Wednesday, April 27, 2016

2018 Kia GT Spied in Production Form & It Looks Glorious

Remember the Kia GT Concept from 2011? The South Korean automaker is actively working to get that car ready for its debut in 2016 for the 2018 model year.

Even though it isn’t as wildly stylized as the concept, the production model packs a visual punch. The exclusive photograph published by Motorgraph.com shows how ambitious Kia is in its quest to deliver a coupe-like four-door sedan, one to compete with the likes of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5.

Despite the camouflage, the GT looks the part, doesn’t it? The Kammback-type rear end, the intricate shape of the C-pillar, the quad exhaust tips protruding out of the rear valance, everything is blending together quite nicely. The chrome finish gills located where the front fenders meet the front doors aren’t bad either.

On the oily bits front, the platform of the 2018 Kia GT will be shared with the 2018 Genesis G70 compact executive sedan, itself previewed by a concept. To put it bluntly, you’re looking at a rear-wheel-drive chassis that may be propelled by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 with 389 horsepower and 394 lb-ft (534 Nm) of torque. Selecting ratios will be the duty of an eight-speed automatic transmission as used by the 2017 Kia Cadenza full-size sedan and 2017 Genesis G90 full-size sedan.

Rumor has it a hybrid could also be offered, combining a 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. The rumor mill also points out that the 2016 Paris Motor Show is where the Kia GT will make its first public outing. Production is due in early 2017, which means that America will get the GT for the 2018 model year.

This being Kia, the most important question to pose about the GT four-door coupe is whether it will undercut its German rivals from BMW and Audi regarding pricing. Common sense inclines me to reply yes, that assumption is spot on.

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