The Kia Cross GT concept has four seats, but a production model could have three rows.
Kia unveiled its Cross GT concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto show that it said will eventually evolve into a production crossover utility larger than the current Sorento. Cross GT is built on the same platform as the Hyundai long-wheelbase Santa Fe that is coming to market in 2014.
As a concept, the dimensions and packaging aren’t set in stone for a production model, Kia said. No kidding. The Cross GT holds only four passengers and their cargo, and the two rear-hinged “suicide” doors are non-starters. It might not even appear as a hybrid.
“The concept has two rows, but a production model could have three rows,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president-marketing, “We don’t have a 3-row model now like the (Chevrolet) Traverse or (GMC) Acadia, and the Cross GT would certainly give us that opportunity.”
Cross GT is powered by a 3.8L V-6 teamed with Kia’s parallel-hybrid system, with an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission under the rear floor. This makes for a combination that delivers 400 horsepower and 500 ft.-lb. (678 Nm) of torque, with an electric range of, oh, 20 miles. There is an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Compared to the Sorento, the Cross GT’s 122-in. (310-cm) wheelbase is 15.7 ins. (40 cm) longer and 4.9 ins. (12.4 cm) wider. However, its overall height of 65.3 ins. (cm) is 1.6 ins. (166 cm) shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs.
Cross GT would not be a replacement for the discontinued Borrego, he claimed, since the Borrego was built off a truck platform. Sprague offered few further details such as production date, as well as approximate positioning and pricing.
While the GT’s lines were penned in Frankfurt, the Cross GT hails from the Kia Design Center America in Irvine, CA, the house that breathed life into the Track’ster, KV7 and Soul’ster concepts, and most recently the all-new production 2014 Forte sedan.
While the GT’s lines were penned in Frankfurt, Germany, the Cross GT hails from Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, Calif., the house that breathed life into the Track’ster, KV7 and Soul’ster concepts, and most recently the all-new production 2014 Forte sedan.
Based on the GT chassis, the Cross GT’s proportions are similar to its rear-drive stable mate with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture. However, the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability.
Coming is a Korean pocket rocket at least in the SX version.
Kia also show a new production Forte 5-door econobox. The SX trim level will have an all-new 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, making the 5-door SX the most powerful Forte from KMA.
“We received very positive feedback after the all-new Forte sedan made its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, and we expect the all-new Forte 5-door will build upon that success,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.
Forte hatchback on the stand at the Chicago Auto Show.
There will be two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine choices, the EX’s 2-liter GDI four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as the SX engine.
The SX also offers a standard 6-speed manual transmission, or an optional 6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The Forte 5-door is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.Traditionally hatchbacks are inexpensive cars but production-contained Kia is attempting to move upmarket, a risky but potentially profitable reposition.
