Kia RWD Concepts, Potential Sporty Convertible In The Works?

The Kia Koup (yes, it is spelled with a K by the manufacturer) is the closest Kia has come to a dedicated performance car in recent years. Hyundai has gotten a diverse array of coupes over the years, including the Tiburon, Genesis Coupe and Veloster. Hyundai and Kia are both under one roof, but vehicles between the two have been impressively differentiated.

For instance, look at the Sonata and the Optima - you wouldn't be able to tell they shared anything. For most enthusiasts the Optima is the vehicle of choice. It has a driver-focused cockpit and a more aggressive, chiseled appearance. Hyundai is softer in approach, evidenced by its "fluidic sculpture" design language.

That carries through to other aspects as well - Kia is more performance-oriented. That is why it was perplexing to some that Kia didn't get any models based off the company's new rear-wheel drive platform. It couldn't be because of wanting to be too close to Hyundai could it? Doesn't seem so, given the two share everything else and that the ability to differentiate is clearly there.

Finally, the company could be letting go of the Hyundai exclusivity for the RWD platform and Tau V-8 engine. According to What Car?, two concepts are on the table to gauge reaction. If the report is true, we don't have much longer to wait until we see the first concept make its debut at the Frankfurt show in September.

The next will appear in January at the Detroit show. If reaction is positive, one of the two cars could hit the road by 2015. It isn't clear if that is model year or production date. It does seem a long way off though anyhow. Also on the table is an potential competitor to the Mazda MX-5.

Kia design head Peter Schreyer has said in the past that a Kia sports car wouldn't need to set new performance records, but instead succeed by being affordable and fun to drive. We still think RWD is a must to be competing with the MX-5, but the car reportedly could get a basis on one of Kia's next-generation hatchback platforms. What do you think? Could a small front-wheel drive convertible from Kia do well?