Kia Cross GT SUV Concept arrives ahead of reveal in Chicago

Kia has revealed their concept for a new large SUV – the Kia Cross GT Concept – ahead of a reveal at the Chicago Auto Show.

Underpinning the Cross GT are the same underpinnings the impressive Kia GT Concept we saw at Frankfurt in 2011 had, to create a new SUV that is a chunk bigger than the Sorento (213mm longer with a wheelbase 399mm more) but, thanks to a swooping roofline, is 41mm lower.

Power for the Hybrid Cross GT comes from a 3.8 litre petrol V6 and an electric motor which produce around 400bhp and 500lb/ft of torque, driven to all four wheels through an eight-speed auto ‘box.

Much of the design is probably good only for the concept version – like the rear suicide doors and multi-panel panoramic roof – but there’s definitely a feeling that the Cross GT is signalling Kia’s more upmarket direction with a luxurious interior with real wood and lashings of leather (only four seats in the concept) and even a Land Rover-esque clamshell bonnet.

With a design put together by Kia’s designers in Irvine, California, it seems clear that Cross GT (just like the Kia GT) is heading for production in a toned down form, with a target market very much North American.

Kia’s (and, for that matter, Hyundai’s too) Peter Schreyer said:

The debut of the GT in 2011 heralded a new frontier for Kia, both from a design and a business perspective.  It beautifully illustrated to the world that the brand was ready to explore the possibility of perhaps one day offering a full-size rear-wheel-drive luxury saloon.

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.

Sadly, Kia will probably not bring the Cross GT to the UK and Europe if (more likely when) it turns in to a production model. But they should.

By Cars UK