Kia unveils GTI-fighting pro_cee'd GT

[mjd1001]

I think it looks a LOT like a cross between Fords Fiesta and Focus....but then we go back to the same thing...how many ways differently can you style a car?

full article here: http://www.leftlanenews.com/kia-pro-ceed-gt.html

Kia has released the first official images of the 2013 pro_cee'd GT, a hot hatch aimed at the iconic Volkswagen GTI. Based on the regular pro_cee'd, the car was designed to boost Kia's image on the European market and lure younger buyers into showrooms.

The pro_cee'd GT has been given a sporty exterior treatment by Peter Schreyer, the brand's former design chief and current president. The modifications include aggressive bumpers on both ends, a race-inspired plastic mesh grille up front and aerodynamic side skirts. Four-point LED daytime running lights and unique 18-inch wheels finish off the look.

The pictures released by Kia reveal very little about the pro_cee'd GT's cockpit but the South Korean automaker promises that Recaro bucket seats, alloy pedals and a complete instrumentation are part of the deal.

[JBsZ06]

Looks good but it will need the wet dual clutch of the GTI if it wants any kind of sales volume in the states....

[BlackGTP]

Nice looking ride - I prefer it over the Ford equivalents.

[Neanderthal]

Under the hood lies the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-banger that powers the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the mill sends 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque to the front set of wheels, enabling the GT to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.

0-60 in eight seconds with a 6M 200 HP and 2700-odd pounds? More like under seven?

[Bejeweled]

Is Kia trying to flatter itself again? This lump of **** is no gti. Not to mention those 0-60 times that are measured in calendars.

[jzchev28]

Under the hood lies the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-banger that powers the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the mill sends 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque to the front set of wheels, enabling the GT to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.

0-60 in eight seconds with a 6M 200 HP and 2700-odd pounds? More like under seven?

Most likely because like most of their claims the 201 HP is probably fictional.

[GHull3]

Wow, that looks a whole lot like a Focus hatch. Show me the dyno sheet that proves 201hp is a fact.

[richmond2000]

has the LOOKS in the bag but forgot the engine IMHO the GTI and ST fords will sleep just fine I could see this as the PRO_CEE'd and the GT get a hotted up engine

[EJD1984]

Will there ever be a performance level Cruze?

SS, GT, Z24

[RedSkyBlackDream]

Will there ever be a performance level Cruze?

SS, GT, Z24

Z24!!! That brings back many memories! My first car was a red 1989 Z24! (I'm an '83 baby)

[johnstarnes]

I like it, especially the long sleek nose.

[richmond2000]

Will there ever be a performance level Cruze?

SS, GT, Z24

would be NICE but GM assumes you want a Varano Turbo
hopefully the CODE 130R thing comes true and a 22K RWD 2.0T economy sports car comes true

[spidge]

Looks good but it will need the wet dual clutch of the GTI if it wants any kind of sales volume in the states....

I doubt it's coming to the States.

1. It doesn't have 5 doors (or 4 like its oddball Veloster cousin).

2. It's a hatchback - "we" don't like hatchbacks, of course, unless they are found on crossovers.

3. It's just not ugly enough for our market (see Veloster, Juke, etc.).

[big swede]

It definitely has the right look for the class and if this is the base engine KIA might have something here. The Veloster is selling very well despite a more lackluster base engine and out of the box styling and features which tends to scare off more people.

VW gets ripped on for their evolutionary changes to the Golf but it has resulted in an extremely refined car for the class in which this first year KIA has no hopes in achieving. The GTI and Ford ST will easily outclass this car in refinement and interior but this car won't be rapidly approaching $30,000k either.

I say bravo to KIA on an excellent first effort that will improve rapidly and hopefully show that more Americans will buy a hot hatch when done right.

[Toto]

Under the hood lies the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-banger that powers the Hyundai Veloster Turbo. Linked to a six-speed manual transmission, the mill sends 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque to the front set of wheels, enabling the GT to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds.

0-60 in eight seconds with a 6M 200 HP and 2700-odd pounds? More like under seven?

0-100 km/h in under 8s is okay for a manual. Not many cars in this segment can reach 100km/h in second gear. Most (if not all) require an extra shift and that is bad for a turbo car w/o a DSG tranny. Even the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition with the 1.6T/210hp/185 (206 with Overboost) lb-ft and a mechanical LSD need 6.8s to 100km/h.

Btw, Hyundai/KIA are hiding the Korean origin in the German (European?) advertising ("Developed in Germany, built in Europe"). Quite the opposite what GM is doing here with Chevrolet.