• Kia GT concept
  • Tiger nosed
  • Turbo V-6
  • Low slung sedan
  • Rear view
  • Open interior
  • Holographic display
  • I love gold!
  • Propeller wheels
  • Derivative design
  • Overly complicated
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GT concept previews Kia's design future (photos)

Kia GT concept

Kia's latest design concept takes the automaker's Tiger Nose to the next level and previews potential design direction for future vehicles.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Tiger nosed

The GT starts with Kia's tiger nose grill shape and adds LED headlamps that are bisected by sculptural winglets.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Turbo V-6

Under the GT's hood is a turbocharged and direct injected V-6 (presumably based on the 3.8-liter mill that powers Hyundai's Genesis Coupe and Sedan) that outputs 395 horsepower and 394 pound feet of torque.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Low slung sedan

Designed as a grand tourer (hence the "GT" moniker), the Kia concept is a low slung sedan with a coupe-like profile. The L-shaped carbon fiber element at the base of the doors doesn't appear to have a function other than add visual interest to the slab-sided sedan.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Rear view

LED tail lamps and a carbon fiber diffuser round out a simple rear end. The general shape of these lights and the headlamps will likely be echoed on future vehicles at the top end of Kia's lineup.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Open interior

The Kia's back doors open on a rear hinge, giving full access to the cabin without the obstruction of a B-pillar.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Holographic display

The GT uses 3D holographic instrumentation, steers with a chrome wheel, and features small cameras where the wing mirrors would be that output to small monitors at the base of the A-pillars.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

I love gold!

You don't see gold used much on new cars these days, but the Kia GT features gold trim around the windows and gold-colored buffed leather.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Propeller wheels

The wheels appear to be inspired by propellers and feature carbon fiber design elements.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Derivative design

It's got propellers clashing with winglets, gold clashing with silver, and nonstructural carbon fiber bits all over. The nose apes the GTbyCitroen concept from a few years ago. The GT's design just feels very non-cohesive and derivative.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET

Overly complicated

The rear quarter is the GT's best angle, as it hides the overly complicated front end.
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
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