheme of how it will all be rolled out:

-Stinger begins at $31,900

-Stinger Premium begins at $37,100

-GT begins at $38,350

-GT1 begins at $43,250

-GT2 begins at $49,200

-All-wheel drive: $2,200

-Destination $900

Developed on the famed hairpin turns of Nurburgring and designed in Frankfurt, the Stinger is offered with multiple drivetrain and engine options, and doesn't skimp on luxury to deliver grade A performance. All Stingers come standard with a beautiful leather interior, and you can ask us on the lot here at Jim Butler how you can upgrade to the lavish and amazingly soft Nappa leather for even more comfort. The steering wheel is hand-stitched with multi-function leather, housing paddle shifters front and center of the driver. Every Stinger is available with a large-color TFT instrument cluster, and there's even a track timer here for any instances where you may be living out your speed-driven dreams with friendly competition!

If you are summoned to take the sales presentation on the road, are traveling for the holidays, or going to see all of the great things Missouri has to offer on the weekends, you'll be happy with the 23.3 cubic. -ft of cargo space, that can be accessed with the power liftgate, and even has the futuristic and ultra-useful Smart Trunk Functionality. The base Stinger and Premium trims provide a 2.0- liter twin-scroll, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and it provides 255 hp, as well as 260 lb. -ft of torque. Buying your way shrewdly into the GT namesake offers you up a more powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, which cranks out 365 hp, and 376 lb. - ft. of torque. These are both matched to an 8-speed, rear-drive automatic transmission, and for some in St. Louis and locations further north of here, all-wheel drive is available to conquer inclement weather on all trim levels of the Stinger.

To enhance the driving experience in the revolutionary and game-changing Stinger, there are Multiple Advance Driver Assistance Systems that all work together. Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Keeping Assist are just some of the features that will keep you safe at all times, and optimize every mile marker of your journey. The base audio system for the 2.0-liter turbo features a 7-inch touchscreen and six speakers, as well as Kia's award-winning telematics and UVO. Voice-guided maps, navigation, hands-free calls, and texts, and voice recognition are all features that you can enjoy via this technology.

With the holidays right around the corner and the promise of exciting New Year's happenings to boot, now would be a great time to check out the world's finest performance sedan, and treat yourself to an example of the finest in elevated action-driving authenticity!