Kia unveils imaginative design with New Cross GT Concept CUV at Chicago Auto Show

• Cross GT takes Kia design in a bold new direction that hints at the future of the brand's premium aesthetic in a larger package

SEOUL, Feb. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Blurring the line between Kia's gorgeous GT concept and a luxury CUV, Kia Motors America (KMA) today slipped the silk off the beautiful Cross GT concept at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.  Amid the popping strobes of cameras, the Cross GT stunned onlookers with its elegant yet powerful stance, confirming once again Kia's now-well-established reputation for world-class design.  The Cross GT seamlessly melds high technology with nature, creating a harmonious partnership between driver and vehicle that also respects our global environment. Purely conceptual, the Cross GT reveals Kia's intentions to potentially offer a larger premium CUV than the current Sorento.

"The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective," noted Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation president and global chief of design.  "It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-drive luxury saloon.  The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover."

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 stablemate with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and an aggressively wide posture.  But the Cross GT offers even greater visibility thanks to its taller stature and features all-wheel drive for improved performance and all-weather capability.

Drawing inspiration from nature, driven by technology and bathed in gorgeous Fusion Copper, the Cross GT is powered by an efficient hybrid powertrain that looks to reduce the vehicle's carbon footprint while providing the uncompromising performance that's expected of a large, luxury crossover.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art 3.8-liter V6 hybrid, 8-speed automatic and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive, the Cross-GT's powertrain matches the sophistication of the exterior and interior designs.  Backing the V6 is an evolution of Kia's parallel hybrid system, a pancake-shaped electric motor sandwiched between the V6 and transmission.  The electric motor is neatly packaged under the rear floor.  Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 500 lb.-ft. of torque and 400 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 20-miles - sufficient to enable exhilarating performance, while delivering superior fuel economy and fuel efficiency.

While strictly a concept powertrain, Kia's proven hybrid technology, combined with all-wheel drive are thought-provoking ideas that may one day find their way into a production vehicle.

While clearly a member of the same bloodline as the award-winning Sorento, the Cross GT cuts an even more imposing figure.  At 122.0 inches, the Cross GT's wheelbase is longer than Sorento's by 15.7 inches, and its overall length of 192.8 inches is 8.4 inches greater than Sorento. The 79.1-inch width is 4.9 inches wider than Sorento, but the Cross GT's overall height of 65.3 inches is actually 1.6 inches shorter, giving the concept a lower roofline than most large CUVs.  The Cross GT is designed to easily accommodate four passengers and their cargo in luxurious surroundings, but the large greenhouse, airy cabin and gently sloping hood give the Cross GT a nimble feel that's at home in crowded urban environments.

The Cross GT's sophisticated image is enhanced by the dual rear-hinged doors, more commonly referred to as "suicide" doors.  The unique configuration allows for easy access to the rear bucket seats and affords generous views of the Cross GT's premium textures and materials.  The cargo compartment is accessed through a "clam shell" design that incorporates a traditional glass hatch and a tailgate.  Use of advanced LED technology creates a strong and unique lighting identity that dramatically highlights Kia's signature grille.  Letting light into the cabin is a multi-paneled sky light with hexagonal glass inserts that enhance the Cross GT's premium design aesthetic.

About Kia Canada Inc.:

Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 180 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 162 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montreal shortly. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

About Kia Motors Corporation:

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) - a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart - was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 2.7 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in nine manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia today has over 47,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of US$42 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA - the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan - "The Power to Surprise" - represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.

SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.

Cathy Laroche 
Public Relations Manager 
Kia Canada Inc.
C: 514.554.0843
E: [email protected]

Daniel Ponzini 
Public Relations and Events Coordinator 
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6415 
C: 647.462.8986
E: [email protected]