Kia studies bigger crossover with Cross GT concept
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Kia's Cross GT concept is powered by a parallel hybrid powertrain that pairs an electric motor to a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 400 hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. |
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Kia's Cross GT concept revealed today at the Chicago auto show signals the brand's interest in offering a premium crossover larger than the Sorento.
The fusion copper Cross GT's design draws from Kia's GT rear-wheel drive luxury concept car first shown at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show.
Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corp. president and chief design officer, says the Cross GT is the next step in Kia's ambitions to become more of a premium brand – a shift that was first signaled by the GT concept.
"The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover," Schreyer said a statement.
The Cross GT is similar in overall size to the Kia Borrego, a body-on-frame SUV that was Kia's largest vehicle before it was dropped after the 2010 model year. The concept's 122-inch wheelbase is eight inches longer than the Borrego's despite just half an inch of difference in overall length between the two, and the Cross GT is nearly four inches wider.
At 79.1 inches wide, the Cross GT sits nearly five inches wider than the Sorento while being 1.6 inches shorter in height.
The concept is powered by a parallel hybrid powertrain that pairs an electric motor to a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 400 hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Other features include suicide doors, a "clamshell" style rear opening with a glass upper hatch and lower tailgate, almond-colored leather seats tanned with vegetable oil and recycled American walnut wood throughout the instrument panel.
Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America, said in a statement that the Cross GT is simply a concept, but it also "signals one possible design direction we may explore for the future."
You can reach Ryan Beene at rbeene@crain.com. -- Follow Ryan on 
