Spotted: The Boxy Kia EV3 Is Set to Get a Sporty GT Version

      Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

      Get The Drive’s daily newsletter

      Stay updated with the latest in car news, reviews, and features.

      Is it a crossover? Is it a hatchback? Regardless of its classification, Kia’s EV3 electric vehicle is an enjoyable and versatile little car, with a sportier GT variant on the way. Our spies caught this prototype out in public, heavily camouflaged, yet the distinctive lime green brake calipers—now a trademark of Kia’s performance electric models like the EV6 and EV9 GTs—are unmistakable.

      We’ve known about the forthcoming EV3 GT for some time, but this marks our first look at a prototype testing in real-world conditions. The striking brakes aren’t the only indication of the EV3's differences. A close examination of the rear wheel hubs reveals an axle shaft and nut, suggesting the inclusion of a rear drive unit. While the standard EV3 features front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive variants below the GT are anticipated, yet there seems to be no purpose in hiding the exterior of a standard EV3 that has an additional motor. What is there to conceal?

      The standard EV3 is capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.5 seconds. This is quite acceptable for an economy electric vehicle, but it won’t impress those who focus on performance. For instance, the EV6 GT achieves 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, outpacing many dedicated sports cars, and it does so much more reliably than your average high-performance rear-wheel-drive pony car.

      We don’t anticipate the smaller EV3 GT will approach the EV6’s 576 horsepower, but even if it has double the power of the standard single-motor setup, that would yield a total of 400 horsepower. Even if the extra motor pushes the EV3’s curb weight over 4,000 pounds, the added power would make it feel quite speedy.

      Our sources indicate that the EV3 GT could make its debut later this year or early next year. Since the standard EV3 hasn’t even launched in the U.S. yet, we are estimating 2027 as the earliest potential model year for the sportier version. We hope to have more information soon.

      Feel free to explore the complete gallery of images in the widget below.