2018 Kia GT release date, specs news: Sports sedan's performance highlighted in new video

Kia has begun promoting its new GT sports sedan which will be unveiled at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in January 2017. The South Korean automobile manufacturer has released the first video of the 2018 Kia GT that highlights its performance.

"The curve ahead is all about potential. The potential to clip every apex, and consume every straight. To take on each twist and turn with agility, speed and progressive design. With a new paradigm of performance on the horizon, Kia's newest vehicle takes to the grueling Nürburgring to realize its full potential," Kia said in a press release.

The video suggests that Kia's new vehicle will be able to reach speeds of up to 144 miles per hour.

The 2018 Kia GT sports sedan is inspired by the GT Concept that was introduced back in 2011. In an interview with Car and Driver a few months ago, Albert Biermann, Hyundai-Kia's head of performance development, hinted that the production version of the car will retain the concept vehicle's rear-wheel-drive system and couple-like design.

Based on leaked images of the pre-production version of the vehicle, the design has been toned down a bit in order for it to enter mass production. Nevertheless, Kia hints that it still has a head-turning design, sleek sophistication, and delivers heart-pounding performance.

According to Motor Authority, the new GT sports sedan will be officially called the K8 in South Korea while it will be known as Stinger in international markets. The base variant of the vehicle is said to sport a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Kia will be releasing more teasers and videos of the 2018 GT in the coming weeks. These details will be found on The Curve Ahead. The website, dedicated to the launch of the new sports sedan, also has an official countdown leading up the vehicle's premiere.

The 2018 Kia GT will be introduced at the Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 8, 2017 at 6 p.m. EST.