Kia Turns Heads at Nürburgring 24-hours
Not only did the Kia pro_ceed drive itself to the Nürburgring 24-hour race but it managed to win its VLN Diesel "production" class, place 104th overall, and then drive 900km back to Milan where it originated. Additionally, the near standard pro_ceed from Kia Italy with only the minimum amount of safety modifications, which included a roll-cage, fire extinguisher and six-point safety harness as well as some mildly tuned suspension and brakes, had no mechanical failures. Also the tires were street production versions using six 225/35 18-inch ContiSportContact tires for the whole event.
From its starting position the pro_ceed managed to make up over 100 positions to due crashes and mechanical problems forcing 67 cars to drop out. Meanwhile the pro_ceed won the unofficial consumption championship by averaging 20.03 mpg from its 2.0-litre CRDi engine across the 24-hours.
Dr. Alberto Bergamaschi, Continental team captain, said; “We did really well and were able to brilliantly implement our race strategy. We had many advantages, especially during the repeated bouts of rain when the cars with racing tyres were forced into the pits.”
Paul Philpott, Managing Director Kia Motors UK Ltd, said; “This result underlines the fantastic build quality from our factory in Zilina. If a near-standard car can drive so far, compete in one of the toughest races in the world and then drive back without a glitch, and with great fuel consumption, then it really does underline why we give pro_cee’d a seven year, 100,000-mile warranty. Who would have thought we’d have a result like this only 12 months ago?”
Thats an impressive outcome! What I really like about this car is the fact that it was Near Production spec. I prefer cars on the tracks that are as close as possible to the production version. Its a nice looking car too, unfortunately not sold in Australia at the moment. Its great to see Kia trying to improve their image of a cheap as chips cars!
GranTurismo - Dont forget Lada! or some Chinese car makers ... they do make a bad car!
since they've been bought by GM, Lada cars tend to get better. they're even back in high-level motorsport (WTCC), the first time since the end of the USSR. but I totally agree with you about the chinese manufacturers. poor quality, stolen design, poor safety. time to improve ! the sad thing for Kia is that no matter how reliable their cars will be, they'll always be a "goods manufacturer".. a bit like all korean manufacturers.
Zastava still produce awful old/new cars known as Yugos in the UK http://www.zastava-automobili.com/ though FIAT now own them
Last article about the pro_ceed someone mentioned it being a bad car, when I asked why ofcourse there was no response, go figure! Quite a piece for a low cost.
This is awesome...im always down to see a car company do well. KIA can learn many things from this victory as well as us it for advertisements. You have to give Korean cars one thing(i drive a 02 Hyundai) they have very good reliablity among other things.




wow congratulations to Kia, i'm impressed