Near-Production Kia GT Set to Debut in 2015

2011 Kia GT Concept (Credit: © Kia)

Back in 2011, Kia introduced the GT concept car to a good amount of fanfare. Then, about three years later, I received word from an insider that the GT would hit the production line within a few years. Fast-forward to 2015, and we now have a rumor from De Telegraaf that claims a second, more production-ready GT concept will bow at a major auto show in 2015, likely LA.

According to the report, the new GT concept will take into account modern safety requirements, and it will feature a far more production-friendly design and cabin. All of this lends credence to the report that I received just a year ago.

Despite being “near-production,” this latest concept will remain just a “design study,” as sources report that Kia will tone down the GT concept one final time before adding it to its production lineup sometime in 2016.

2011 Kia GT Concept (Credit: © Kia)

The official details on this new GT concept are understandably under wraps, so there is not much to report. Chances are, however, that it’ll continue to carry a turbocharged 3.3-liter V-6, as there have been reports that this will, indeed, become a production engine. In the original concept, this engine produced 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of twist.

Also certain to carry over into this latest concept is its rear-wheel-drive configuration and eight-speed auto transmission. It would be nice to see Kia work a 10-speed transmission into this sleek sedan, but that is unlikely.

Fortunately, all of the unknown should be answered in the coming months, as the LA Auto Show is only a few months away. It kicks off on November 17, 2015 for the media and runs through November 29th. Stay tuned for more info.