Kia Optima to Get a GT Variant

MANILA: Showcased at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, 2016 Kia Optima is all set to add a GT variant to its already long list trim levels. The D-segment sedan is currently available in five different options including LX, LX Turbo, EX, SX Turbo, SXL. And now as per the images uploaded by Kia on its Facebook page it seems that a sporty version will soon team up with the above-mentioned line-up.

The sedan pictured on Kia's page holds a GT badge, indicating towards a performance car, inspired from cee'd and cee'd _pro GT. As for the looks, the new variant will not hold the hostile looks as seen on the cee'd and cee'd_pro GT. Rather it will house some sporty looking front design, constituting the standard 'tiger nose' grille, blending effortlessly in the HID headlamps, the LED daytime running lights also form a part of the main assembly. Further replicating its predecessor, it will miss the fog lamps and will run on five spoke wheels that are beautifully crafted. On to the rear end, it sports an oval diffuser and aggressive spoiler.

Under the hood, information is not yet known, but it is predicted to house a 2.0L T-GDI direct injected turbocharged four -cylinder engine, surviving on a petrol diet. Its tech sheets read that it is capable enough to generate 247 horsepower and 325 Nm of torque when mated with six-speed automatic transmission.

The European market is still awaiting the arrival of all-new Kia Optima, but after the 2015 Frankfurt show it seems that the Kia fleet to Europe will include the new sporty GT Kia variant.