Rumors: Kia Insiders Say GT RWD Sedan Could be Joined by Coupe and Sport Wagon

Kia's ascent from an inexpensive maker of bland products to a company that aspires to compete with the heavy weights in the mainstream segments continues with the South Korean firm now planning to introduce its first-ever rear-wheel drive model based on the GT concept we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September.

But the sedan model, which is expected to make its appearance in production form as early as 2013, may not be alone if we are to believe a report from Edmunds' Insideline.

Citing company insiders, the report says that Kia is also considering adding an even sportier two-door coupe version as well as a more practical station wagon model to the range of the production GT.

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Kia Optima gets Basketball-Theme Costume Not for Halloween, but for the SEMA Show

It's all about fun and games when it comes to Kia's 2011 SEMA Show displays as the Korean manufacturer has arrived in Las Vegas with a roster of six sports-themed vehicles.

These include the Surfboard Rio and Hockey Forte hatchbacks that we showed you earlier today, plus the golf-themed Soul, Rio 5-Door B-Spec Racer, USTCC Optima Hybrid Pace Car and the “Slam Dunk” Blake Griffin Optima Hybrid featured here.

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Kia Joins Forces with Antenna Magazine to Build Rio and Forte Specials for SEMA Show

Less than 24 hours before the doors open at the 2011 edition of the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show and Kia Motors has revealed a pair of tricked concept models that will make their debut in Las Vegas.

Both the Rio 5-Door Surf and the Forte 5-Door Hockey were built in partnership with Antenna magazine.

Starting with the 2012 Rio, the surf-themed tuning project features a sunset-metallic golden-brown paint along with a custom body kit with a front splitter made of wood that matches the surfboard on the roof, and rear fascia with center-mount exhaust. A set of 17-inch three-piece gold wheels and a Thule roof rack that holds the surfboard complete the look.

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IAA 2011: Kia's RWD GT Concept Hints at Production Version [Updated Gallery]

The all-new Kia GT Concept that will make its world premiere at the 64th IAA is the South Korean company's first ever attempt to create a rear-wheel drive model. It is also the most powerful thanks to a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an output of 390HP and 534 Nm (393.8 lb-ft) of torque that are sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Even though development of the concept began less than a year ago, in November 2010, Kia’s European design team has been considering a rear-wheel drive car for quite some time.

The South Korean manufacture's chief designer Peter Schreyer explains: “This concept allows us to explore exciting new design directions, as using a rear-wheel drive layout creates very different proportions compared to a front-wheel drive car".

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We Hear: New Kia GT Concept gets V6 Turbo Engine, May Inspire a Production Model

Continuing our flow of stories from the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, we now have some fresh news on the Kia GT sports saloon concept, new pictures of which we showed yesterday.

The South Korean maker had told us the GT will feature a traditional layout with the engine mounted up front and power being delivered to the rear wheels, however, we knew nothing about the motor lurking under the hood. Up until now, that is.

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New Photos of Kia's RWD GT Sports Sedan Concept

Apparently, the release of the first official batch of photos of Kia's Frankfurt Motor Show-bound concept car couldn't keep the floodgates from opening as today, a fresh group of pictures were posted online.

Aside from providing us with a better view of the exterior and a first look at the interior design, the new images also reveal that Kia's so-called four-door coupe concept is aptly named GT.

While Kia is keeping most details under cover, the South Korean car manufacturer has disclosed that the concept sports a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout.

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Kia Raises the Stakes with RWD Four-Door Coupe Concept

It should be quite clear to everyone now that Hyundai and its Kia affiliate have lifted the bar and are now looking to compete with brands that used to shun them.

At the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, we're going to get a taste of Kia's newly found ambitions with a dramatic looking four-door coupe concept that may hint at a future production model.

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Rumors: Kia to Unveil V8 RWD Sports Car Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

During the past few years, Kia has completely transformed its image from a manufacturer of affordable, but rather unexceptional, cars to that of an automaker that offers a stylish and coherent range, thanks in no small part to the hiring of ex-VW Group designer Peter Schreyer. Now, however, it is moving in uncharted waters if a recent report from What Car is accurate. Read more »

Kia Unveils Naimo EV Concept at Seoul Motor Show

Making its world premiere today at the at the Seoul Motor Show, is Kia’s Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV), a B-segment sized concept car that will serve as a test-bed for the company's EV technology. Penned by Kia's international design team in Seoul, the car takes its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, which is pronounced ‘Neh-mo’ and means ‘square shape.

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