Leaked images of Kia GT concept 12 | 09 | 2011

KIA IS THE LATEST to have unofficial photos 'leaked' ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, which starts tomorrow. The concept car is a dramatic rear-drive saloon, which the unofficial images suggest will be named the GT.

As usual, official details of the four-door concept are scarce, but it's understood the car is based on sister firm Hyundai’s Genesis saloon, with a powerful V8 petrol engine tucked under the bonnet.

What is clear though is that the concept provides a striking message about Kia’s future expansion plans and will provide the blueprint for the firm’s new design direction under chief designer Peter Schreyer.

“I believe this car is a strong statement from Kia,” Schreyer, formerly of Audi, said. “We are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter.”

Kia has another raft of concept cars in the pipeline. Next year's Detroit and Geneva motor shows will see a drop-top version of the Soul — which is targeted directly at the US market — and a small front-drive roadster, based on Cee’d mechanicals.

“We have made good progress recently,” Kia’s vice chairman and CEO, Hank Lee, said. “But it is now important for us to improve our brand power."

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Jim McGill