Kia

The pinnacle of the EV6 development has arrived, with Kia announcing the top-of-the-line GT model will launch in New Zealand dealerships later this month.

“The Kia EV6 GT is the most powerful and fastest model to ever wear the Kia badge, it is the new halo model for the brand and is a massive statement of intent for us,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“This is one incredibly special car and is the epitome of what a GT should be, a spacious and comfortable vehicle capable of devouring touring kilometres with ease, with power and performance available when required.”

“Above all else, this fully electric vehicle delivers a zero-emissions motoring experience, a range in excess of 400km and can be charged from 10-80% in just 18 minutes.”

Key to the performance of the EV6 GT is the dual motor configuration, delivering 430kW of power, with the all-wheel drive system contributing to an astonishing 0-100km/h time of only 3.5-seconds.

Adding to the allure of the EV6 GT are a number of features and design cues which are found only on the new model and help to make the GT instantly recognisable and distinguishable from other EV6 models in the range.

These include unique-to-GT suspension, steering, electric motors, chassis upgrades, performance braking system, upgraded traction battery and GT seats for those in the front.

GT Electric motors

The front motor increases from 70kW/255Nm to 160kW/350Nm. The rear motor jumps from 160kW/350Nm to a massive 270kW/390Nm. Combined GT output is 430kW/740Nm, the equivalent of 570hp.

GT Suspension

The front suspension has been heavily modified for the EV6 GT, with new geometry and kinematics. The stabilising lower arm of the MacPherson strut-based suspension is replaced with a new, two-arm set-up to better manage vertical movements and maintain consistent contact with the road surface under increased cornering loads and over variable-quality surfaces – particularly important for maintaining traction at higher speeds. At the rear the designed for EV6, five multi-link type suspension is (like the front suspension) enhanced with Electronically controlled Damping,

GT Steering system

The EV6 GT gains its own variable gear ratio steering system, a highly communicative set-up that builds weight progressively as speeds increase. There are 2.3 turns lock-to-lock, compared to 2.67 for the standard EV6. In its most focused GT Mode setting, the EV6 GT’s steering system has been specially calibrated for dynamic driving by increasing sensitivity to inputs and delivering more immediate responses.

GT Chassis upgrades

To ensure consistency of handling and chassis response, even at its highly elevated levels of performance, the new GT features front wheel strut rings and a rear wheel strut brace. These additional bracing elements improve vehicle yaw response, reducing response delay and improve rear conformability.

GT Suspension

The EV6 GT includes a unique Electronically Controlled Suspension system that adjusts the level of damping force depending on the selected driving mode.

GT Brakes

The EV6 GT has all the braking power it will ever need, featuring race style, highly rigid monobloc neon green painted brake calipers clamping down on 380mm (20-inch) front discs and 360mm rear discs, which can work in combination with the multi adjustable regenerative braking system.

GT Battery

Further upgraded from the GT-Line battery, the GT has increased power (up from 253kW to 481kW) and a cell capacity increase from 55.6Ah to 111.2Ah.

GT Seating

With vastly increased dynamic abilities, Kia has fitted the GT with race style front bucket seats that firmly yet comfortably hold both driver and passenger in place. Metal inserts inscribed with the ‘GT’ moniker and neon green piping add to the seats’ contemporary and technical appearance.

GT Limited Slip Differential

Featuring a mechanical multi-plate clutch pack and electronic control, the EV6 GT actively controls torque for the left and right wheels to improve driving handling performance.

Further elements include 21-inch machine finished alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, while a GT-specific rear diffuser completes the all-round appearance.

Adding to the versatility of the new model is the ability to tow as much as 1,800kg and additional functionality is achieved with two Vehicle to Load options, including a V2L interior socket and a V2L exterior adaptor. (NB: the V2L exterior adaptor is a cost option)

“The EV6 GT is a car that exudes the power, performance and agility of a track worthy sports car, while also providing comfort, on-road drivability and practicality for everyday use,” said Mr McDonald.

“The combination of super car performance, long touring range and ultra-fast charging means the EV6 GT is a truly exciting and capable GT for the electric era.”

Kia EV6 GT $139,990 inc GST + ORC