The basic building block of the upcoming series of Kia sports models will be a sharper version of the Cee'du GT . However, the notional flagship will be a coupe , which will be based on the 2011 GT concept, and a roadster , competing with the Mazda MX-5.
The basic design and technical elements will be taken over by the serial form of the GT model from the two-year-old concept. However, as reported by Auto Express , the rear wheel drive will probably be missing among the technical elements. The only rear-wheel drive platform that Kia has available has a wheelbase of 3045 mm, which is probably too much for the upcoming coupe. Therefore, we will have to settle for front-wheel drive. Customers will see the first pieces in late 2016 or early 2017.
Much sooner, we will see the concept of an unspecified roadster , which, according to indications, should compete with the Mazda MX-5. We will find out if that happens in January of next year at the Detroit Auto Show .
Unlike Hyundai , despite the large number of upcoming sports models, Kia has no ambitions to establish its own sports division (such as AMG from Mercedes or M from BMW) or even to enter motorsport . Both sectors will thus continue to be occupied by the larger of the two Korean car companies.
Source: autoexpress.co.uk, Jean Thomas Mayer
