Schreyer: Cross GT is a sign of things to come

Peter Schreyer, Kia's president and global design boss, makes no bones about it--the Cross GT is a harbinger of future style for the Korean company's large crossovers.

"You'll certainly see things showing up," he told me at the Chicago auto show, where the concept was revealed.

It's a large ute, measuring 192.8 inches, which is 8.4 inches longer than the Sorento. The Cross GT is 15.7 inches longer in wheelbase, too, making for a noticeably commanding presence on the stand--far more imposing than any of today's Kias.

It's all about design, something upon which Schreyer has built his reputation. The German has penned the looks of the Audi TT, A6 and Volkswagen's New Beetle over his long career, and he points to the proportions of the Cross GT as a strong selling point. It follows in the lineage of the GT concept, revealed in 2011, and they share the same chassis. The GT was designed in Germany, though the Cross GT was styled in California.

The Cross GT has a four-passenger seating configuration, and the seats seem to float in the cabin. In production guise, a crossover like this could--and likely would--have room for seven passengers. A wide range of materials were used inside, including re-harvested American walnut for the instrument panel and almond-colored leather bucket seats. The idea is to create an equestrian theme, said interior designer Brian White.

"It's kind of emulating a saddle on the horse," he said.

There's also lamb's wool and felt, plus iPad minis mounted on the seats.

Kia says the Cross GT is all-wheel drive, though Schreyer is quick to say it's styled like a classic rear-wheel grand tourer, which is evidenced by the long hood and confident stance. He says describes the total package as "upscale, upmarket, very sporty."

There's also LED lights and a version of Kia's tiger nose grille that evolves a bit from today's look. The roof uses a multipanel skylight with hexagonal glass inserts.

Kia says the concept would use a hybrid powertrain with a 3.8-liter V6 and electric motor pushing out a combined 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. It would be paired with an eight-speed automatic. That hybrid engine is being tested in prototypes. The actual concept on display in Chicago has an engine, but not that one. Still, the point of this concept is style, and it has one critical supporter.

"I would love to have one," Schreyer said. "This would be my car."

By Greg Migliore