Kia Considering Kee-Based Coupe Built On Genesis Platform? Report

KIA MAY BE CONSIDERING an entry-level rear-wheel-drive coupe to take on the upcoming Toyota FT-86 sportscar, if a recent interview with design boss Peter Schreyer is any indication.

Speaking with British magazine Autocar, Schreyer said he is pushing to add such a car to Kia's line-up - possibly based on the Kee concept revealed in 2007 and built on the platform used by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Schreyer said the car's main rivals would be the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota's upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe.

Despite being eager to add more desirable models to the Korean carmaker's range, Schreyer admitted that for the next two years, the company's focus will be on renewing the company's core models.

“These are naturally our priorities because they are proven volume sellers. And the problem with Kee is that no one – not in Europe, the USA or Korea – can say with confidence what numbers the Kee would sell in."

Speaking candidly, Schreyer acknowledged Kia's position in the global market.

“We are not like Audi or Porsche. We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it’s the perfect kind of sports car.”

For now, Kia offers a two-door version of the front-wheel-drive Kia Cerato, known as the Kia Cerato Koup.

Click here to read TMR's review of the 2010 Kia Cerato Koup

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