The fastest electric car from Korea, the Kia EV6 GT, is not only faster than a Porsche Taycan GTS, but also many other sports cars.
Ever since Kia introduced its shockingly quick EV6 crossover, it’s been raising lots of eyebrows. It’s the fastest electric car to have been born in Korea’s automotive industry; not the EV6, but the high-performance EV6 GT. This is the EV6 that wants to show sports cars that a high price doesn’t necessarily give you blistering performance.
The ‘GT’ badge tell you it’s more powerful, and comes with enhanced dynamic driving talent as well. Kia, the company itself, put its baby through its paces at the HMG Driving Experience Center in Chungcheongnam-do, where the EV6 GT’s power output of 576hp and 545 lb-ft of torque blew everyone’s socks off!
Out of curiosity, we decided to compare it briefly with the Porsche Taycan GTS, which is also among the fastest electric cars on the market today. A Porsche being compared to a Kia might sound blasphemous initially – until you look at the acceleration times of both models. Mind you, this is not a half-hearted comparison of a top of the line underdog and a base-spec established hero. The Taycan GTS is no slouch. Porsche is selling more Taycan EV sports sedan than 911s, which is what makes this comparison all the more interesting.
Porsche Taycan GTS Is Quick, But Kia EV6 GT Is Quicker
While the Porsche Taycan GTS can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, the Kia EV6 GT can go from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds. It’s only a shade quicker, but the fact remains the Kia is quicker than the Porsche.
The Taycan GTS slots in between the Taycan 4S and Taycan Turbo in the range. The GTS pushes out 590hp and 626 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which matches the Taycan Turbo. The Taycan GTS is claimed to deliver a range of 246 miles, and starts at an MSRP of $134,100.
Now while the Porsche offers flawless German build quality, sports car like handling and performance, there’s no denying it’s expensive. The base Kia EV6 price is $48,500, but the GT e-AWD starts an MSRP of $61,400, which is less than half the price of the Porsche, making the EV6 GT great value for money, but unfortunately, is claimed to deliver lesser range than the Taycan GTS at 206 miles.
Kia EV6 GT Proves Its Explosive Acceleration To Supercars
The Kia EV6 GT was tasked with a multi-purpose course made on asphalt. It comprised a long straight section, similar to a drag strip, while a measuring instrument was placed in the middle of the course to keep a tab on its acceleration performance.
The EV6 GT proved itself in a 400m drag race video that was published last year. What becomes immediately apparent is how promptly it accelerates the moment the signal turned green. It left us in shock and awe when it catapulted its way past sports cars two to three times its prices.
It competed with cars like the Porsche 911 Targa 4, Lamborghini’s hot-selling Urus SUV, McLaren’s baby supercar, the 570S, a rumbling Mercedes-AMG GT, while Italy graced its presence in the form of the Ferrari California T. The Kia left all the supercars behind, until much later, where the more powerful McLaren finished first, while the Kia followed second.
Kia EV6 GT Is A Cruise Missile
At the race, measuring the time all the cars took to reach 62mph from a standstill was obviously the easiest way to see how fast these cars accelerate. The EV6 GT recorded a brilliant 3.5 seconds – and there was no exaggerated drama in doing so.
All it took was a press of the GT mode button on the steering wheel, get the focus on-point, take the foot off the brake pedal and simply hit the throttle. From there, the EV6 GT did everything possible to get a great, long head start. No manual shifting, nothing.
The EV6 GT showed no delay whatsoever; the instant rush of torque was so typical of an EV – it almost seemed like someone lit the wick on its tail, and off it went! What seemed so different from all the other cars, was the eerie silence in which it took off.
The other supercars roared and rumbled like angry animals, while the Kia left the start like the Road Runner (The cartoon, not the old American muscle car). It is said that there was no wheelspin either on launch. In a matter of seconds, three-digit figures showed up on the speedometer, pushing well past 62mph in a jiffy. The Kia reached the finish line rather elegantly.
Kia EV6 GT Reached A Top Speed Of 162 Mph
The radical and tech-laden Kia managed a top speed of 162mph after it hit the High-Speed circuit to push the boundaries. The High-Speed main circuit has four lanes, and is an oval course that comprises a long straight road with just two corners. The EV6 GT was in its ‘GT’ mode when it was found gunning for glory on the wide circuit.
The electric car already began crossing 125mph before showing up at the first corner. It even took that corner without having to slow down, and showed immense stability while at it. Proving the fact that Kia has come a long way indeed.
Source: Hyundai Motor Group
