{"id":3349,"date":"2025-08-10T16:40:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T16:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/?p=3349"},"modified":"2025-08-12T14:29:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T14:29:06","slug":"kias-smallest-ev-could-become-one-of-its-most-thrilling-performance-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/10\/kias-smallest-ev-could-become-one-of-its-most-thrilling-performance-models\/","title":{"rendered":"Kia\u2019s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image lazyload\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px\" loading=\"lazy\" data-src=\"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2026-Kia-EV2-GT-MystiChrome-copy-1-1024x640-1.jpg\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The new Kia EV2 GT could feature dual motors delivering up to 300 horsepower.<\/li>\n<li>European launch is planned for early 2026, with the GT variant arriving soon after.<\/li>\n<li>Design keeps bold concept styling with aggressive, distinctive GT-specific elements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Kia&rsquo;s EV strategy is hitting top gear with a comprehensive range of electrified offerings that, on the surface, is making a certain American rival look a bit, err, underwhelming. Although a non-starter for US consumption, next on the Korean automaker&rsquo;s product blitz is its smallest electric yet, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2025\/05\/kias-evs-keep-getting-smaller-and-theyre-not-stopping\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">EV2 compact crossover<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Positioned as an entry-level EV focused on urban usability and efficiency, it was previewed in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2025\/02\/kia-concept-ev2-previews-2026-small-electric-suv-with-funky-styling-and-a-practical-cabin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">concept guise<\/a>&nbsp;earlier this year. Despite its affordable billing, the EV2 is also tipped to feature in high-performance GT format, offering tantalizing performance within a pint-sized footprint.<\/p>\n<p>If the idea of a pint-sized EV hot hatch sounds intriguing, here&rsquo;s a closer look at what to expect from the EV2 in GT form.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Daring Design<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article-thumbnails-organic\"><\/div>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2026-Kia-EV2-GT-Blue-copy.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" Kia&rsquo;s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models\" width=\"2316\" height=\"1447\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2026-Kia-EV2-GT-Blue-copy-1024x640.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>Illustrations Josh Byrnes \/ Carscoops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>The transition from concept to production sees the EV2 retaining most of the show car&rsquo;s key design highlights, which blends city-friendly dimensions with SUV toughness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At the front, vertically split headlamps frame a technical fascia with hook-like DRL elements that sweep back across the front fenders. For the GT variant, visual oomph is dialed up with a large EV9-inspired lower intake featuring color-coded elements separated by black inlays for a contemporary, geometric aesthetic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Large diamond-cut wheels and neon green brake calipers hint at its sporting pretense. Other visual highlights include pumped haunches, squared-off wheel arches, chunky lower cladding, and a relatively upright silhouette. The rear has a wide, clamshell-style tailgate and angular LED taillights that intersect the rear fender trim.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interior Smarts<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<section class=\"type:slideshow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy \" data-src=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" alt=\"\" src=\"\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/section>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kia gave us an idea of what the EV2 will look like with this concept earlier this year.<\/h4>\n<p>While the production interior remains under wraps, the concept shown earlier offers some clues. The standard car will feature over-the-air (OTA) software updates, as well as the usual smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and a suite of ADAS safety features. <\/p>\n<p>In GT trim, expect some standout details like sport bucket seats, neon green stitching, and exclusive color schemes to set it apart from the standard models.<\/p>\n<p><strong>E-GMP Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Underpinning the EV2 is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/tag\/Hyundai\/\">Hyundai<\/a> Group&rsquo;s E-GMP 400-volt architecture, which offers competitive fast-charging capabilities and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, like its bigger EV siblings. The platform layout places the battery pack under the floor and uses a long wheelbase, maximizing interior space. It also equips the EV2 with a multi-link rear suspension and sports-tuned handling.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad-placement\">\n<div id=\"e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<div id=\"b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07\" class=\"_ap_apex_ad\"> <\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\tvar adpushup = window.adpushup  = window.adpushup || {que:[]};<br \/>\n         \t\tadpushup.que.push(function() {<br \/>\n             \t\tif (adpushup.config.platform !== &#8220;DESKTOP&#8221;){<br \/>\n    \t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;b25ecba7-3bbb-4ea7-a3a8-dbea91695c07&#8221;);<br \/>\n             \t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tadpushup.triggerAd(&#8220;e46c436a-adeb-4b5e-a2c7-56bc36561c10&#8221;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Ohm Oomph<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2025-Kia-Concept-EV2-3.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" Kia&rsquo;s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2025-Kia-Concept-EV2-3-1024x683.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>Kia&rsquo;s EV2 Concept<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2025-Kia-Concept-EV2-1.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" Kia&rsquo;s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/2025-Kia-Concept-EV2-1-1024x683.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>Exact powertrain figures for the EV2 have yet to be released, but reports indicate the base EV2 will use a 150&ndash;200 horsepower single front-mounted electric motor, with a 0&ndash;62 mph time in the mid-7-second range.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In comparison, the GT could leverage an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup in the 250&ndash;300 hp ballpark, possibly dropping acceleration times to the 5 second range. It might also utilize the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2025\/01\/driven-kia-ev3-is-everything-we-love-about-the-ev9-just-smaller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EV3&rsquo;s<\/a>&nbsp;larger 55kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, offering a driving range of around 270 miles (435 km). Dedicated sports steering and brakes will round out the performance equation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amped Aspirations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Renault-5-EV.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" Kia&rsquo;s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models\" width=\"2019\" height=\"1136\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Renault-5-EV-1024x576.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n<p>Key rivals would include the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/06\/217-hp-alpine-a290-gt-hot-hatch-kicks-off-alpines-electric-transformation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alpine A290<\/a>&nbsp;and the closely related&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/02\/the-2024-renault-5-e-tech-has-a-charging-display-on-top-of-the-hood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Renault 5<\/a>. Others include the upcoming Volkswagen&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/03\/vws-america-boss-wants-to-sell-the-id-2-gti-stateside\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ID.2 GTI<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/10\/mini-launches-full-blown-jcw-versions-of-cooper-electric-and-aceman-evs-with-255-hp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">, Mini Cooper JCW<\/a>, Fiat 500e Abarth and a rumored &lsquo;<em>N<\/em>&rsquo; version of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/2024\/06\/hyundai-inster-is-an-electric-casper-with-a-220-mile-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hyundai&rsquo;s Inster<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As for the reveal timeline, Kia has confirmed that the production EV2 will debut globally in early 2026, while the GT performance variant is expected to follow soon after.&nbsp;Production of the EV2 is set to take place in Slovakia for the European market, aligning with its Euro-centric focus.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Would you love to see Kia bring a small performance EV to the US market? Tell us what you think in the comments below.<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2026-Kia-EV2-GT-MystiChrome-copy.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image-block\"> <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"lazy \" src=\"\" alt=\" Kia&rsquo;s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models\" width=\"2251\" height=\"1407\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.carscoops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2026-Kia-EV2-GT-MystiChrome-copy-1024x640.jpg\" data-type=\"inarticle-image\" \/><figcaption>Illustrations Josh Byrnes \/ Carscoops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>        <\/a>  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The new Kia EV2 GT could feature dual motors delivering up to 300 horsepower. European launch is planned for early &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/10\/kias-smallest-ev-could-become-one-of-its-most-thrilling-performance-models\/\" class=\"more-link\"><span class=\"more-button\">Continue Reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Kia\u2019s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3351,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scoops"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3349"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3352,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3349\/revisions\/3352"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3351"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/opendoorcounselingpa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}