Kia Turns Heads at N?rburgring 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?”