South Korean automaker Kia is working on to move the startling Imagine concept into production. Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva auto show, the Imagine concept will spawn a high-performance flagship that will reportedly make its debut in 2021.
Related: Kia Unveils Imagine Concept at Geneva
According to reports, Rimac the Croatian carmaker in which Kia and Hyundai jointly invested last year will help develop the electric vehicle. Carlos Lahoz, Kia’s marketing chief, in an interview with British magazine Autocar said:
“This car will have a significant effect on how consumers perceive Kia and its part in future electrification. We want it to demonstrate super-high performance levels but in a package that is different.”
As for design the production version will not look a 100% like the eccentric concept, but is certainly going to retain its design which is a mix of coupe & crossover. And by looking at the kind of designs coming out from Kia lately, we can expect the production version of Imagine to be as fascinating as the concept. The vehicle also adorned Kia’s new logo that will likely represent the company’s future range of electric vehicles.
Kia is also poised to roll out an EV-only architecture that it will share with its sister brand Hyundai. This will deliver faster and longer-ranged cars than existing models like the Niro EV and Soul EV. Although the South Korean automaker has moved significantly upmarket in recent years; the pricing of Imagine will remain affordable. According to Carlos Lahoz:
“We are not a premium brand, we are a mainstream brand, and we have to be true to that heritage. This car will be a halo and be priced accordingly, but it will demonstrate that you can get very high performance levels without having to pay the premium prices of, for instance, Tesla, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz.”
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
