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The quickest Kia yet? New EV6 GT
In 2021, Kia introduced its EV6. It's the brand's first dedicated battery-electric model, which shares its E-GMP platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Since its introduction, the EV6 has only been available in Standard and Long Range guises with power figures ranging between 125 kW and 239 kW. Now, a more potent GT variant has been revealed at Monterey Car Week as a modestly powerful Kia vehicle that's yet to be produced. That's the good news.
The bad news, though, is that Kia South Africa says it'll only be looking to launch the EV6 in limited volumes soon. Unfortunately, pricing remains a big factor.
The EV6 GT marks a new era for electrification for the carmaker with its optimised performance. It uses the same 77.4 kWh battery pack that powers the Long Range variants, but it's been tweaked to deliver 430 kW and 740 Nm. The battery pack powers a 160 kW front electric motor and a 270 kW rear motor, a setup that allows the crossover to dash silently from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before hitting the top speed at 258 km/h.
Regarding recharging the battery, Kia says the EV6 GT features 800-Volt fast charging capabilities which allow the replenishment of 80% of battery capacity in under 18 minutes when using the 350 kW chargers.
To make up for its performance stance, the Kia EV6 GT employs a dedicated sport suspension with electronically-controlled dampers. It comes standard with 15" ventilated front disc brakes and 14.2" rear disc brakes with monoblock callipers. These are enclosed in 21" alloy wheels wrapped in Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres as standard.
In addition to the Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow drive modes lurking in the other EV6s, the GT adds a Drift mode that can be activated via the button on the steering wheel.
Outside, the GT is equipped with a rear aero spoiler and a diffuser, as well as a front and rear fascia that's unique to the GT model. The interior, on the other hand, features vegan suede trim and front bucket seats that boast the 'GT' moniker and green piping.
"We sense a healthy appetite not only for electric vehicles as a whole in South Africa, but also for the EV6 specifically," says Gary Scott, CEO, Kia South Africa.
