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Btw, don't know why C&D used a stretched version of the Novo concept instead of the GT concept.
The interior looks promising (better than on the current Genesis - which isn't surprising since Kia tends to do outdo Hyundai when it comes to interiors).
Kia has hit the Nurburgring. Yep, the plucky South Korean firm has put on its big boy pants and started testing its upcoming super-saloon around the Green Hell in preparation for its debut at January’s Detroit Motor Show.
Details are very thin, with the official literature stating that it has “the potential to clip every apex” and “consume every straight”. If we’re being harsh, so does a lawnmower. But we’re not being harsh, because this could be quite an exciting thing.
The video is only short, showing jump cuts of a lap of the track while the car’s rev counter zips around, speedo nudges 150mph and front right tyre desperately clings onto the the rim around ‘Karussell’. But even with our ears set to HD, it’s hard to decipher what the engine and gearbox combination could be over the very loud generic rock soundtrack.
Saying that, Kia’s new dynamics boss, Albert Biermann – formerly of BMW’s M Division – confirmed to us that the GT will be Kia’s “most powerful car in Europe by far.” How much the production version will remain true to its 400-odd bhp, V6, RWD suicide door’d concept from 2011 also remains a mystery.
However, at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Kia’s chief designer Gregory Guillaume gave us a hint at what it might look like.
“Lots of old cars that are inspirational, help me focus. Take the GT show car – it may have four doors, but it’s front engine and rear drive. The car I loved like that as a kid is the original Maserati Ghibli. It’s a completely different car, but it has this gran turismo elegance to it. The Ghibli is the sort of car you drive from Paris to the south of France in one shot. Everything is effortless. That always stayed in my mind when designing the GT.”
We’re sure there’ll be plenty more teasers up to its unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show to tickle your interest. But until then, let us know what you think of the possibility of a Kia super-saloon below.
And a 3.3L V6 Twin turbo, to boot. That means the quoted 365hp and 333lbft doesnt mean shit. Throw an aftermarket chip in it and I bet it'll be hitting 400hp for under $1500.
And a 3.3L V6 Twin turbo, to boot. That means the quoted 365hp and 333lbft doesnt mean shit. Throw an aftermarket chip in it and I bet it'll be hitting 400hp for under $1500.
Does it make you regret pulling the trigger on your 370Z at all?
Does it make you regret pulling the trigger on your 370Z at all?
Not in the least. The Nismo isn't going anywhere, ever, if I have anything to do about it. The Kia still has a major piece of the puzzle missing for me- a 6MT. If anything, I'll just end up turboing the Nismo one day. I love the looks, handling, transmission and seating position way too much to ever give it up. Power isn't crazy (350hp/276lbft) but it's enough to have fun with and I bet my Nismo weighs less than the Stinger. For 10k CAN, it could also be safely putting down 500-550 whp
I will replace either my TL or Wifey's turbo Sonata one day, though. I also do want a 4th car eventually. I just don't have anywhere to store it right now
So this is basically a RWD Optima with more power, yes?
If there is a lesson for Kia with the Optima, it is that cute designs is not good enough to sell cars. Value could give someone a pause, special leases. Because the non-existent resale value of their $35K+ vehicles, their lease rates for these are horrible here, For example a discounted 2016 Cadenza 36 mo / 36miles at 0% is $874CA / mo!!.
Umm... wow. If feel like I'm seeing a little bit of Jaguar in that side shot as well.
Never thought I'd say that about a Kia... but wow. Then again I never thought I'd say that about Hyundai either but they've been rocking it for a while now.
So this is basically a RWD Optima with more power, yes?
No, this has different engine, different platform, different interior, different transmission. This isn't like the accord-TLX type deal with shared platforms.
If there is a lesson for Kia with the Optima, it is that cute designs is not good enough to sell cars. Value could give someone a pause, special leases. Because the non-existent resale value of their $35K+ vehicles, their lease rates for these are horrible here, For example a discounted 2016 Cadenza 36 mo / 36miles at 0% is $874CA / mo!!.
and How well is Acura doing with their "value-laden" cars?
Love love love it, one of the freshest and boldest designs seen in years. It does look like a mix of a bunch of other cars, like the best parts of other cars, put into one. The specs are great too. Massive applause to Kia for pulling through on this.
Check out it's inception, which started in 2011, here:
I'm excited for when Saintor trades his TLX in, in a few years. We will then be hearing how amazing the Kia Stinger is, when there's one sitting in his garage.