The Korean brand wants to make the EV9 even more exciting.
Kia has confirmed that the EV9 GT might be coming sooner than expected. As reported by Inside EVs, Kia confirmed that the GT “is just around the corner, continuing the brand's sporty image after the EV6 GT.”
The statement was made at the European introduction of the highly-anticipated seven-seat electric SUV. To us, “around the corner” sounds closer than the original rumored introduction date set for 2025.
This is good news for the power-hungry because the standard EV9 doesn't provide much in the way of performance. The range-topper uses a dual-motor setup that produces 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This is a bit tame compared to the BMW iX (516 hp/564 lb-ft) and the Tesla Model X, which has 670 hp at its disposal.
Still, if the EV9 comes in at the prices Kia used for a customer survey, it will wipe the floor with the two cars mentioned above.
Not much is known about the EV9 GT except the fact that it will exist at some point. Kia's CEO has stated that the EV9 GT will build on the success of the EV6 GT. The electric hot hatch is a blast to drive, and if you need proof of that, watch it put in a lap of the Nurburgring while putting the Drift Mode to good use.
To produce the EV6 GT, Kia uses two high-output electric motors. It takes the powerful rear-mounted motor (160 kW) out of a standard EV6 and bolts it to the front axle. It then fits an even more powerful motor (270 kW) to the rear axle, resulting in a combined output of 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque.
If Kia equips both of the EV9's axles with the more powerful 270 kW motor, you're looking at a combined output of 724 horses. However, Kia might need something a bit stronger than the 99.8 kWh long-range battery to achieve a reasonable driving range.
Since the EV9 GT will likely require mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, we don't expect it to be sold via Kia's new online store. You will be able to buy a 74 lb-ft boost for the standard model eventually, but it's not one of the many features mentioned when Kia officially announced its new venture meant to rake in millions via over-the-air updates.
While we appreciate a 700 hp three-row SUV as much as the next person, we wish Kia would rather spend the money lobbying the Feds to make its swiveling second-row seats legal in America. For now, these innovative seats are illegal in the USA, effectively killing one of the Korean brand's unique selling points.
Keyword: 600-HP Kia EV9 GT Coming Sooner Than Expected