While Hyundai and Kia both have similar lineups that share underlying platforms and engines, for now Hyundai has kept its rear-wheel drive platform and “Tau” V-8 to itself. That has led to questions about where the two brands are positioned relative to each other.
They seem to be quite close, but Kia has been focusing more on offering a bolder, technology-oriented design that is sportier than Hyundai. Auto show season is still a way off, but that isn’t stopping the rumor mill from cranking up about the models we will see debut.
For enthusiasts looking to tap into the potential of Hyundai’s RWD platform with a sporty offering, a model from Kia couldn’t be better news. It does seem highly likely a sedan is coming, and that car is currently being referred to by its codename “K7”. But what about a coupe?
Website What Car? says not one but two cars are coming – in concept form anyway. The information isn’t purely conjecture either, as What Car? spoke with Kia executive Hank Lee in Seoul, South Korea.
The first car will make an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the second at the North American International Auto Show. Both will be two-door, V-8 coupes that are meant to gauge public interest in their production.
If approval is given, Kia could have a production car on the road by 2015. It’ll be interesting to see how production-ready the designs are, and if they will preview anything we’ll be seeing from the “K7” sedan.
The Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe models are both very different in approach. Someday its possible we could see the Genesis Coupe become more of a luxury-focused Gran Turismo product if a sporty Kia model gets added into the mix.
