Kia planning onslaught of new product

Kia is hard at work cranking out a rash of new models, according to Automotive News. The South Korean automaker has plans to launch a new 40-mile-per-gallon version of the Forte Koup in January 2013, and the two-door will likely be trailed by a new five-door hatchback and yet another larger coupe. The latter two will likely see dealers by next summer, though Kia says those of us waiting to get our hands on the new Quoris flagship will have to twiddle our thumbs until 2015 at the earliest. As you may recall, the Quoris is a rear-wheel-drive sedan otherwise known as the K9.

In addition, Kia is expected to unveil the Cadenza front-wheel-drive sedan next summer as a 2014 model. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the four-door will be positioned above the smaller Optima and will likely carry an MSRP in the high $30,000 range. Meanwhile, forces inside Kia are still pushing to see the GT Concept translated into a legitimate production vehicle. The company is having trouble building a proper business case for the 395-horsepower sedan, however.