Kia is to expand its range of performance and sports cars starting with the release of the new GT model next year.
The Kia GT has been in the pipeline for a while now after first being unveiled as a concept back in 2011, and according to an Autocar report it’s due to appear at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Reportedly, the production version of the GT is intended to be the marque’s halo model and will be a blend of the original four-door GT concept and the compact GT4 Stinger concept coupe.
Though it’s yet unconfirmed, previous rumours have claimed that the GT model range will feature rear-wheel drive and a choice of high-output four- and six-cylinder engines.
New GT, plus rumoured Rio hot hatch
The flagship model, meanwhile, has been rumoured to get a muscular V8 engine in an effort to offer a more affordable alternative to luxury performance models from the likes of Mercedes AMG.
Kia will also use the GT badge for other performance-oriented models in its range, including the existing Pro_cee’d GT, plus the upcoming Optima GT and even a rumoured new Rio GT.
Ex-BMW M head Albert Biermann is due to be the man behind the new performance range, with the Rio GT in particular seen as crucial to the brand as a rival to the class-leading Ford Fiesta ST.
Details of the Rio GT have yet to be released, but it’s expected to be built on an all-new architecture to reduce weight and improve dynamics, while it’s rumoured to produce up to 180bhp.