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.
I wish them the best of luck trying to compete with the MX-5
Seen as the Cerato is better then the mazda 3, the sorento better then the cx7 & the cadenza better then the mazda 6… This could be a possibility as well.
LOL no mate.
The Idea is sound, Hyundai – Kia could feild a car in this segment, but will require external help in refining design and dynamics as this is a segment they have not previously ventured into. They would be well advised to get Lotus to design the chassis and tune the H – K drivetrain, and get one of the Euro disign firms to help refine the interior and exterior.
I hope they loose the bottle opener grill before they get near production, it is already starting to look a bit dated.
Ever heard of a thing called a Genesis coupe?
good grief …says, what are you smoking? The Mazdas kill anything Kia could produce anyday, and twice on Sundays. Please, seriously.
Classic, thats probably what you drive a mazda 6 classic manual with hubcaps and wind up windows. You wouldnt have a clue would you…
A Kia better than a Mazda MX-5,3,6 or CX-7…that will be the day…
You obviously know nothing about Real Cars…
Now which Korean car featured in recent awards???…
awards are the pay off for marketing dollars
Just to name a few of the top of my head?
Hyundai Genesis – 2009 NA COTY
Tau V8 – Wards Top 10 engines
looks like they copied the HSV E2 lights in the front.
Actually this car was out before the HSV E2.