Kia GT Four-Door Coupe Rumored to Launch in 2016

[Kiaclub Nieuwsrobot]

Slowly but surely Kia is transforming itself from a provider of inexpensive transportation appliances to a purveyor of premium automobiles. Further pushing the brand up-market, reports indicate the South Korean firm will build a production version of its dramatic GT concept.

This four-door coupe design study was revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. It’s built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture and features a very swoopy body with design cues that wouldn’t look out of place on a Jaguar. It could go on sale in 2016.

The concept was powered by a 3.3-liter direct-injected turbo-V6 belting out 395 ponies. The car’s engine was matched to a technically advanced eight-speed automatic transmission.

SEE ALSO: Kia GT May Not Get Turbo V6

Supposedly the production version of this striking car will still feature a four-door coupe body but will lose its fire-breathing V6. A modest turbo-four would likely be the engine of choice. Alternative powertrains are also distinct possibilities; a diesel or hybrid system could find a home ahead of the firewall.

Will this “lowly” Kia have the goods to compete with cars like the Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class or BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe? Who knows, but one thing’s almost a given, if or when the GT makes it into production it will certainly be more affordable than these high-brow competitors.

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