Frankfurt Live: Kia GT and New Rio

At 1.45pm on an already tiring Frankfurt Motor Show day, I headed to the Kia booth and was pleasantly surprised to see the Kia GT concept and to hear that this has no longer become a concept but is planned to head to the production lines in South Korea in 2013.

Instead of housing a V8 engine as was previously thought, Kia have decided to switch in a V6 3.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit which is good for 390bhp and 394lb-ft of torque all coming in via an 8-speed automatic 'box. This marks a significant change in direction for Kia who want to now completely refresh their 6 vehicle line-up to modernise the brand and pack it full of sporting potential.

The GT concept is impressive for what it is, a rear wheel drive coupe coming from a brand which currently produces at best, hot hatches. But it's a chance for the engineers at Kia to explore funkier and more meaningful design directives and according to Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer, the complete package is intended to impact the Euro and American markets more than ever before.

Also seen on Kia's large but hot stand (thanks to a million spotlights shining down) was the 2012 Kia Rio in 3-door variant and the updated Kia Soul - with the intention that these cars can really impact the A, B and C segments together with Kia's other offerings. Around the show grounds we also saw the Kia Optima which is making a challenge for competitors in the luxurious 3 series and C class range.