When you think about the place Kia began, the issues it’s doing as we speak are nothing in need of superb. Again within the ’90s, the model gained a popularity for cheapness (and never the great form of low cost) and low efficiency. However in recent times, it’s been turning heads with its vehicles’ cutting-edge design and unimaginable worth. And now, Kia is taking issues to the subsequent stage with the all-new Kia EV6 GT, which was not too long ago revealed at Monterey Automotive Week.
Kia America revealed the 576-hp EV6 GT efficiency crossover at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering throughout Monterey Automotive Week celebrations. Kia’s presence among the many quickest and most subtle gamers was solidified by revealing the automobile alongside supercars from all over the world.
The EV6 GT is probably the most highly effective Kia manufacturing automobile ever, with a 576-hp all-electric powertrain. That’s sufficient to propel it from 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.4 seconds, with a prime velocity of 161 mph. It’s additionally been engineered to compete with supercars, as evidenced by its AMCI-certified victory in a 0-60 mph race towards the Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo. Whereas it’s necessary to level out that supercars aren’t made for straight-line racing, it’s nonetheless enjoyable to see an electrical automobile outperform them in that space, as they’re nonetheless fairly quick.
However the EV6 GT is greater than only a straight-line machine. It’s additionally been optimized for efficiency, with a 77.4 kWh battery, a 160kW entrance motor, and a 270kW rear motor. There’s additionally a “Drift Mode” that unlocks elevated capability and efficiency, bigger diameter disc brakes (15″ entrance / 14.2″ rear) with quad-piston entrance calipers, a stiffened chassis, faster ratio steering, electronically managed suspension, and extra.
The EV6 GT’s sports activities suspension, which has electronically managed dampers and specialised entrance suspension elements, can be accompanied by enhancements in efficiency. The dynamic damping operate gives for sporty dealing with and a snug trip that’s balanced. When cornering, an digital Restricted Slip Differential (e-LSD) prompts traction and stability by diverting torque to the wheels with the best grip. The EV6 GT comes commonplace with Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires mounted on 21-inch alloy wheels.
Kia’s computer systems might help you get probably the most out of those upgrades, or they might help you do your regular driving and offer you extra vary. The EV6 GT options distinctive modes unavailable on different fashions: Eco, Regular, Sport, Snow — and with the push of a button on the steering wheel — GT Drive Mode. This enables drivers to optimize efficiency of the EV6 GT’s motors for braking, steering, suspension, and ESC programs. Or — utilizing My Drive Mode — create customized settings that higher swimsuit particular person driving preferences. For a driving expertise tailor-made to your wants, selectable Drift Mode permits drivers to distribute energy to the rear wheels. Two extra sounds distinctive to the EV6 GT be part of the roster of customizable Lively Sound Design choices.
Like different EV6 fashions, effectivity and charging make for a lot simpler highway journeys. The EV6 GT options the identical velocity as its eye-opening acceleration. It has 800V fast charging talents, which permit drivers to cost it as much as 80 % in simply over 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers. The EV6 GT’s strong physique construction, which incorporates 75 % high-strength metal and ultra-high power metal and a world-first mass produced built-in drive axle (IDA), improves sturdiness and dealing with by combining wheel bearings with the drive shaft.
2023 Kia EV6 GT
Should you’re going to spend extra on a GT, you most likely need it to have some appears to be like that set it other than the already styling EV6 fashions we’re seeing on the highway. The EV6 GT is distinguished by a modern exterior and inside touches. Entrance and rear fasciae distinctive to the GT intensify automobile width, and a rear diffuser and aero spoiler full the transformation from EV6 to GT. The EV6 GT’s customized 21-inch alloy wheels with neon brake calipers replicate its high-performance capabilities and stopping energy. Vegan suede-trimmed, clearly bolstered efficiency entrance bucket seats with the “GT” emblem inscribed in inexperienced piping are inside. The cabin provides a sporty vibe with black accents, light-weight entrance bucket seats, and a striped design on the higher dashboard and entrance heart armrest. Ambient illumination throughout the door panels, heart console, and sprint creates a calming glow.
So, whether or not you’re in search of straight-line velocity or corner-carving efficiency, the Kia EV6 GT has you lined. And it’s all wrapped up in a trendy bundle that’s certain to show heads. Should you’re in search of a brand new efficiency automobile, make sure you try the Kia EV6 GT when it begins exhibiting up on heaps later this yr.
2023 Kia EV6 GT inside.
Kia’s Technique For EVs Continues
The Kia “Plan S” initiative, which features a battery-electric automobile (BEV) yearly and a whole line of 14 by 2027, continues to be in place. The world’s first multi-charging mechanism with 400V and 800V DC charging functionality is featured on the EV6 GT, which works with DC chargers with speeds starting from 50 kW to 350 kW. The EV6 GT delivers energy as a supply on wheels by means of progressive Automobile-to-Load (V2L) performance, permitting customers to energy every thing from dwelling enchancment jobs to tenting and tailgating. The ICCU gives 1,900 watts of energy to electrical home equipment, gadgets, instruments, and leisure gear from the battery pack.
The EV6 GT will go on sale in This autumn of 2022, and will probably be out there at Kia retailers all throughout the USA. For each buy of an EV6 GT, the customer is entitled to a 1,000-kWh charging credit score that can be utilized inside three years at any Electrify America station. Nevertheless, pricing data has not been revealed but and can solely be made public nearer to the automobile’s launch date. Anticipate to pay a fairly penny for the GT mannequin.
However, personally, if the GT isn’t in your price range, it’s not the tip of the world. Even the lower-spec EV6 fashions are nonetheless very spectacular machines that present us that Kia has come a protracted, good distance from being a struggling follower to one of many leaders because the automotive world fees into EV land.
Should you’re a Kia rep studying this, make sure you put us down for some wheel time with this beast when evaluate vehicles turn out to be out there. The mountains of New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado are calling.
Respect CleanTechnica’s originality and cleantech information protection? Take into account turning into a CleanTechnica Member, Supporter, Technician, or Ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.
Do not wish to miss a cleantech story? Join every day information updates from CleanTechnica on e mail. Or comply with us on Google Information!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica, wish to promote, or wish to counsel a visitor for our CleanTech Speak podcast? Contact us right here.