Kia's first high performance models, the three-door Kia pro_cee'd GT and the five-door Kia cee'd GT, will go on sale in mid-2013.

The two new GT models will be powered by a new version of Kia's 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger and strengthened internal components. Power and torque outputs are dramatically increased. Maximum power is 204 ps, up 51% over the non-turbo engine, with torque up 61% to 265 Nm.

Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new models' performance targets include 0 to 100 kph acceleration in just 7.9 seconds.