A question of definition
The NACTOY Awards have a reputation for being the oldest awards for new vehicles that are not affiliated with a single publication. Celebrating 30 years of existence, these awards have grown in importance in the automotive industry. Obviously, the term “utility” is not to be considered in the French sense, which would designate a vehicle “intended for the transport of goods whose total authorized weight (PTAC) is between 1.5 tonnes and 3.5 tons”.
The term Utility is to be taken in the American sense, this being found in the sign SUV for Sport Utility Vehicle. It must nevertheless be remembered that there is no common, fixed definition of SUV, and that its interpretation varies depending on the country. In the USA, the SUV is first defined as a robust vehicle “similar to a station wagon” and built on a “light truck” chassis, that is to say according to American nomenclature a vehicle having an empty weight + payload 8500 pounds max (3860 kilos). The EV6 was thus in competition with models like the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Honda HT-V and Pilot or even the NIssan Ariya.
A long name…electric
Presented for the first time at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, the Kia EV6 Special Edition is also present at the Detroit show. The EV6 is the first model in Kia’s “EV” range of electric vehicles, developed on the basis of the E-GMP technical platform, and the first 100% electric vehicle not developed from a thermal model, The opposite of the e-Soul or the e-Niro. It is also the model that allowed Kia to introduce a bolder and more distinctive visual style.
It’s not a joke, the official name of this series is Kia EV6 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Limited Edition. Only 1,000 units will be produced in the United States to celebrate the EV6’s recognition as “Utility Vehicle of the Year” in the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) program. ) in January.
Exclusive shade
The new EV6 will present an exclusive model Deep Forest Green with a Desert Beige interior, paying homage to classic performance styling. At the heart of the cabin is a personalized decoration highlighting authentic NACTOY medallions and a silhouette of the EV6, located next to the gear selector.
Powered by a 77.4 kWh battery and a 74 kW front motor and a 165 kW rear motor, the limited edition Kia EV6 with two engines develops 320 hp.
The new model also features design elements from the Wind and GT-Line models, combining them into a single electric vehicle. Blacked-out exterior elements come from the Wind, including the front and rear fascias, side cladding and wheel arch moldings. GT-Line features include a sunroof, augmented reality head-up display, surround-view monitor, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel and rear seats, ADAS (including Highway Drive Assist 2 and Forward Collision Assist) and more.
Additionally, the limited-production EV6 will feature an available on-board power generator, DC fast charging capabilities, and a flat-floor interior. Kia says it will release pricing closer to on-sale of the vehicle later this year.
