Kia Reportedly Planning Fiesta ST Fighter
Kia is planning to build some new sports cars, including a hot hatch rival to the Ford Fiesta ST.
First, Kia will launch the GT, a four-door coupe styled sports car that is expected to reach production in 2017. That will act as a halo sports car, under which will sit the already existing Optima GT, Procee’d GT, and the all-new Rio GT hot hatch.
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 180 hp is expected to power the Rio GT, which will sit on an all-new lightweight platform. The new Kia Rio is expected to launch in 2017, so it is likely the GT will hit the market in 2018 or 2019.
SEE ALSO: Kia GT Heading to US in 2016 as Audi A7 Rival
Just like Hyundai’s upcoming lineup of ‘N’ sports cars, the new Kia GT lineup is being engineered under ex-BMW M boss Albert Biermann. Kia wants to establish itself as a competent builder of hot hatches and the Rio GT will look to make a name for itself in the segment.
[Source: Autocar]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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kia makes great cars and that is why it has good re-sale value.
Sure that Kia can get a great power:weight ratio, gtrat MSRP, but can they dial in the handling on budget?