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First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

  • The facelifted Kia EV6 GT has been launched in Korea ahead of its US market launch in H1 2025.
  • The performance flagship of the EV6 lineup looks very similar to the milder GT-Line trim.
  • The GT gains a stronger powertrain with up to 645 hp, fake gears, and a larger 84 kWh battery.

Kia has given us our first look at the new GT version of the facelifted EV6 in Korea, introducing a host of styling, tech, and mechanical enhancements over its well-received predecessor.

The refreshed EV6 first debuted in May 2024, with the North American-spec version making its appearance in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. At the time, Kia only showed us the standard and GT-Line trims, so this marks our first proper look at the flagship GT variant.

Subtle Yet Sporty Upgrades

Predictably, the EV6 GT borrows heavily from the GT-Line trim, sharing the same aggressive bodykit and sleek, slimmer LED lights. But a closer look reveals a few key design flourishes that set the GT apart.

For starters, the GT rolls on an exclusive set of 21-inch alloy wheels, paired with striking lime-green brake calipers. The differences don’t end there—look to the bumper intakes, where the GT sports a unique pattern, alongside a redesigned rear diffuser and vertical reflectors replacing the GT-Line’s horizontal ones.

More: Kia’s Updated 2026 EV6 Adds Range, Tech, And A Fake Gearbox For GT

 First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox
The US-spec 2026 Kia EV6 GT-Line (left) compared to the global-spec EV6 GT (right).

The exterior color palette adds further distinction. While the Wolf Gray option grabs attention in the press shots, other hues include Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, and the Yacht Matte Blue. Inside, the GT-exclusive “Black & Neon” theme continues the lime-green accents on black leather and suede upholstery.

Tech-wise, the EV6 GT keeps up with modern expectations, adding a curved digital cockpit that integrates dual 12.3-inch displays, augmented reality navigation, and a reworked steering wheel. Sports bucket seats now come with 8-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, making sure you stay planted, comfortable, and cool.

More Power And Simulated Gearbox

In addition to the welcome exterior and interior upgrades, the 2026 Kia EV6 GT benefits from extra grunt and a larger battery, matching the specs of the mechanically related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The dual-motor AWD powertrain produces a combined 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, which can grow to 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) using the temporary boost function.

 First Look At 2026 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

When launch control is activated, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint can be completed in 3.5 seconds. Despite the extra power (+65 hp and +23 lb-ft), the acceleration figure is identical to the pre-facelifted EV6 GT, making it 0.1 seconds slower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

What sets the EV6 GT apart from the pre-facelift model is the Virtual Gear Shift system borrowed from the Hyundai. Yes, it’s a bit gimmicky, but for those nostalgic for internal combustion drama, this faux gearbox simulates shifts with sound effects and torque modulation. Whether you’ll find it engaging or a novelty that wears thin after a few miles is up for debate—but at least Kia is trying to inject some personality into the EV experience.

Other standard performance goodies include the electronically controlled suspension, and the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD).

Range Gains And Familiar Fast-Charging

Last but not least, thanks to a new 84 kWh battery (up from 77.4 kWh), the EV6 GT offers a modest boost in range, now reaching 355 km (221 miles) under Korea’s testing protocols. Official EPA figures haven’t landed yet, but expect something slightly below this mark. As with the previous model, the battery supports 350 kW fast charging, letting you juice up from 10–80% in just under 18 minutes.

Pricing And Availability

The EV6 GT is already available to order in Korea, with North American deliveries scheduled to start in the first half of 2025. Despite the added performance and tech, Kia has held Korean pricing steady at ₩72.2 million ($51,800 after subsidies). Whether the U.S.-spec model will maintain its predecessor’s $61,600 MSRP remains to be seen, but if so, it’ll remain a strong choice for anyone eyeing the upper echelon of performance EVs.

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Kia

Korea Gets Its Own Special Version Of The Porsche Taycan Turbo

  • Production of the limited edition model is capped at just 40 units.
  • Customers have five different exterior colors to choose from, including Ruby Red Metallic.

As a first attempt at a luxurious and performance-focused electric vehicle, the Taycan has been a huge success for the Porsche brand. Recently, the Sonderwunsch experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur used the EV as the base for a special, limited-run version that celebrates the firm’s 10th anniversary in Korea.

The special variant is known as the Taycan Turbo K-Edition and is based on the updated version of the sports sedan, which was heavily upgraded earlier this year. Customers can choose between five different exterior colors for the EV, consisting of Ruby Red Metallic from the Paint to Sample Plus program, Oak Green Metallic, Ipanema Blue Metallic, Macadamia Metallic, and Alex Grey.

Read: The 2025 Porsche Taycan Has Already Been Hit With A Recall In The US

Giving the car a custom look is a graphic on the rear wing designed to replicate a city skyline in Korea. It also rocks a custom logo based on the shape of a historical royal Korean stamp that includes the name ‘Taycan’ in Korean characters. This logo has been hand-painted on the charging port on the driver’s side while also being embossed into the headrests of the seats. Distinctive 21-inch Mission-E style wheels are standard, complete with rims finished in Turbonite, while the rims are bathed in Satin Black with matching center caps.

Porsche’s expert team of craftsmen has also worked its magic on the K-Edition’s interior. Vehicles finished in Ruby Red Metallic, Ipanema Blue Metallic, or Alex Grey have a cabin trimmed primarily in Basalt Black, while Macadamia Metallic and Oak Green Metallic cars have Truffle Brown leather. Making the seats stand out are multi-colored blocks and Atacama Beige seat belts.

The special touches continue with contrasting cross-stitching on the doors, center console, and instrument panel. A Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur logo has been embossed on the lid of the storage compartment and new black floor mats with decorative seams come standard.

 Korea Gets Its Own Special Version Of The Porsche Taycan Turbo

“The concept of the Taycan Turbo K-Edition is to lend a visible expression to the close connection between Porsche DNA and Korean society and culture,” Porsche Korea chief executive Holger Gerrmann said. “At the same time, some exterior and interior details highlight, for example, the extensive and high-quality customizations that are possible through the Sonderwunsch programme.”

Just 40 examples of the special Porsche Taycan Turbo K-Edition are being produced.

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Hyundai’s RN24 Is A Mad Science Experiment In EV Rallying That’s More Cage Than Car

  • Hyundai’s RN24 serves as a rolling lab to test high-performance tech for future electric N division vehicles.
  • It uses the Ioniq 5 N’s 641 hp powertrain but in a shorter, rally-style chassis built for performance.
  • The exoskeleton-style RN24 lacks traditional bodywork, using a roll cage and TCR race car-inspired rear wing.

Hyundai has just pulled the covers off its latest ‘rolling lab’ model, dubbed the RN24. The car follows in the footsteps of the RN22e and N Vision 74, serving as a testbed for high-performance technologies and motorsport features that will shape future electrified vehicles from the N division.

In creating the RN24, Hyundai’s engineers wanted to fit their most powerful powertrain into the smallest possible package they could muster. As such, they’ve developed a custom World Rally Championship-inspired EV chassis and then dropped the 641 hp powertrain of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Remarkably, the car even features the same 84 kWh battery pack as the Ioniq 5 N, despite the wheelbase being shortened by a considerable 13.3 inches (340 mm).

Read: Hyundai Confirms N Vision 74’s Production After All

A laundry list of features ensures the RN24 is no mere prototype. For example, it has a WRC Powertrain Drive Control Logic system that allows drivers to adjust the power, acceleration sensitivity, regenerative brake sensitivity, and power balance using steering wheel buttons, features similar to those of Hyundai’s current WRC cars.

Additionally, the technical demonstrator has a dedicated ‘Rally Mode’ that optimizes torque distribution inspired by the i20 N Rally 1 WRC, while there’s even a new e-Handbrake to initiate some epic powerslides. A new version of the N Active Sound+ system of the Ioniq 5 N has also been added. It now includes two side speakers, and the rear fenders double as soundboxes, helping to enhance the soundtrack.

 Hyundai’s RN24 Is A Mad Science Experiment In EV Rallying That’s More Cage Than Car

You’ll no doubt have noticed the RN24 is almost entirely void of bodywork and instead uses an exoskeleton-style exposed roll cage. It also has the same rear wing as Hyundai’s TCR race cars. Despite the various weight-saving measures employed, the RN24 still tips the scales at an estimated 4,144 lbs (1,880 kg), or roughly 350 kg (771 lbs) less than the Ioniq 5 N it borrows its powertrain from.

“RN24 exemplifies Hyundai N’s commitment to advancing electric motorsport technology by prioritizing the driving experience rather than spec numbers,” vice president of N Brand Management Group, Joon Park said in a statement. “This Rolling Lab proves that there remains untapped potential for high-performance EVs and with new technologies ahead, there is much to look forward to.”

If the RN24 is a taste of what’s to come, the future of the N division looks promising.

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