Kia's Dual-Motor EV3 GT Revealed in Recent Spy Images | Carscoops

      Lime green brake calipers and GT branding on the headrests indicate that this is the eagerly awaited performance variant of Kia’s compact electric vehicle, the EV3.

      Recently, a sporty GT version of Kia’s EV3 electric SUV was seen undergoing testing in the Arctic. The distinctive lime-colored brake calipers and GT logos are major identifiers of this model. The GT is expected to feature a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system with an output of approximately 276 hp.

      After experiencing the Kia EV3, we were genuinely impressed, but one potential drawback may have deterred some buyers: the limited powertrain options. By limited, we mean that all EV3 models currently utilize a single motor, but that is about to change, as evidenced by recent spy photos of the EV3 GT.

      Kia has confirmed that a sporty GT version of the compact SUV is on its way, yet no specifics about the new top-tier model have been disclosed. However, insiders have informed Carscoops that the GT will include a dual-motor setup producing around 276 hp (280 PS).

      If this is accurate, the most powerful EV3 may not be as intense as some have anticipated, particularly in comparison to the EV6 GT, which boasts 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS). Nevertheless, the EV3 GT will still feel significantly different from the current single-motor EV3, which delivers only 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). We estimate that the GT will achieve 0-60 mph in roughly five seconds, aided by its all-wheel-drive capability.

      Design features indicating the GT variant are present, although heavy camouflage on this prototype makes it challenging to identify body changes that will complement the existing GT-Line model's styling improvements. Compared to the base Air model, the GT-Line incorporates gloss black arches, more aggressive bumpers, and full LED lighting.

      The lime green brake calipers, a distinctive feature borrowed from the EV6 GT, can be seen, but because of the EV3's lower weight and reduced power output, Kia appears to have opted for basic sliding calipers on the front axle instead of the four-piston versions found on the EV6 GT. As for the wheels, they originate from the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (as indicated on the rim face) and will be replaced by the time the GT officially launches.

      Interior shots captured by our spy photographer reveal the GT logo embossed on the headrests of the new sport seats and additional lime green accents unique to the GT variant. Like other EV3 models, the GT will feature a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a separate 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls, all positioned between them.

      The GT will not include the smaller 58.3 kWh battery available on the base EV3 Air, opting instead for an 81.4 kWh battery pack. A front-wheel-drive, single-motor GT-Line S equipped with this battery and 19-inch wheels achieves a WLTP range of 362 miles (583 km), but the heavier dual-motor GT is expected to have a slightly shorter range.

      Like the other EV3 models, it will employ 400-volt charging technology instead of the 800-volt architecture found in Kia’s larger EVs. Charging from 10% to 80% with a charger providing at least 150 kW should take approximately 31 minutes, similar to other large battery EV3s.

      The EV3 GT is anticipated to debut later this year, but it is not the only new version of the EV3 that Kia has in the pipeline. The company is also developing a less-performance-focused dual-motor variant with around 227 hp (230 PS) for those seeking all-wheel drive without prioritizing high performance.