[Taboleo] Runs Like a Supercar, Yet Comfortable... Test Driving the EV6 GT

100 km/h in 3.5 Seconds... Easily Achieves Top Speed
Enhanced Motor and Battery Performance, Improved Handling and Body
Differentiated Front and Rear Suspension Settings for Comfortable Driving
Driving Fun Increased with GT and Drift Modes

EV6 GT drifting on a dry asphalt circuit

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] "Usually, when drifting with a competition vehicle, the tires last about 10 minutes. But with this car, you need to change the tires after about 3 minutes. That shows just how powerful it is."

On the 5th at the Hyundai Motor Group Driving Experience Center in Taean, Chungnam, professional drifter So Junho demonstrated with Kia's newly released high-performance electric vehicle, the EV6 GT, and made this remark.

He performed a donut-shaped drift demonstration for just over a minute with reporters on board, and about one-third of the tire tread was worn away afterward. So said, "The power is so strong and the response so quick that even when I practice drifting myself, I sometimes make mistakes."

The new car replaces the existing EV6 electric vehicle's motor and high-output battery with high-performance versions. The specifications are at a level usually seen only in supercars or high-end imported high-performance models. It has motors on both the front and rear, producing a combined 430 kW and 585 horsepower. Maximum torque is 740 Nm (75.5 kgf·m). The existing motor's maximum revolutions per minute (rpm) is 15,000, but it has been increased to 21,000 rpm. The battery capacity remains the same as the previous model, but output has been significantly increased to supply power more stably.

Due to the nature of electric vehicles, no gear shifting is needed, so pressing the accelerator pedal initially delivers maximum power immediately. The time from a standstill to 100 km/h is 3.5 seconds. The claim of being "the fastest car in Korean automotive history" (as stated in the new car press release) is based on this performance being achieved without difficulty. The top speed is 260 km/h. Even when changing lanes at speeds over 200 km/h on a high-speed road, there is almost no feeling of instability.

EV6 GT driving on a high-speed track with an incline of about 39 degrees

An EV6 GT driving on the high-speed lane. When you press the accelerator pedal, it easily powers up to the top speed in no time. Even when exceeding 260 km/h, the sense of instability is minimal.

Despite its tremendous power, it does not show off recklessly. This is because it is fundamentally designed as a GT (Grand Tourer), a car suitable for long-distance driving on regular roads. The hidden power rivals that of supercars, but the development concept was to ensure comfort even when carrying passengers in real-world conditions. If the driving mode is set to Eco or Normal and not pushed hard, it can run with efficiency similar to the existing EV6.

The suspension settings, which determine ride comfort, are also impressive. Although the driving feel is firmer and handling more agile, it still feels comfortable during regular driving. It features an electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD) and electronically controlled suspension, which adjust the driving force of the left and right wheels according to driving and road conditions, enhancing handling performance and compensating for power loss when quickly passing through corners.

Considering that it is several hundred kilograms heavier than similar internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in stronger centrifugal force in corners, the front has a strut ring and the rear has a luggage bar added to reinforce the body. This provides a more supported feeling, making it more stable in corners. Seungpyo Lee, a senior researcher at Hyundai Motor Group who was in charge of vehicle development, explained, "The front springs were tuned about 8-9% softer, and the rear about 11% stiffer. This was done to provide the driver with a softer ride while giving a solid sense of stability in cornering, in line with the GT concept."

The time taken to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h was tested.

In addition to Eco and Normal, there is a Sport driving mode. Steering feel and suspension settings change accordingly. There is also a separate GT mode. This mode optimizes the motor, brakes, steering, and dampers while maximizing regenerative braking. This function considers the tendency of high-performance electric vehicles to consume battery power quickly.

The Drift mode is applied for the first time in the Kia brand. It reduces the intervention of safety assist functions and delivers more power to the rear wheels during turns to induce oversteer, enhancing driving enjoyment. When exiting a corner, power is redistributed to the front wheels for a quicker exit.

The front seats are suede sports bucket seats that firmly support the body even during aggressive driving. It comes with exclusive 21-inch wheels, neon-colored calipers, and a D-cut steering wheel as distinguishing features. The tires are Michelin high-performance summer tires designed for high-performance vehicles. It is recommended to change them during winter driving.