[EJD1984]

Future Kia GT Targets Audi A7
Edmunds
by Richard Bremner
10/07/2014

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 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.

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.

Edmunds says: Although not likely to be a big seller, the Kia GT is a statement car that is sure to get lots of showroom attention. In the meantime, car shoppers have lots of compelling options in this segment.

*Full Article at Link

 

[EJD1984]

Though Kia wants to position this car against the Audi A7 (worldwide), would the US market really place this car into the same segment at the Chevrolet SS, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger?

 

[osbornk]

Though Kia wants to aim this car at the Audi A7 (worldwide), would the US market really place this car into the segment at the Chevrolet SS, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger?

I don't think so. The American cars seem to never be put in the same segments that European or Asian cars are. I think American have their own unique segment that is theirs alone.

 

[Blair1118]

I just can't take them seriously......

 

[CJH]

Seems like they just want to copy Audi these days:

http://img.netcarshow.com/Hyundai-Genesis_2015_1600x1200_wallpaper_03.jpg

 

[vanshmack]

Model S meets Predator. Can't say I'm a fan of the look.

 

[spd98]

Model S meets Predator. Can't say I'm a fan of the look.

Actually Fisker called and wants their Karma back!

And like most Kia's this car will still be a cheap imitation that some people will buy because they cannot afford the real thing, nor tell the difference between good and bad driving dynamics.

 

[BlackGTP]

Overall I like it, I think once they remove the showcar only bits and pieces it will look better. Right now it is a little over the top.

What is Hyundai and Kia's goal with these upmarket cars that don't sell well? Is the goal to stick with them and hope to build a following/market acceptance over the years while still stelling low end cars? Or is the idea to move upmarket.

 

[EJD1984]

Overall I like it, I think once they remove the showcar only bits and pieces it will look better. Right now it is a little over the top.

What is Hyundai and Kia's goal with these upmarket cars that don't sell well? Is the goal to stick with them and hope to build a following/market acceptance over the years while still stelling low end cars? Or is the idea to move upmarket.

I actually have some hope for the car – help keen the rwd sedan market alive.

But I’m a little confused as well. Kia has (in the past) been positioned at an economical alternative to Hyundai, but with the recent high-priced K900, and the (apparent) high market segment for this car, it just doesn’t add up. Unless it will have the (near) refinement of the Audi A7, but at a much lower price point.

 

[dareaction]

Is this 2008? Because that's what most of these comments seem to be coming from.

As far as prices go nearly every Kia costs more than its Hyundai counterpart so why is this even news?

Also this Kia GT will be about the size of the Infiniti Q50.

 

[AMcA]

Kia is way more upscale in Europe than it is here. Their C'eed (Ce'ed? Cee'd>) is a very nice, very premium car. So while this may sound highly implausible from the US perspective, it's not as crazy from an EU perspective.

 

[Dequindre]

Kia seems to forget that it's a mainstream brand, not a Benz-fighting luxury marque.

If Cadillac is taking a slow approach in reaching MB levels, how on earth does Kia think they can do it?

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

Kia seems to forget that it's a mainstream brand, not a Benz-fighting luxury marque.

If Cadillac is taking a slow approach in reaching MB levels, how on earth does Kia think they can do it?

Both Hyundai and Kia want upward mobility in the pecking order of brands - they've moved from budget to mainstream and want to continue the progress.

GM / Cadillac isn't a good example for up-and-coming Koreans to follow.

 

[Neanderthal]

What is Hyundai and Kia's goal with these upmarket cars that don't sell well? Is the goal to stick with them and hope to build a following/market acceptance over the years while still stelling low end cars? Or is the idea to move upmarket.

I would surmise, since Pete hasn't returned my emails, that KIA are moovin on up, like the Jeffersons.

That is the goal for almost auto companies. Chibby. Buick. Cardiac. Ford. VW. Toyoter. Honder.

That is where the large margins are. That is where the status is. That is where the bargains are.

Impalas at over 40 grand. Taurii near that. Chargers up to 60+, ditto 300s.

Moovin on up is the natural order of things.

I actually have some hope for the car – help keen the rwd sedan market alive.

But I’m a little confused as well. Kia has (in the past) been positioned at an economical alternative to Hyundai, but with the recent high-priced K900, and the (apparent) high market segment for this car, it just doesn’t add up. Unless is will have the (near) refinement of the Audi A7, but at a much lower price point.

More for less.

Is this 2008? Because that's what most of these comments seem to be coming from.

As far as prices go nearly every Kia costs more than its Hyundai counterpart so why is this even news?

Also this Kia GT will be about the size of the Infiniti Q50.

It's news to some.

Kia is way more upscale in Europe than it is here. Their C'eed (Ce'ed? Cee'd>) is a very nice, very premium car. So while this may sound highly implausible from the US perspective, it's not as crazy from an EU perspective.

It's implausible for folks who aren't watching, or don't understand the ways of nature.

 

[Dequindre]

Both Hyundai and Kia want upward mobility in the pecking order of brands - they've moved from budget to mainstream and want to continue the progress.

GM / Cadillac isn't a good example for up-and-coming Koreans to follow.

I wasn't saying they should take the Cadillac approach, but Kia can't reach Benz levels overnight. Cadillac has been trying for years (with much better products). It takes time, and Kia doesn't seem to be interested in that.

 

[Ruperts Trooper]

I wasn't saying they should take the Cadillac approach, but Kia can't reach Benz levels overnight. Cadillac has been trying for years (with much better products). It takes time, and Kia doesn't seem to be interested in that.

Who sets the timescale?

Hyundai/Kia build some models using quality premium brands as a benchmark - where the market, ie paying customers, dismisses them they build higher quality into the next model.

Cadillac will take for ever to match Mercedes-Benz because GM management will change direction too frequently and send the designers/engineers off in different directions - Hyundai/Kia just focus on a goal and go for it.

 

[Neanderthal]

I wasn't saying they should take the Cadillac approach, but Kia can't reach Benz levels overnight. Cadillac has been trying for years (with much better products). It takes time, and Kia doesn't seem to be interested in that.

KIA definitely should NOT take the Caddy approach. ELR anyone?

Nobody said KIA is trying to do it all overnight.
What they're doing is pulling the Rock-N-Roll switch and popping out new product as Design, Engineering, and Styling put the cars together.

Who sets the timescale?

Hyundai/Kia build some models using quality premium brands as a benchmark - where the market, ie paying customers, dismisses them they build higher quality into the next model.

Cadillac will take for ever to match Mercedes-Benz because GM management will change direction too frequently and send the designers/engineers off in different directions - Hyundai/Kia just focus on a goal and go for it.

Yowza. I wouldn't use the Cadillac model as one to emulate.
More likely use the H or K model. Overall both have been very successful in going upmarket so far. Look at the last 10 years.

One item I still don't get is how Caddy remains clueless regarding advertising. If you're selling three ELRs a munff and you don't advertise, do you expect to sell six next month because of the blood moon phase, or what?

 

[Edge]

What a joke.

Nobody with the means to buy a Panamera is going to even consider this car. Kia is overreaching big time here.

 

[johnstarnes]

That concept should be on the road now.

 

[BlackGTP]

What a joke.

Nobody with the means to buy a Panamera is going to even consider this car. Kia is overreaching big time here.

I doubt they expect the GT to be cross shopped with the Porsche. My guess is that they are looking to poach a few 3 Series Coupe, etc. customers.