Kia GT Concept Car at the 2012 New York International Auto Show
In 2017, Kia will finally enter their submission into the high-end sports car category with the elusive and exclusive Kia GT sports sedan. Modeled to take on everything the BMW 3 Series has to offer and more, the GT is a low-riding powerhouse with lots of great features. As the release date keeps getting pushed back, the anticipation builds on what could be a must-have for sports-car enthusiasts worldwide.
What We Know So Far About the Kia GT
Since 2011, the Kia GT has gone through several incarnations. This sleek road warrior saw its prototype unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. A few crash tests later — checking safety standards — it seems to be in line for production.
Even the once-rumored “Stinger” moniker has been repeatedly dropped and added to no final conclusion. The clock ticks more every day without a definitive answer, shrouding the Kia GT in mystery. Whether this loose timeline is hesitation or a careful marketing and anticipation-building exercise remains to be seen.
Here are the latest confirmed elements we know about the Kia GT:
The V-6 engine has been toyed with constantly between the future 2017 and 2018 production models. Should it have more horsepower or just a ridiculous amount? The final tally sits at around 340 horsepower, but it’s still up in the air.
One estimate placed the 2017 Kia GT with a turbocharged V-8 5.0-liter engine, bumping the horsepower up to 415.
A test-model Kia GT was recently spotted cruising around Orange County, California, near Kia’s U.S. R&D facility. The model uses a 2018 Genesis G70 platform, but with a longer wheelbase. A candid series of camouflaged photos confirm that the prototype’s rearward-opening rear doors are gone. They have been replaced by more conventional doors. The sleek rear backlight remains, and a pair of smaller LED headlamps and lower intakes replace the original bulky units. It also sports a large, bright chrome side vent. It seems as if Kia has toned down their model’s exterior to widen the range of interested consumers.
Other spotted features include:
- Rear-wheel drive
- Four and Six-cylinder variants
- Expected 3.3-liter V-6
- 394-pound feet of torque
- More legroom
Motor Authority most recently confirmed a January 8, 2017, unveiling release date, which is the eve of the 2017 Detroit auto show. If they keep in tradition with the BMW competition, their price-tag could land between $35,000 and $43,000 – making this an affordable sports package from the new kid on the block.
Your Personal Path to the Kia GT | Union County Kia
Kia is always improving – changing the way you drive. If you want to find an affordable new or used Kia to take you anywhere you want to be, look to Union County Kia in Indian Trail, North Carolina.
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