In addition to our own scoops, Kia has offered us teaser sketches and preliminary specifications on the GT variant of the five-door Cee'd and the three-door Pro_Cee'd.
As it turns out, though, Kia has done much more than that as we were tipped off about a video shot earlier this month in which a one Vadim Ovsiankin has not only filmed a prototype of the Pro_Cee'd GT inside and out, but he also took it for a spin on the road, where we see the sport hatch hitting speeds of up to 180km/h (112mph) on public roads.
Kia's two new GT models are powered by a new version of the brand's 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. Maximum output is 204PS (201bhp), up 51 per cent over the non-turbo engine, with torque up 61 per cent to 265 Nm (195 lb/ft).
Now, we have a batch of fresh spy shots of a Pro_Cee'd GT prototype as it was entering Kia's technical center in Germany.
The car was heavily camouflaged, but we can still see some of the details such as the unique 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, side skirts, the large oval tailpipes on either side of the rear diffuser, and with a little bit of effort, the aluminum trim and leather Recaro sport seats inside.
If Kia hadn't covered up the Pro_Cee'd GT, we would also have seen the rest of the aerodynamic add-on parts like the rear spoiler, the new front grille and lamp clusters, while the Koreans have said that the interior will gain a sports steering wheel, alloy pedals and bespoke surface materials.
Less than a week after the Koreans announced their decision to rival VW's Golf GTI with the three-door Pro_Cee'd GT, Kia has now not only confirmed the availability of a GT version of the five-door Cee'd, but also revealed preliminary specifications.
Read more »
Aimed directly at Europe's finest in the hot hatch category such as the upcoming Volkswagen Golf GTI, the three-door Pro_Cee'd GT will feature the Hyundai and Kia developed 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine and a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels.
Read more »
The Pro_cee'd follows the introduction of the five-door hatchback and the Sportswagon estate and is anticipated to hit European showroom floors in the first half of 2013.
The new model isn't simply a three-door version of the regular Cee'd as it sports a different design from the A-pillars and back including a more rakish roofline, heavily pronounced rear fenders, together with new lights and tailgate. In addition, there are new fog lamp surrounds and chrome strips that connect the grille to the lights up front.
