Report: Kia GT to enter production in 2013, hot versions of mainstream models to follow

The new Kia GT Concept received a very positive reaction at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show last week, proving that the Korean brand is ready to move away from the budget reputation that it’s always been stuck with, according to the company’s European boss, Paul Philpott.

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“Almost everyone has accepted the GT as being the right kind of car for Kia, and that says we’re ready to stretch the brand further,” Philpott said. “If we can get the same reaction globally as we did in Frankfurt then the GT can play a key role in moving the whole brand forward.”

The Kia GT is expected to go into production in 2013. The move will come once Kia has updated its current lineup.  The Kia GT Concept is powered by 3.3 liter T-GDI turbocharged V6 making 390-hp with a peak torque of 394 lb-ft.

Click here for our original post on the Kia GT Concept.

Philpott said that the Kia GT Concept also hints at the creation of hot versions of its mainstream cars.

“It’s early days yet, but clearly for a brand that wants to be known for sporty cars, then going into motorsport could be interesting,” he said.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar