According to Edmunds, Kia has greenlit the GT Concept for production. The Kia GT was originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2011, and soon we will see a production version of the swooping sedan.
This wouldn't be Kia's first foray into the world of luxury sedans, but it is certainly a bold move. The flagship Kia K900 sedan has been a tough sell for buyers, who are yet to drop their preexisting notions of the Korean brand.
The four-door Kia GT will be aimed at the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series and Porsche Panamera, some of the toughest competition in the market. Edmunds apparently talked with Kia execs at this year's Paris Auto Show, who confirmed the GT as an upcoming Kia product.
When the concept car was unveiled, the GT was powered by a turbocharged 3.3 liter V6 with 389 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, attached to an 8-speed transmission which sent power to the rear wheels. These specs are likely to find their way into the production car, but unfortunately the concept car's suicide doors are unlikely to make it to the production line.
Word is, Kia will design the GT based mainly on the American market, followed by the European market, the latter of which may receive a diesel powerplant.
Inside the GT, Kia is said to be developing a suite of advanced electronics systems, with interior materials and finish which will match its competitors.
Information is scarce, but if Kia's current lineup is any hint, the upcoming GT will probably be priced comfortably below its competitors. In the past few years, Kia has turned their brand around completely, growing beyond their once tarnished reputation. That being said, they still have quite a ways to go to compete with the highly regarded German brands.
If the Kia GT keeps its concept car form, it will certainly be a serious contender in the market. Its design is not quite as polarizing as the Panamera, yet the GT's styling is adventurous enough to stick out in a crowd.
The Kia GT production car is expected to reach dealer showrooms by the end of 2016. Only time will tell if the Kia GT will bring more buyers into the brand, but if the production car looks anything like the concept, the company is sure to convince a few people.
