- Canadian premiere of exceptional Kia GT concept
- GT's graceful and confident styling reminiscent of iconic 1970's Grand Touring cars
- Coupe-styled sports sedan powered by a 3.3-litre V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine with 395 horsepower
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada revealed the striking Kia GT concept today at the Canadian International Auto Show. With its Canadian debut, the powerful, dynamic and forward-looking Kia GT concept - originally shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show - signals the distinctive next chapter of the company's design direction with graceful, confident styling, and is the first rear-wheel-drive concept in Kia's history.
"The Kia GT concept builds on our brand's current design-led transformation, and looks toward shaping the design future," said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing for Kia Canada Inc. "The GT's exciting styling coupled with exceptional performance represents the incredible potential Kia has moving forward."
Radiating a sleek, yet muscular, stance, the Kia GT four-door sports sedan concept was created by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, and his European design team. The concept allowed Kia to explore new visual avenues, including a unique interpretation of the Kia-family tabbed grille with a carbon-fibre insert, which matches the front and rear fascia and side sills.
Triangular swept-back headlamps with pronounced outlines flank the grille and transition seamlessly to the sloping hood and up to the wide-raked windshield. The extended hood, along with the rear-wheel-drive configuration, allowed the design team to push the front wheels to the front of the car, allowing for an aggressive stance. The swooping cabin enhances the GT's aerodynamic presence, while vent-like taillights, powerful rear shoulders and truncated rear-end add to the vehicle's brawny appearance. Propeller-style rims flanked in carbon-fibre complete the dynamic look.
"No matter from which perspective you look at the Kia GT, it is roaring with energy and ready for take-off," said Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "I believe this concept car is a strong statement from Kia that we are ready to fast-forward to an all-new chapter."
The 4,690 mm long concept has the classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout of a high performance sedan, which ensures very different proportions from a front-wheel drive car. Beneath the extended bonnet, power is provided by a 3.3-litre turbocharged Lambda V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 395 horsepower and 393.5 pound-feet of torque
The front doors and rear-hinged back doors open at a slight upward angle ensuring easy access to the spacious and airy interior. Generous, uncluttered cabin accommodation for four is welcomed with thanks to the Kia GT's unusually long wheelbase (2,860 mm), and despite its low stance, overall height is just 1,380 mm.
The Kia GT concept will be on display in the Kia pavilion at the Canadian International Auto Show for the duration of the event - February 17th to 26th - at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building.
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Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea, was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 174 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 147 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Jack Sulymka
National Marketing Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
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