Kia Reads From The Book Of Genesis
In the beginning there was rear-wheel-drive. And lo, the proportions were classic and the handling was good. And the lord of automobiles smiled upon his work, for lo, it was good.
Well, you know how the rest of the story goes. The automobile feel from the grace of its one true faith, and was cursed to torque steer, lifeless dynamics and it covered its shame with dull, uninspired styling. But here’s the part you may not have seen coming: Kia wants to return to the garden. With a rear-drive chassis from Hyundai’s Genesis, it’s allowing its chief designer, Peter Schreyer, to once again read from the original book of automotive appeal. And with sleek details, a long hood, and classic, cab-rearward proportions, it’s GT Concept could just win over a few believers. But if you’re feeling the spirit, beware: the GT Concept is too good for this earthly automotive plain. Though it presages the coming of two new prophets, an affordable rear-drive coupe to take on Toyota’s FT-86 and a Genesis-based flagship, this particular GT will remain in the auto-show firmament.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Part of me doesn't want to like anything from Korea. But I do like it. I just wish they'd change the name. I mean, Nissan was once Datsun, which wasn't half as bad as Kia and Hyundai, and they still changed it. The Korean cars have gotten both better in aesthetics, and better in appearance, awfully quickly. Lutz, if you're reading this: what Zackman says, near the top.
Rarely does the finished product (if it ever goes into production) resemble the stylists renderings. The bean counters make sure of that.