The Kia EV6 GT has secured the prestigious title of Road & Track’s 2024 Performance EV of the Year, emerging victorious in the category for electric vehicles priced below $100,000. After stringent evaluations by Road & Track’s seasoned editors, the EV6 GT excelled in high-stress road trials to claim the honor.
Redefining Performance in Electric Vehicles
Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, expressed the company's elation over the accolade and emphasized that Kia is committed to shattering the stereotype that electric vehicles are merely "silent boxes on wheels." The EV6 GT, with its high-horsepower capabilities, aims to rival the exhilaration commonly associated with gasoline-powered automobiles.
In determining the winner, Road & Track’s editors sealed off a four-mile segment of Angeles Crest Highway to test six qualified electric vehicles. The assessments encompassed numerous facets including speed, cornering, braking, endurance, and overall comfort. Factors specifically relevant to electric vehicles like charging times and energy consumption were also weighed in the evaluation process. Editor-in-Chief of Road & Track, Mike Guy, lauded Kia for successfully marrying top-notch design, technology, and performance.
High-Octane Specifications Steal the Spotlight
Built on the acclaimed E-GMP modular EV platform, the EV6 GT boasts a dual-motor e-AWD powertrain coupled with an energy-dense 77.4-kWh battery. This ensemble feeds a 160kW front-mounted motor and a 270kW rear-mounted motor, delivering an aggregate power output of 576 hp and 546 lb.-ft. of torque. The model further distinguishes itself with unique features like electronically controlled dampers, large ventilated disc brakes, and Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. A "Drift Mode" feature adds an extra layer of excitement by enabling more oversteer.
Performance doesn't compromise speed or charging, as the EV6 GT rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and can attain a maximum speed of 161 mph. The vehicle’s 800v fast charging capabilities allow for a quick 10% to 80% battery charge in just 18 minutes, bolstered by its innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality.
