Kia planning range of sporting models

“Kia sets new lap record at the Neurbergring!”  No, not really, at least not yet, but it’s not as preposterous as you might think. Without much fanfare, Kia has been developing a performance range to add to its line up with more than one sports car icon in its sights.

Originally what most thought was a Kia Cee’d (not sold in the US) with a body kit turned out to be a development mule powered by a tuned version of Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbo engine. Dubbed “xR”, Kia is taking a page out of Hyundai’s playbook by injecting a bit of sport into its line up. In doing so, they’ll also add a bit of prestige, perhaps even a performance “halo” car, as they try to move up-market. 

Horsepower and performance figures are unknown at this time. However, reports indicate that the excellent Volkswagen GTI is the target. There is even a report, several years old at this point, of the Audi TT being targeted. Details are a bit sketchy at the moment as Kia has not been forthcoming with information.  But, we’ve managed to glean part of the current plan.  For Europe, a turbo-charged “hot hatchback” is likely, aimed at the above-mentioned GTI & Scirocco. The US market is reportedly in line for supercharged versions of new models.

Not a fan of hatchbacks? Kia is also planning tuned sedans as well. Reports of V6 and V8 powered rear-wheel drive Kia’s continue to surface. Furthering speculation, the mighty Nissan GT-R and wunderbar M3 sedan have been spotted circling the Kia test track. 

It’s easy to dismiss Kia’s high performance aspirations but that would be imprudent of the competition.  As recently as last year the Hyundi Genesis 3.8-liter V6 coupe beat the new V6 powered Mustang and finished second the Nissan 370Z in Autoblog’s “Battle of the Sixes,” while undercutting the Z by almost $5K (US).  In a 2010 MotorTrend test, the Hyundai handily beat the Dodge Challenger SE, Camero RS and V6 Mustang.  It’s clear the Koreans are becoming the masters of performance value for money. 

Kia isn’t just taking aim at road cars. Over the weekend Kia won it’s first ever racing victory running a Kia Forte in the ST (street tuner) class of the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge at the Barber 200 race in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. 

It’s unlikely that Kia will ever be a pure sports brand, more unlikely that they’ll set lap records in Germany, but it’s also foolish to discount them.  While still not on par with premiere automakers, with every product cycle Kia has made massive leaps in quality, technology and performance.  We expect Kia will make its formal plans known this fall at the Frankfurt International Autoshow. 

Autoviva would like to know what you think. Would you buy a Kia that out-performed and undercut the competition?