The Genesis to get competition from Kia.

[YEH]

While I have been saying that the Kia GT will be heading to production - finally have confirmation from Kia.

Future Kia GT Targets Audi A7

Published: 10/07/2014 - by Richard Bremner, Correspondent

Just the Facts:

The Kia GT, a four-door fastback model, is headed for U.S. showrooms targeting the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and Porsche Panamera.
Kia executives confirmed that a showroom version of the GT concept is in Kia's upcoming product portfolio for the U.S.
The Kia GT is designed to boost the Korean brand's appeal with car shoppers seeking a sporty image.

PARIS — The Kia GT, a four-door fastback model, is headed for U.S. showrooms targeting the Audi A7, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and Porsche Panamera.

The Kia GT is the production version of the Kia GT Concept, a 390-horsepower rear-wheel-drive vehicle that was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. It is slated to arrive at U.S. Kia dealerships by the end of 2016.

Kia executives speaking to Edmunds at the 2014 Paris Auto Show confirmed that a showroom version of the GT concept is in Kia's upcoming product portfolio for the U.S.

The Kia GT is designed to boost the Korean brand's appeal with car shoppers seeking a sporty image. It will flesh out a lineup that includes such affordable cars as the Kia Soul and more expensive offerings, including the Kia Cadenza and K900.

Although the GT is aimed primarily at the U.S. market, it will also be sold in Europe, where a diesel version will be offered. It is unlikely that the diesel model will be sold here.

The rear-wheel-drive Kia GT is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

I would suspect that the GT's pricing would be more in line w/ that of the Genesis than the A7, etc.

Would not be surprised if we see Hyundai do a 4-door coupe version of the Genesis down the road, but right now, their development dollars would be better spent on a luxury CUV (or 2).

 

[Aquineas]

While I have been saying that the Kia GT will be heading to production - finally have confirmation from Kia.




I would suspect that the GT's pricing would be more in line w/ that of the Genesis than the A7, etc.

Would not be surprised if we see Hyundai do a 4-door coupe version of the Genesis down the road, but right now, their development dollars would be better spent on a luxury CUV (or 2).

It's an interesting symbiotic/competitive relationship, that between Hyundai and Kia. In Seoul the headquarters for both are right next to each other. I guess it's sort of like competing with your brother, but man there was no one I wanted to beat more than my brother while growing up.

It is superficial and silly, but I don't particularly care for the Kia badge; the Genesis wings definitely look better.

 

[scottdk]

It's an interesting symbiotic/competitive relationship, that between Hyundai and Kia. In Seoul the headquarters for both are right next to each other. I guess it's sort of like competing with your brother, but man there was no one I wanted to beat more than my brother while growing up.

It is superficial and silly, but I don't particularly care for the Kia badge; the Genesis wings definitely look better.

Just like the 1st generation Genesis, KIA products have a KDM emblem to rid the ugly OEM emblem.

 

[YEH]

It is superficial and silly, but I don't particularly care for the Kia badge; the Genesis wings definitely look better.

Don't care for the Kia badge either, but actually prefer it to Ford's and it's better than Hyundai's (which just might be the worst - just edging out Toyota's).

Both H and K should seriously think of redoing their logos.

 

[Tpr5.0]

Those are one of the ugliest looking rims I've ever seen on a vehicle.

 

[ckon]

those are one of the ugliest looking rims i've ever seen on a vehicle.

+100!!!

 

[YEH]

While the V6 trim should help, don't see K900 sales gaining traction until the next gen model which should get better sheetmetal, be sportier and gain AWD.

The addition of the GT below it should also help.

LeBron, being an auto enthusiast, asked to get a K900 and it is now part of his 20 some car collection w/ Kia and LeBron subsequently entering into a promotional agreement.

While I am dubious of such type of celebrity endorsements (see Tiger Woods and Buick), think this is good since the K900's problem isn't so much image (while that is a problem) as it is so much that most people have no idea that the K900 exists.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11706601/lebron-james-latest-endorsement-deal-kia-66000-k900-sedan

 

[Genpire]

I hope the next k900 gets better sheet metal....its not attractive and too old school money for me.

 

[YEH]

^ While I think Schreyer and Co. can do better, the K900 is sleeker/more modern looking than pretty much the rest of the flagship segment and esp. the Equus - which totally looks old-school.

The K900 looks less old-school than most of the midsize selections - GS, Q70, A6, E Class (CTS at side and rear).