Report: Kia Sports Car Coming in 2017

Kia Motors Corp. plans to introduce its first sports car next year.

The company will start production of the rear-wheel-drive coupe, codenamed the CK, next spring in South Korea with a targeted annual output of 60,000 vehicles, Reuters reports. The news service, which cites several unnamed sources, says Kia envisions the all-new model will compete against sporty versions of the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series cars.

Kia’s CK will be smaller than parent Hyundai Motor Co.’s Genesis midsize luxury coupe, Reuters says. Engine options are expected to include a range of 2.0-, 2.2- and 3.0-liter mills.

Kia has flirted with making a sports car for several years as part of a broader effort to expand its product lineup and enhance the company’s brand image. The company’s 2011 GT concept car, for example, featured a 390-hp turbocharged V-6 in a sporty rwd package.

A sports car also could help Kia differentiate itself from Hyundai, which is moving more upscale with its new Genesis luxury sub-brand, analysts note.