Kia considering Kee concept for production

With vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota-s forthcoming FT-86 in mind, Kia is seriously considering moving forward with a production version of its Kia Kee concept. The Kia Kee coupe concept made its debut in late 2007.

In a recent interview with the UK's Autocar, Kia design director Peter Schreyer revealed the Korean automaker is considering a compact, rear-wheel drive coupe based on the Kee concept. If given the go-ahead, the production Kee would naturally compete against the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota FT-86.

Although Schreyer is excited about the prospected of a rear-wheel drive sporty Kia, the design director warns that such a vehicle is at least five years out. Due to Ki's entry-level image - despite a vastly improved lineup - Ki's board is hesitant to green light a niche sports car. "We are not like Audi or Porsche," he said. "We are not in a position to just create something and then announce to the market that it's the perfect kind of sports car."

However, if Ki's board recognizes the Kee as a viable business option, the two-door sports coupe will ride on the same platform as the Genesis Coupe. In order to keep costs down, the Kia will likely due with a range of four-cylinder engines, with the Genesis' turbo-four possibly serving as the top billing. Weight of the production Kee will be kept to a minimum, with a heavy emphasis on affordable fun.