Kia K4 GT incoming? Korean brand mulling new petrol, hybrid performance models

One of Kia's top-ranking global executives has indicated new high-performance GT models are still in the company's product pipeline, and they won't necessarily be electric.

Speaking with Australian media in Seoul, Kia global senior vice president Spencer Cho said the Korean brand is currently reassessing its GT product strategy with all powertrain options on the table.

"We are currently reviewing what kind of GT strategy we have to take as the next level, we [are] still working on that and we haven’t finalised it yet – so far we were focusing on the EV models, trying to offer GT models, but we still see opportunities for some ICE [GT] models as well," Mr Cho said.

"So we are looking at all the options, including ICE and EVs and all those powertrain choices because of the wide range of model lines, we cannot offer every model with [a GT variant], so we try to carefully decide which model will be the right product for a GT."

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When asked if a combustion-powered (ICE) or hybridised GT model could be based on the existing K4 small car or the new Seltos SUV, Mr Cho replied: "Possibly."

"In [the] case of our sedan models, [they] might naturally fit the GT nomenclature and function or sportiness standpoint, but we also see opportunities with the SUV as well," Mr Cho said.

"As long as we can provide the capacity and performance, we can consider either way the ICE or EV [models]."

Currently, Kia's high-performance GT branding is only offered on the electric EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9 depending on the market, with the combustion-powered Cerato and Stinger GTs (and Australian-market Picanto GT) no more.

The compact K4 and Seltos seem like logical first steps given tightening emissions regulations in Australia and around the world, likely another reason the Korean brand has focused its high-performance efforts on EV models of late.

Further, the Hyundai Motor Group's K3 platform that underpins both the K4 and Seltos also serves as the basis for the Hyundai i30 Sedan (known as the Avante or Elantra in other markets), which as we know already offers a high-performance N version boasting a 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Hyundai's N Division also confirmed last year it's working on its first hybrid performance model to join the existing ICE and EV options, further expanding the portfolio of technologies potentially available to Kia given it's a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group.

Mr Cho's mention of SUVs points to potential for a Sportage GT or Sorento GT, though it's unclear what powertrain such a model would use, given the brand's focus on electrification and efficiency.

That said, the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system from the larger Hyundai Palisade could serve as a base for GT versions of both models, given in the larger SUV it already makes a healthy 245kW and 460Nm, with claimed fuel efficiency of 6.8L/100km on the combined ADR cycle.

Hyundai Motor Group has already detailed some of its next-generation hybrid technologies, with the Palisade's 2.5T optimised for both performance and efficiency, while the modular hybrid drive system will also offer the option of e-AWD with a rear traction motor instead of a mechanical transaxle.

Said e-AWD system will also introduce Electrification-Vehicle Motion Control (e-VMC 2.0), which is Hyundai-speak for torque vectoring using the e-AWD system’s front and rear electric motors, optimising traction, mitigating body roll, and minimising vertical movements over bumps – you can see how all this can be applied in a more performance-oriented application.

Moreover, the fact the 2.5T HEV setup has also been earmarked for the Genesis luxury arm in a rear-wheel drive application also opens up the possibility for a rear-driven electrified sports sedan or SUV, beyond the Genesis G70, GV70, G80 and GV80 – though this layout for Kia is perhaps less relevant for Australia.

The only Kia-badged model based on the Hyundai-Kia 'M' platform that also underpins the bulk of the Genesis range is the ageing K9 large sedan, a luxury flagship which still offers the 272kW 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 that was the heart of the Stinger GT fastback – RIP...

So, it appears Kia has quite a bit to pick from in terms of the building blocks for any upcoming performance models beyond the existing EV portfolio, though definitive plans remain unclear. Any pure combustion or hybridised Kia GT models are likely a number of years away from production, too.

For now, we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, at least for Australia, the updated EV6 GT and new EV9 GT have recently arrived Down Under, with the new EV3 GT and EV4 GT high on the priority list for our market.

Which Kia model do you want to see get the GT treatment in Australia? Sound off in the comments below

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