The green light has been given for the production of the Frankfurt 2011's Kia GT concept – paving the road to a possible 2016 introduction – according to Autocar UK.
The British publication stated that Kia executives confirmed the presence of the rear-wheel drive sports sedan in the company's plans as it pursues a sportier image first cultivated with the cee'd GT and pro_cee'd GT hot hatches.
While the suicide doors will likely be replaced by more conventional units, Kia is looking to keep as much of the concept's fastback shape and striking detailing as possible. Also on the cards for the production GT will be an upscale, technologically-advanced cabin with a unique design.
The concept was powered by a 3.3 litre turbocharged V6 developing 388 hp and 534 Nm, but it is unclear whether the production version will use this engine. Currently parent company Hyundai Motor Group has two naturally-aspirated, direct-injected engines suitable for the role – a 348 hp/400 Nm 3.8 litre V6 from the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and a 425 hp/510 Nm 5.0 litre V8 from the US-spec Kia K900.
Kia is also looking to produce a smaller sports car to sit under the GT both in size and price, likely a production version of the 2+2 GT4 Stinger concept shown in Detroit earlier in the year. The company's UK boss Paul Philpott said a focused two-seater model to rival the Mazda MX-5 would have been ideal, but concedes that the global market isn't likely to be big enough to support such a car.
Kia GT
Kia GT4 Stinger
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