Kia looking at Touring Cars?

I Rosputnik · 11 Apr 2013, 22:08 (Ref:3232717)

Here's the story and some more.

Would touring cars work for Kia? Considering how the brand is developing over the past few years, I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner. Though the question is, what series?

The BTCC or WTCC would be a good fit for the Pro Cee'd, DTM would be curious (considering the Grand-Am/Super GT tie up and throwing a Korean manufacturer would shake things up) and I could maybe see the Optima in the V8 Supercars or Superstars.

porsche962fan · 12 Apr 2013, 07:34 (Ref:3232827)

isn't KIA into BTCC/WTCC roumor for AGES now

Sodemo · 12 Apr 2013, 07:37 (Ref:3232829)

I would think it would be a WTCC effort if there is one at all.

Rubio · 12 Apr 2013, 07:40 (Ref:3232832)

I'm sure they are looking at the WTCC. Same (or almost the same) engine regs as in the WRC in which Hyundai is going to participate. Plus it makes sence with new rules coming into force next year.

touring fan01 · 12 Apr 2013, 08:53 (Ref:3232848)

He's the Kia UK managing director so he would only be talking about the UK.

Bramzel · 12 Apr 2013, 09:04 (Ref:3232851)

I don't think so, as the entire interview is about Kia and Hyundai from a global point of view.

touring fan01 · 12 Apr 2013, 09:50 (Ref:3232860)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bramzel

I don't think so, as the entire interview is about Kia and Hyundai from a global point of view.

article says
"Kia is rumoured to be considering a European-based touring car campaign"

thats a lot different to being a world touring car campaign

Bramzel · 12 Apr 2013, 10:00 (Ref:3232862)

True that. I actually wouldn't mind if they chose BTCC over WTCC, though from the WTCC-WRC-Technology sharing point of view WTCC would make more sense.

touring fan01 · 12 Apr 2013, 10:09 (Ref:3232869)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bramzel

True that. I actually wouldn't mind if they chose BTCC over WTCC, though from the WTCC-WRC-Technology sharing point of view WTCC would make more sense.

but that WTCC-WRC technology sharing hasnt really worked. how many manufacturers use the same engine in WTCC/WRC? probably only Citreoen if they enter.

Seat just sell or lease their engines to teams so the engine hasnt worked to bring them back into the WTCC as a manufacturer.
BMW and Mini shared it once but both programmes have now stopped.

Pettersson · 12 Apr 2013, 11:44 (Ref:3232896)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touring fan01

article says
"Kia is rumoured to be considering a European-based touring car campaign"

thats a lot different to being a world touring car campaign

I read it that they might consider WTCC, and have their base (workshop) located in Europe. It's not so good from an economical perspective to race in WTCC and have your workshop in e.g. Asia

. I think all current WTCC teams have their base in Europe, and they can cut costs of sharing oversea shipping to the S & N American and Asian races.

PDS · 12 Apr 2013, 11:44 (Ref:3232897)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

isn't KIA into BTCC/WTCC roumor for AGES now

Sure has.. This is the earliest story I could find..

Back in 2005!!!

http://www.touringcartimes.com/2005/...ld-enter-btcc/

Bramzel · 12 Apr 2013, 12:15 (Ref:3232909)

Quote:

Originally Posted by touring fan01

but that WTCC-WRC technology sharing hasnt really worked. how many manufacturers use the same engine in WTCC/WRC? probably only Citreoen if they enter.

Seat just sell or lease their engines to teams so the engine hasnt worked to bring them back into the WTCC as a manufacturer.
BMW and Mini shared it once but both programmes have now stopped.

At the moment none, but BMW and Mini as well as Ford used base engines for both series. It wasn't exactly plug&play, but it does show the idea was a good one.

auroan · 12 Apr 2013, 12:17 (Ref:3232912)

BTCC would be the cheapest way to put a toe in the water for a manufacturer.

Plus easier to get good results from the off ?

FordCosworthPanoz · 12 Apr 2013, 12:40 (Ref:3232933)

Over in the United States...

Would love to see KIA with a Touring car program in Europe.

kmchow · 17 Apr 2013, 00:09 (Ref:3235558)

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche962fan

isn't KIA into BTCC/WTCC roumor for AGES now

In the good 'ol Supertouring/BTCC days, it was always rumored that a Korean manufacturer was always interested in racing. I think everyone assumed it was Hyundai since they had supported a semi-works effort in the ASTC using an Elantra. Not sure if the rumor also extended to the Korean manufacturer as being Kia.

Juarez Jed · 17 Apr 2013, 00:27 (Ref:3235562)

Not to mention the Daewoo Lacetti............which was a Chevrolet in Europe and a Suzuki in the States

BtccLee · 17 Apr 2013, 16:02 (Ref:3235849)

Personally, if it happens, I reckon it will be BTCC based. However, who could build the cars, would it be done with full backing and most importantly who could drive? (and when)

Sodemo · 17 Apr 2013, 16:26 (Ref:3235855)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BtccLee

Personally, if it happens, I reckon it will be BTCC based. However, who could build the cars, would it be done with full backing and most importantly who could drive? (and when)

If such a manufacturer came along, then i'd imagine that any of the bigger non-works teams would jump at the chance of a works deal, so probably really WSR and Motorbase are the two which stand out. Of course, if it were me calling the shots on behalf of a marketing department, i'd be looking at RML or Prodrive to build cars and run a team.

BtccLee · 17 Apr 2013, 16:31 (Ref:3235860)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sodemo

If such a manufacturer came along, then i'd imagine that any of the bigger non-works teams would jump at the chance of a works deal, so probably really WSR and Motorbase are the two which stand out. Of course, if it were me calling the shots on behalf of a marketing department, i'd be looking at RML or Prodrive to build cars and run a team.

But WSR and Motorbase have invested heavily in their own NGTCs. I would say someone like RML, who "could be" looking for a works deal. Prodrive would be interesting. Probably non of them. Although this would be fantastic news. All we need is Volvo...

porsche962fan · 17 Apr 2013, 16:42 (Ref:3235867)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sodemo

If such a manufacturer came along, then i'd imagine that any of the bigger non-works teams would jump at the chance of a works deal, so probably really WSR and Motorbase are the two which stand out. Of course, if it were me calling the shots on behalf of a marketing department, i'd be looking at RML or Prodrive to build cars and run a team.

and get an ace former champion like Giovanardi?

medius · 17 Apr 2013, 17:27 (Ref:3235877)

Shaun Hollamby has said he'd drop plans for the NGTC Astra if he could secure a manufacturer for AMD to partner with.

Andrew Abbott · 22 Apr 2013, 17:06 (Ref:3237992)

AUTOSPORT are carrying a Kia-related story.

It's a shame that more European-based car manufacturers don't get involved. Personally I'll never buy a car that's not European.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107004

Thaw Daggerslash · 22 Apr 2013, 17:46 (Ref:3238012)

Given how long this has been rumoured for, it'll probably be another five years or possibly even more before we see them on the grid.

**touringlegend** · 22 Apr 2013, 21:08 (Ref:3238111)

Why would Alan Gow come out right now and tell everyone about Kia? Interesting I thought.

medius · 25 Apr 2013, 12:59 (Ref:3239268)

Maybe he has another (unnamed, more prestigeous) brand in talks and wants to push them over the line to signing up?

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