The Kia EV9 GT is coming with 501bhp and Porsche pace

The production version of the Kia EV9 GT has been revealed for the first time at the LA Auto Show.

The performance version of Kia’s flagship seven-seat SUV is the second GT model in its EV line-up and offers 501bhp courtesy of a 215bhp front motor and potent 326bhp rear one. That’s a 123bhp increase over the current range-topping twin-motor GT line S model.

It means the boxy 2.6-tonne SUV will sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the regular two-motor model. Thankfully, there are upgraded front brakes to bring all that pace back under control and an electronic limited-slip differential to help marshal it when cornering.

For the first time, the GT brings electronically controlled adaptive damping to a seven-seat Kia. This adjusts damping stiffness across four different driving modes which also alter the car’s throttle and steering responses. However, the standard ride height remains the same as other versions of the EV9.

The Kia EV9 GT also gets the simulated gears and ‘engine’ sound first seen in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and set to appear in the updated EV6 GT. This ‘virtual gear shift’ can be controlled via the braking regen paddles on the steering column and mimics the action and sound of a sequential automatic transmission for a more engaging driving experience.

To set the EV9 GT apart from other versions, it gets exclusive 21-inch alloys shod in Continental sports tyres, neon green brake callipers and a bespoke lighting pattern and front splitter. Inside, there are more neon green highlights, including on the GT button on the steering wheel, Alcantara-trimmed sports seats and GT-specific graphics on the twin 12.3-inch displays.

There is no word on how the extra power affects the range but, given that the regular AWD GT Line manages 313 miles, we’d expect the EV9 GT’s range to fall below 300 miles.

There is also no indication of a UK price for the EV9 GT but with the top-spec AWD GT Line S costing £76,025, we’d expect the GT to weigh in north of £80,000.

The unveiling of the new hot model comes just after sister brand Hyundai revealed its Ioniq 9 with up to 429bhp. That partner model to the EV9 will also get a performance version from Hyundai’s N division and, if the EV6 GT/Ioniq 5 N pairing is any guide, the Ioniq 9 N is likely to be even more ferocious than the EV9 GT.