Korean carmaker Kia America unveiled the EV6 GT in North America at ‘The Quail’, a Motorsports Gathering during the annual Monterey Car Week celebrations.
According to a press release from Kia America, the EV6 GT features a strong body structure that utilises 75% high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel, as well as the world-first, mass-produced integrated drive axle (IDA) to enhance durability and handling, combining wheel bearings with the drive shaft to save weight.
Packing in a 77.4-kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (80/10/10) battery pack, the new AWD performance crossover produces 430 kW (front-mounted 160kW motor, rear-mounted 270kW motor) and 546 lb-ft of torque.
Kia America claims that the EV6 GT can reach 100 kmph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed rises to 161 mph.
Moreover, it features 800V fast charging capabilities, enabling the EV6 GT to replenish 80% of battery capacity in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers, the release said.
Another trick the EV6 GT has up its sleeves regarding charging is the multi-charging system that supports 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW, the company said, adding that the vehicle also features V2L capabilities.
Meanwhile, the performance upgrades to the EV6 GT also include a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers with dynamic damping control, an electronic Limited Slip Differential, unique front suspension performance components, ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes with monoblock callipers and Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels as standard, the release stated.
Furthermore, the EV6 GT also introduces GT Drive Mode, My Drive Mode, and Drift Mode, in addition to the Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes offered on other EV6 models.
Interestingly, the EV6 GT is part of the Kia 'Plan S' strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles (BEV) per year and build a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027.