Kia Pondering Kee Concept Production

The 2007 Kia Kee coupe concept that was unveiled in 2007 might make it to production in the next few years, as the South Korean manufacturer is looking into ways to build a new compact, rear-wheel drive model. However, if the project receives the green light, the car will only use a number of features seen on the concept, Kia design director Peter Schreyer told autocar.co.uk.

“We are not like Audi or Porsche,” he said. “We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it’s the perfect kind of sports car.”

The Kee concept, revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2007, employed light-weight aluminum panels and several plastic panels that reduced the overall weight of the car and thus contributed to fuel economy and emissions. It was powered by a 2.7-liter MUE-II engine that production 200 PS.

"All the main interior surfaces are covered in a semi-suede-like microfibre material and the body-hugging sports seats use a heard-wearing but distinctive metallic-finish cloth," explained Salome Etienne – one of the KEE's interior design team, back in 2007.

"This is a starting point. It shows how we think and what we want to do – appeal to the emotional side of our audience and bring that balance of purpose and emotion into the Kia design language. With KEE we are irrevocably heading off on our chosen path," Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, added at that time.

Still, Kia hasn't officially confirmed that the Kee concept will actually make it to production, so expect more details in the upcoming months.