Spotted testing on public roads since early 2016, the production version of the Kia GT is about to break cover at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. With just a couple of weeks left until the year's first major automotive event kicks off, Kia is busy teasing the upcoming vehicle and it has just released a new video. The third clip as of December 21, the new teaser showcases some of the car's exterior features.
The footage is rather shadowy and hides most of the actual details found in the sheet metal, but it provides plenty of hints as to what the car looks like. What's evident from the very start is that the sports sedan is heavily based on the concept car. It has a sexy, coupe-like profile, steeply raked rear glass, and a big trunk lid spoiler. Up front, I spotted a pair of sleek, sweptback headlamps, the already traditional "tigernose" grille, and dual vents for the bulged engine hood. Other highlights include large alloy wheels, quad exhaust pipes, a lowered suspension, and LED technology in the front and rear.
Not much else can be seen, but we do know that the GT model will be rear-wheel-drive with the option to select an AWD setup. Kia also revealed that the sedan will be able to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 151 mph, figures that are likely to be achieved with a twin-turbo, 3.3-liter V-6 engine rated at more than 300 horsepower. The automaker could also offer less powerful versions motivated by four-cylinder drivetrains, but we will find out more about that when the GT breaks cover at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show in January.
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Why it matters
Arguably one of the most adventurous automakers from Asia in recent years, Kia is now aiming to enter the four-door coupe niche with the new GT. While this segment is relatively new and populated by cars of different sizes, it's a turf that will be pretty difficult to conquer as its main players are the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7. Granted, Kia isn't yet strong enough to take a big bite into Mercedes-Benz and Audi sales, but this could change if the GT comes with the right package in terms of design, technology, and performance. Judging by the styling cues seen in this teaser video, if Kia plays its cards right, the GT could become an important nameplate.
Read our full review on the upcoming 2017 Kia GT here.