It’s hard to believe but it’s now been almost five years since we saw Kia’s GT concept unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Kia GT V-8 Concept leaked images
Enlarge Photounveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. There’s been talk of the sporty sedan concept spawning a production model pretty much since its reveal yet here we are, almost five years down the road, and still nothing.
According to Reuters ’ sources, a Kia sports sedan is still coming, though it’s likely to be a small sedan akin to BMW’s sleek 4-Series Gran Coupe rather than the mid-size GT concept. Kia previewed just such a car when it rolled out the funky Novo conceptat the 2015 Seoul Auto Show.
The new sports sedan is said to be entering production in May 2017. It’s also said to have rear-wheel drive and the choice of 2.0-, 2.2- and 3.0-liter engines.
Kia Novo concept, 2015 Seoul Auto Show
Enlarge PhotoIt’s likely the car’s platform will be shared with the upcoming Genesis G70, which will also be a small, rear-wheel-drive sedan.
While both Kia and sister brand Hyundai built their reputation on cheap and cheerful cars, declining profits despite increasing sales are forcing the automakers to target more profitable segments. Hyundai’s profit fell for the third straight year in a row in 2015, coming in at approximately $5.3 billion or about 13 percent less than the previous year.
Hyundai has made moves into the luxury segment with the launch of Genesis. Kia on the other hand will go after buyers looking for sporty, youthful models.
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