Ever thought of a Kia pipping out a Ferrari and Lamborghini in acceleration and performance tests? If yes, Kia has just turned that imagination into reality with the all-new EV6 GT. The performance derivative of the award-winning EV6, Kia’s first offering based on the new EV-only E-GMP platform, made its public debut at The Quail at Monterey Car Week.

The all-new Kia EV6 GT will come as the new range-topping variant of the EV6 surpassing the current GT-Line AWD, when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2022 in the US. All the prospective buyers of this new version of the Kia EV6 will be awarded a charging credit of 1,000 kWh at the charging stations of ‘Electrify America’, which can be used anytime for three years.

Related: Find Out If A '90s Ferrari F355 Can Destroy A Kia EV6

Let’s Get Down Straight To The Business – Performance

Kia EV6 GT side profile burnout
via Kia

The Kia EV6 GT surpasses the already-existing GT-Line variant as the new benchmark from Kia in terms of performance. This new version of the EV6 is based on the GT-Line variant and gets the same 77.4 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese battery and all-wheel-drive layout. The difference comes with the inclusion of the new electric motors – 160 kW motor at the front and 270 kW motor at the rear.

With the new and more powerful electric motors on duty, the Kia EV6 GT claims a maximum combined power output of 576 hp and a torque output of 546 lb-ft. With these new motors, the Kia EV6 GT can cover the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds. And if the independent testing performance done by AMCI is to be believed, the new Kia EV6 GT has defeated supercars like Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder RWD in acceleration tests. The top speed claimed by the EV6 GT is 161 mph.

Like in the already-existing GT-Line variant, the new EV6 GT also supports 800v fast charging, with which one can charge the battery from 0-80 percent in just 18 minutes using 350 kW DC fast chargers.

The Kia EV6 GT Gets More Mechanical Advancements

Kia EV6 GT front wheel with disc brake
ia Kia

To make the additional bump in performance in the EV6 GT more usable, Kia has tweaked other mechanicals of the vehicle. With the EV6 GT, Kia is now offering a dedicated sport suspension, which features electronically-controlled dampers and unique performance components for the front suspension. These suspension components have dynamic damping control in the company for a better ride and handling balance.

To ensure that the EV6 GT feels at home around corners, Kia has equipped the new version with an electronically-operated limited slip differential (e-LSD). This system directs the torque produced to those wheels, which offer more grip at the moment. Other technical advancements in the EV6 GT include larger brakes (15-inch ventilated front discs and 14.2-inch rear discs) with standard monoblock calipers and Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires over new bespoke 21-inch wheels. It also has the world’s first mass-produced integrated drive axle for better stability while handling.

The EV6 GT Is Possibly Kia's The Best Driver’s Car Ever

Red Kia EV6 GT (Red) - Rear Right
via Kia

While this headline might seem debatable, the long feature additions Kia introduced for the EV6 GT make sure that the new version creates a new benchmark among all the offerings from Kia. In addition to the already-existing Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes from the current version of the EV6 AWD, Kia has added new drive modes in the EV6 GT, such as GT drive mode, My drive mode, and Drift mode. These new drive modes can be selected from a button present on the steering wheel.

The GT Drive mode enhances the performance of the electric motors, steering, suspension, e-LSD, brakes, and electronic stability control of the vehicle for a more fine-tuned sporty driving experience. Using the Drift mode, the drivers have the option of a more spirited driving feel by allowing them to send more power to the rear wheels. As the name suggests, the 'My drive mode' allows the driver to have personalized settings to suit his driving preferences. Furthermore, the Kia EV6 GT also features two new additional sounds in the list of customizable active sound design options, adding to its long list of feel-good features.

Related: Why We Would Buy The Kia EV6 Over A Tesla Model 3

A Perfect Balance Of Function And The New Form

New sport bucket seats in Kia EV6 GT
via Kia

The new Kia EV6 GT comes with visual tweaks and sporty-looking add-ons inside-out to ensure that it looks different and more exclusive from the existing versions of the EV6. The front and rear bumpers come tweaked with new aero inlets for a more dramatic visual appeal. The rear profile here also comes with a new aero spoiler and diffuser. Compared to the 19-inch alloys in the GT-Line, the new EV6 GT rides on 21-inch bespoke alloy wheels, which have neon-accented brake calipers behind them.

On the inside, things have become more thoughtful in the EV6 GT, with changes including vegan suede-trimmed bucket seats with GT badges and contrast green stitching. Other GT-specific touches in the cabin of the Kia EV6 GT include neon accents, a striped motif on the upper dashboard and front center armrest, and ambient lighting across door panels, dashboard, and center console.