Kia Motors' GT Concept Vehicle Signals a New Design Direction for the Brand at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) is the fastest growing car company in the U.S.(1), and the brand, which has recently undergone a design-led transformation, continued to turn heads today at the Los Angeles Auto Show with the North American introduction of the striking Kia GT concept vehicle during the show. The forward-looking Kia GT concept – originally shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show – signals the company's distinctive new design direction with graceful yet confident styling and is the first rear-wheel-drive concept in Kia's history.

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"Over the past three years Kia's design-led transformation has delivered more new products than any other brand, and the first showing of the striking GT concept on U.S. soil provides a glimpse into our future showroom and the continuing role world-class design will play in the development of our vehicles," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "With its rear-wheel-drive platform and powerful engine, the GT concept represents exciting possibilities for Kia as we move forward to the next chapter in brand history."

Sleek and muscular, the Kia GT four-door sports sedan concept was created by Kia's European design team under the watchful eye of Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. The new concept allowed Kia to explore exciting new visual paths, including a unique interpretation of the Kia-family tabbed grille with a carbon-fiber insert to match the front and rear fascias and side sills.

Triangular swept-back headlamps with pronounced outlines flank the grille and transition seamlessly to the sloping hood and up to the wide windshield. The extended hood along with the rear-wheel-drive configuration also allowed for the design team to push the front wheels to the extreme front of the car to increase its sporty design. The swooping angle from windshield to rear window enhances the GT's aerodynamic presence, while vent-like tail lights, powerful rear shoulders and truncated rear end add to the vehicle's hunkered down appearance. Propeller-style rims complete the dynamic look.

The GT's front and rear-hinged back doors open slightly upward to ensure easy ingress and egress, and the spacious cabin provides comfortable seating for four, assisted by the concept's unusually long wheelbase of 112.6 inches and overall length of 184.6 inches. Despite its low stance, an overall height of 54.3 inches allows for plenty of headroom.

The GT is not all looks, however, packing plenty of heat under the hood. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission is a 3.3-liter turbocharged Lambda V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, allowing the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan to offer a thrilling 395 horsepower and 393.5 pound-feet of torque.

Design-Led Transformation and Product Line

Kia Motors has undergone a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and brand growth through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technology. Kia's commitment to the U.S. market is represented by its U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – which is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and added the critically acclaimed Optima midsize sedan(2) to its production line in September. Kia's model year 2012 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 745 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) Based on competitive sales data as of November 2011.

(2) Optima Hybrid will not be built at KMMG.

SOURCE Kia Motors America