GT concept previews Kia's design future (photos)

Kia's latest design concept takes the automaker's Tiger Nose to the next level and previews potential design direction for future vehicles.

The GT starts with Kia's tiger nose grill shape and adds LED headlamps that are bisected by sculptural winglets.

Under the GT's hood is a turbocharged and direct injected V-6 (presumably based on the 3.8-liter mill that powers Hyundai's Genesis Coupe and Sedan) that outputs 395 horsepower and 394 pound feet of torque.

Designed as a grand tourer (hence the "GT" moniker), the Kia concept is a low slung sedan with a coupe-like profile. The L-shaped carbon fiber element at the base of the doors doesn't appear to have a function other than add visual interest to the slab-sided sedan.

LED tail lamps and a carbon fiber diffuser round out a simple rear end. The general shape of these lights and the headlamps will likely be echoed on future vehicles at the top end of Kia's lineup.

The Kia's back doors open on a rear hinge, giving full access to the cabin without the obstruction of a B-pillar.

The GT uses 3D holographic instrumentation, steers with a chrome wheel, and features small cameras where the wing mirrors would be that output to small monitors at the base of the A-pillars.

You don't see gold used much on new cars these days, but the Kia GT features gold trim around the windows and gold-colored buffed leather.

The wheels appear to be inspired by propellers and feature carbon fiber design elements.

It's got propellers clashing with winglets, gold clashing with silver, and nonstructural carbon fiber bits all over. The nose apes the GTbyCitroen concept from a few years ago. The GT's design just feels very non-cohesive and derivative.

The rear quarter is the GT's best angle, as it hides the overly complicated front end.