Kia Motors has announced a unique development of its Peter Schreyer-designed sports coupe concept – the KEE_wii. First seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, the KEE was a clear indication of the design direction of Kia product. However, the latest upgrade to KEE will make sure it is one step ahead of the competition with a new, dynamic and more involving drive system that removes the need for a steering wheel and pedals.
Franz Josef-Hicks, head of the Advanced Propulsion Research Institute and Laboratory at Kia Motors New Zealand, explained; ‘We have taken inspiration from current computer gaming technology to create a completely new steering and pedal system called Dynamic On-Road Kinetics.
The traditional driving controls are replaced by a small ‘controller’ which fits comfortably into two hands. Making steering motions with the small controller will turn the car in whichever direction the driver likes whilst accelerator and brakes are button operated. It is a very simple and intuitive system.’ added Mr Josef-Hicks.
Kia believes there is an added advantage – passengers can take the controls and enjoy the dynamic drive of the KEE_wii from any seat in the car. “This is ultimate flexibility,” enthused Mr Josef-Hicks. “If you are travelling in left or right-hand drive countries you will be able to control the vehicle from the correct seat and if a passenger knows a road particularly well they can take control and make the journey more efficient and faster.
We have patented this newly developed wireless system known as Full Orthopaedic Operating Logic. Okay, so visibility is a minor issue for those in the back seats, but we don’t think this will be a problem as a lot of people don’t really look where they are going when they drive – and we have built in a fail-safe security system called Independent Driver Input Operating Technique that utilises radar to avoid accidents.”
The KEE_wii dynamic control system will be available on new Kia cars a year from today and will then be optional on forthcoming generations of models as they are updated or replaced.
The KEE_wii provides clear indication; Kia Motors does indeed have ‘The Power to Surprise’
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April 1st, 2008 at 12:26 am
NO FU**ING WAY!! 1 YEAR FROM TODAY!?! YES!!! YES!! YES!! Go Kia!!! PATENTED! This is something Kia borrowed from nobody!
April 1st, 2008 at 12:48 am
April Fools Day!! I’m sure
April 1st, 2008 at 1:35 am
It is March 31.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:43 am
Note date of article
April 1st, 2008 at 3:29 am
also note the F.O.O.L. and I.D.I.O.T. systems they talk about at the end.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:30 am
and D.O.R.K. earlier in the article. april fool’s indeed.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:29 am
The KEE_wii dynamic control system will be available on new Kia cars a year from today and will then be optional on forthcoming generations of models as they are updated or replaced.
THAT IS SO AWSOME!!! WAY to go KIA!!!!
April 1st, 2008 at 6:24 am
since when did nintendo and KIA team up?
April 1st, 2008 at 7:41 am
Advanced Propulsion Research Institute and Laboratory-APRIL
Dynamic On-Road Kinetics-DORK
Full Orthopaedic Operating Logic-FOOL
Independent Driver Input Operating Technique-IDIOT
wOOt kia lol. just lyk the kia “i” concept from last year where u could build ur own car XD
April 1st, 2008 at 8:26 am
You’re right guys, it’a an April fool. Similar joke as last year when Kia said they developed an i concept. This was written by guys from Kia UK. Nice try Steve (he he)!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Here is anothere April fool. It says pro_cee’d is getting a V6 engine… http://www.autolatest.com/en/news-details/498-will-the-new-kia-pro-ceed-have-a-v6-engine-#
April 1st, 2008 at 1:40 pm
For the love of Kia!
huh!
O, well, guess its the same rule for the net: Dont believe anything on April fool’s day. I tot it was 2 great news articles together.
One was that Kia is going to build the biggest showroom in UAE and then
the KEE_wii news and then it turns out that… there’s no such thing as a KEE_wii.
LOL! but Kia should make something like this. I’d be very happy
April 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Yes, some of you saw through it and some of you didn’t! It is our April Fool’s joke – and a lot of people have fallen for it
We thought the kiwi reference and the lab in New Zealand might be the first hint along with A.P.R.I.L and we were sure the F.O.O.L. and I.D.I.O.T. systems would be the clinchers!
Mind you it is clear some people don’t share the joke! Our friends at Ford sent out a release about cars being available with prescription windscreens for sight-affected drivers and it so enraged a couple of vision-impaired charities that they withdrew it!
But BMW have got a good one out about a new system to stop dogs relieving themselves on your wheels….
Sorry to anyone who isn’t aware of our strange tradition in the UK – it just shows how the internet and Kia World reaches right around the world these days!
April 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I don’t think it is very funny. I am actually kind of pissed off that Kia put the idea out there, and now, any company that wants it can have it. Very stupid move.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Yes, you’re very right Greg. a year ago I was thinking about having a system like this in cars (inspiration from nissan URGE) and today I thought that Kia co-incidentially brought my ideas to the real world but now, I might have to see this in another manufact’s concept.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
they can call the color kiwi green
April 1st, 2008 at 7:19 pm
When KIA launched the Ceed , they said the ceed it’s just the start . In my opnion the KIA Ceed it’s a very very good Job and now we wait for a better technology, better design and georgous cars from KIA .
April 1st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Cee’d is a great done job Derren! Great sales, numerous awards and most important, happy cee’d owners are the proof that Kia is on right track and has a bright future!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 am
lol guys take it easy!!! it was funny and u probably wont see anything lyk that for at least 5 yrs minimum… whats wrong with the steering wheel??? its way more involving and fun 2 drive!!! thats y u buy ones for game consoles.
chillax guys!!! 
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 am
To tell you the truth, whilst I was still reading the article closely and trying to make believe…I…I…mean believe it was really true, I wasn’t really digging the idea that much. I love my Lancer GTS’ steering wheel and I would be disappointed if I couldn’t steer the rig I drive. Know what I mean? Just a silly joke, that’s all. The Brits do love to funny people, don’t they? Had all of us hardcores buggying our eyes out looking at the screen with far-away and puzzled looks on our faces. Tee-hee! Gotcha’all! Picture Austin Powers looking at you with those glasses and large yellow teeth and goofy smile. “Why don’t you model for me?”
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:26 am
Greg gets pissed because he didn’t understood the joke.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
yeah lol its a harmless playful joke.
so true bryan hehe
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I know himi , that Kia is on the right track, I order a Ceed Ex . Darren , (Malta ).
April 3rd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Congrats Darren! You made a good choice. Please stop by in our forums when you get it and show us some pics of your new ride,ok!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
This article was reprinted in the Wheels section of my local paper on April 9. The left out the “Full Orthopaedic Operating Logic” and “Independent Driver Input Operating Technique” paragraph which leads me to believe they didn’t realize it was a joke.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
He he. Nice find John!
April 11th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
ROTFLMAO!