Kia to Launch Higher-Performance pro_cee’d GT for Europe

Kia is serious about creating a credible performance image. For Europe, that means Kia will launch a GT version of the European-market pro_cee'd, a sporty and stylish derivative of the Hyundai/Kia HD platform. It will be powered by a 1.6-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged four. This is the same engine that powers the 201-hp Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and is expected to make in excess of 200 hp in the pro_cee'd GT as well. The GT will sport a six-speed manual transmission, good news for enthusiasts. (Some other carmakers are dropping manual gearboxes in favor of automatics; one example is the European-market VW Polo GTI, which comes with a dual-clutch automatic only.) Visually, the GT is differentiated from the regular pro_cee'd by its large wheels, big front air intake with an A-class-AMG-like red stripe, and four Kia-K9-inspired daytime running lights on each side. The grille juts prominently ahead of the headlights. Instrumented Test: 2013 Kia Rio5 SX Manual First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Long-Term Test Intro: 2012 Kia Sportage SX AWD The pro_cee'd GT will be launched in Europe in the second half of 2013. But prospects for U.S. availability are slim. Reason? Here in the States, the current Kia Forte Koup will likely be sold well into 2014, just like the Forte five-door hatchback. But the GT's 1.6-liter turbo hints at new, downsized and turbocharged engines that are far more torquey and powerful than Kia's normally aspirated 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines that power the current Forte Koup and Forte five-door hatchback. Once these go out of production, anything is possible. Read full story » from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

Put the internet to work for you. via Personal Recipe 647533