2018 Kia GT release date, specs news: All-new sports sedan is fastest-accelerating vehicle created by Kia

Kia Motors has released the second teaser for the 2018 GT. The new footage previews how fast Kia's upcoming sports sedan can go. Kia has been building up hype for the all-new vehicle before its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2017.

In the new teaser video, the 2018 Kia GT is seen at the high-speed handling track in the Namyang R&D Center in South Korea. In an acceleration test, the new sports sedan is revealed to be able to go from standstill to 62 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds. Based on this performance, the 2018 GT becomes the quickest vehicle that Kia has ever created.

"A benchmark for any car operating on a higher level of performance, and the number that enthusiasts look for first. The fastest-accelerating Kia to date represents a new paradigm of performance, its heart-pounding power encouraging you to grip the wheel a little more tightly," the accompanying description reads.

According to reports, the upcoming sports sedan's performance is made possible by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The same powertrain is seen in Hyundai's Genesis models. Furthermore, the engine will be mated to an eight-speed transmission and will have a rear-wheel drive system. The 2018 GT is also expected to have a four-cylinder turbo engine for the entry-level variant.

The all-new vehicle is inspired by the GT Concept that was introduced back in 2011. Based on a leaked image, the production version of the 2018 GT retains the overall shape and front fascia of the concept vehicle.

No word yet on pricing and availability of the 2018 GT but Kia will reveal more information when the sports sedan makes its world debut at the 2017 NAIAS on Jan. 8, 2017 at 6 p.m. EST. The annual auto show will be held in Detroit, Michigan.