While all the major automobile makers like Mercedes and Volkswagen are busy launching and unveiling their concept SUVs, the South Korean company Kia also developed and launched its very own concept SUV at the 2013 Chicago Motor show. Kia Motors is known for being the second largest South Korean automobile manufacturer after Hyundai. The company unveiled its Kia Cross GT Concept SUV, which was undoubtedly one of the most stylish cars that were revealed during the entire motor show! Besides being stylish, the concept is also quite practical as it features a hybrid plug in drive, ensuring the car’s position in the future certain, if it goes under production.
Now one of the most important points that we must state here is that unlike most of the electric hybrid SUVs that are coming up recently, the Kia Cross GT concept is a full size family SUV. Yes, it features a third row of seats as well! This means that the Cross GT will take a place above the Kia Sorento, the company’s popular mid-sized crossover SUV. Consequently, the concept is longer by 8.4 inches and wider by 4.9 inches. The SUV will face competition from other SUVs of the same category which includes names like Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot.
Coming to the amazing hybridisation principles that the concept uses, we must say that the vehicle features a pretty brutal engine! Well, we couldn’t find a better adjective for the 3800cc V6 engine that grumbles beneath the SUV’s hood. The engine is perfectly capable of producing a power of 333 horsepower and a torque of 291 lb. – ft. However, this is when the electric hybridisation system is not incorporated. Bring in the hybrid plug in and experience the 400 horsepower power blast that the combination brings to you! And if you thought that this was enough, then the fact that this crazy combination is further paired with a crazy eight speed automatic transmission system will merely blow your mind off! We would also like to mention that if you run out of gas and you have to get your tank refilled, then you better find a gas station within a radius of 20 miles as that is as far as the vehicle can go if running solely on electricity.
The Cross GT Concept not only aims towards a better environmental protection by using a hybrid plug in drive, but it also does so by making extensive use of environment-friendly material for the interiors. Now this doesn’t mean that the interiors lack class! Enter the cabin and find all the luxurious innovations that the company has carried out with the environment-friendly materials!
Did we say anything about the exteriors? No? Well, have a look yourself and then ponder over the fact that how great a job has the South Korean company done! With the beautiful grill and the bold LED headlights, the vehicle looks spectacular! Also, the rear looks of the concept are equally impressive. We also liked the air vents that are mounted on the sides of the vehicle. But the one thing that made us fall in live with the concept is the multi-panel skylight present on the roof, which incorporates uniquely shaped glass panels! We do hope that we see the beast on streets soon!
