Kia is ‘seriously considering’ moving forward with a production version of its Kee concept vehicle, as seen at the 2008 London Motor Show, in a bid to compete with such rivals as the Mazda MX-5 and the upcoming Toyota FT-86.
In a recent interview with the UK publication Autocar, Kia design director Mr Peter Schreyer revealed the Korean automaker is considering a compact, rear-wheel drive coupe based on the Kee concept.
Mr Schreyer went on to say that although he is excited about the prospected of a sporty rear-wheel drive Kia, a production version of the vehicle is still “at least five years out”, and warns that although Kia’s lineup has vastly improved, the board is still “hesitant to green light a niche sports car”.
“We are not like Audi or Porsche,” said Mr Schreyer. “We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it’s the perfect kind of sports car.”
Should the car be approved, Kee will share a platform with its Korean cousin, the Hyundai Genesis, and is also speculated to use a range of four-cylinder engines, including the Genesis’ turbocharged four-cylinder possibly serving as the top billing.
