Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Crossover, Kia

Kia is looking to bolster its premium-car lineup beyond newly conceived products like the Cadenza and Quoris. Perhaps the best evidence of this initiative, to date, is the Cross GT Concept that has just been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. Showing a larger, more premium crossover to slot in above the Sorento, the Cross GT Concept hints at a future product that could be what the ill-fated, body-on-frame Borrego never had a chance to be.

Compared to the current Sorento, the Cross GT Concept is 8.4-inches longer, 4.9-inches wider and rides on a wheelbase that is increased by 15.7 inches, and it shows a new possible styling direction for Kia as the automaker continues to attempt to venture up market. Some of the upscale styling cues include the clamshell hood. upright front end with signature Kia tiger nose grille and the multi-panel panoramic roof. The true luxury of the Cross GT is apparent inside where Kia has used real wood trim and rich leather on the seats, and there's also the buttonless, touch-screen infotainment system; rear occupants will have flat screen monitors with Internet access.

Based on a chassis shared with the rear-wheel drive GT Concept, which we first saw at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fullsize Cross GT crossover is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 paired to Kia's hybrid system that gives the luxury crossover a combined output of 400 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, as well as an all-electric driving range of 20 miles. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps send power to the wheels through an advanced, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system

Although the Cross GT is just a concept for now, we could easily see some of these features and technologies appear on future Kia production cars. Scroll down for the full press release on Kia's latest luxury model.

Continue reading Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV

Kia Cross GT concept gives glimpse of future premium CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kia teases Cross GT concept for Chicago debut

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Crossover, Kia, Design/Style

Kia is headed to the Chicago Auto Show with a new concept. Details are scarce on the Cross GT at the moment, but we know the machine was penned as a luxury crossover. Larger than the current Sorento, we would wager there's three rows of seating on board. And while it's unclear whether or not Kia plans to bring something similar to market, we like what we see in the shadowy teaser above. The Cross GT seems to wear the company's "tiger nose" styling well, and the familiar D-pillar upkick ties the machine in nicely with the rest of the company's people-movers.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show kicks off on February 7th, and should feature a number of interesting reveals. Those include the upcoming Toyota Tundra and what could be a special version of the Dodge Dart. Stay tuned for our live coverage on the show floor.

Kia teases Cross GT concept for Chicago debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments