Kia vehicles wearing the GT badge come with more potent power output than their standard versions. This is expected since GT is Kia’s dedicated performance sub-brand, which includes vehicles such as the EV6 GT, EV3 GT, and EV4 GT, among others.
While having a more potent power output than the standard trim, Kia’s GT models are not as extreme as the Hyundai N vehicles. Kia currently doesn’t have a model that could match the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Kia EV6 GT shares the same platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but the EV6 GT is not tuned for track performance. This trend is the same with other Kia GT models. While they come with a sportier driving feel, they are still not as extreme or track performance-oriented as the vehicles developed by Hyundai’s N division.
With that, Kia’s performance sub-brand has an opportunity to produce an N-like vehicle, and Kia is not closing the possibility of developing one, as hinted by Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D President and Head Manfred Harrer in an interview with Autocar UK.
Harrer said he likes the idea of Kia developing a vehicle with more extreme performance tuning, as other automakers are doing the same. A case in point is Hyundai through its N division, producing vehicles that are designed to make a strong impression on the track. As such, Kia could be pondering producing vehicles that sit above its GT brand, which could potentially be under the GT R level or category.
“I like the idea. You see a lot of car makers going that way, so why not? But I’m more [minded] to first talk about a dedicated model showing what GT stands for,” Harrer said.
Harrer is not sharing much about Kia’s plans regarding the topic, which is expected. But he suggests that his priority is to have a dedicated Kia model that will best represent what GT stands for. As such, could Kia be considering reviving the Stinger as a performance EV?
Autocar’s Take
Kia’s GT brand comes with notable power output, but it is not as extreme as its siblings at the Hyundai N division. It seems that the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is currently tasking Kia to develop vehicles that could appeal to a larger set of consumers who might be looking for an everyday car that packs power and style. Meanwhile, HMG is directing Hyundai to develop extreme cars that could capture individuals who are really into performance and are looking for a dependable track car. This strategy is logical, as it allows HMG to maximize its budget while having the opportunity to capture multiple consumers.
