The GT concept marks a new direction for Kia, with the Korean brand looking to build on recent successes in the supermini and medium-car sector with a rear-wheel drive V6-powered sports car.
What do I need to know about the Kia GT concept?
Kia surprised many at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show by taking the covers off a new concept that isn’t a budget-friendly supermini or family hatch; instead, the Korean brand showcased a new rear-wheel drive four-door sports car that could be hitting showrooms before most of the concepts being unveiled at the biggest European show of the year.
Kia says the design has been inspired by iconic GT cars of the 1970’s and has been percolating in the minds of the carmaker’s European designers for some time. And if it does make it to production, the GT would become the manufacturer’s first ever rear-wheel drive car.
Read more reviews of Kia cars.
Why else should I know about the Kia GT concept?
The GT concept might follow suit with a long list of recent four-door, four-seat, sport coupes, but it does strut an appealing, yet simple, design. That means, combined with a performance engine, it could be a contender for cars like the Nissan GT-R.
However, we’re not sure how many buyers in this market would be attracted to a Kia, even if it did carry over the rear-hinged back doors and ‘jet themed’ rear view cameras from the concept, which isn’t likely.
But it’s hard to argue that the car doesn’t look good, especially with the gaping air intakes on the front wings and the propeller-style wheels.
What engine does the Kia GT concept use?
And the GT should go as good as it looks thanks to a booming engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Powered by a 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine, Kia says the concept will produce a healthy 390bhp and 394lbft of torque.
When might I be able to buy a production version of the Kia GT concept?
If rumours are well-founded, you could be able to place an order by as early as 2013. But with the car still being ‘just a concept’, no prices were discussed or suggested.
Read about more cars featuring at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
More cars coming soon
-
Porsche Boxster
Class: Sports/convertibles
Porsche gave the third generation of the Boxster its European debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, promising a better all-round driving experience and a 15% boost in efficiency over the existing model.
-
Alfa Romeo 4C
Class: Sports/convertibles
The Alfa Romeo 4C has been showcased at the 2011 Frankfurt Motorshow in advanced concept form. First revealed in Geneva earlier this year, the 4C was one of the biggest attractions then, and now features more upgrades as it moves closer to production.
-
Ford Evos
Class: Sports/convertibles
The Ford Evos is a concept car that was first shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
