Kia to Unveil V8 RWD Sports Car Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show

During the past few years, Kia has completely transformed its image from a manufacturer of affordable, but rather unexceptional, cars to that of an automaker that offers a stylish and coherent range, thanks in no small part to the hiring of ex-VW Group designer Peter Schreyer. Now, however, it is moving in uncharted waters if a recent report from What Car is accurate.

According to the British magazine, the Korean automaker wants to further improve its image with a halo car that will signal the firm�s intent to make sportier vehicles. And it plans to do so by unveiling a V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sports coupe at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Kia�s boss Hank Lee said that that the V8 coupe to be shown in Frankfurt is just the first of a series of concepts, as another study is being prepared for the NAIAS show in January. Both concepts will be based on Kia�s upcoming large sedan for the North American market.

One of the two concepts is rumored to spawn a production model that could make it into the market as early as 2015.

The magazine added that Kia is also mulling a smaller and more affordable sports car to rival models like the VW Scirocco, the Mazda MX-5 and Renault's Megane Coupe.

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