KIA, the Korean automaker will launch its KIA Rio GT in 2018. The company will introduce its final model this year before going into production in 2017.
The final model of KIA Rio GT will be revealed in Paris motor show in October this year. According to Autocar, KIA Rio GT will combine the four-door GT coupé concept and the Stinger compact coupé concept. This Rio GT intended to be a halo model for a wider range of GT-branded vehicles being developed by Kia.
KIA introduced its Stinger sports car concept in 2014 at the Detroit Auto Show. Based on that concept, KIA will develop Rio GT4, which according to Joseph Capparella from Automobile Magazine is a, "a rear-wheel-drive coupe powered by a 315-hp, 2.0-liter turbo-four."
Rio GT's engine is above the 200-hp Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, but below Nissan 370Z. The car will be in the same class with Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot's 208 GTI and Volkswagen Polo GTI as the sporty hatchback.
According to The Motor Report, KIA Rio GT will sit upon the same platform with all-new 'regular' Rio. The new Rio will be launched in 2017. Its new platform provide a weight-saving measures and improved dynamics, better than the current model.
Albert Biermann will be leading the development of Rio GT. Biermann was a former VP of engineering in BMW, who lead the engineering team for BMW M performance cars and light trucks. Biermann has been working with BMW for 30 years before moved to Hyundai in 2014.
Hyundai, parent company of KIA Motors hired Albert Biermann to build performance and sports cars. He will also in charge of improving car handling for all vehicles produced by both KIA Motors and Hyundai Motor Company.
KIA Motor was founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, a bicycle manufacturer. KIA started building spare parts for Mazda automobiles and Honda motorcycle in 1970's. Starting 1980's KIA began to produce its own car for domestic market in Korea.
The company was declared bankruptcy during Asian economic crisis in 1997, and afterward Hyundai Motor Company acquired 51% of its shares. Hyundai Group now remain majority stakeholders of KIA with 33%. KIA has now exported its car to Europe, U.S. and the rest of the world.
With its new GT model, KIA determined to establish its image as a sporty car manufacturer. In order to differentiate itself with Hyundai which moves toward luxury car.
All KIA's vehicles are easily recognized with its signature grille, known as Tiger Nose. The grille has been featured in all vehicles from its compact car to SUV. It has not been revealed whether the GT model will also have Tiger Nose.
KIA Rio GT will enter production in 2017. The company expect to launch its sporty hatchback in 2018 to take on Ford Fiesta ST.
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