Kia Pro_ceed enters Nurburgring 24 endurance race

There’s been no shortage of carmakers interested in competing in this weekend’s 24 hour Nurburgring endurance challenge. Already we’ve seen the likes of Lexus, Audi, Opel and Volkswagen enter race-prepped versions of their regular production models, as well as future models in the case of Lexus, and now Kia has release details about its entrant. Kia will be pitting its Pro_ceed hatchback in the event and is being sponsored by tire manufacturer and automotive parts supplier Continental.

The Pro_ceed is powered by a 2.0L diesel engine producing 138hp at 4,000rpm and 305Nm of torque all the way from 1,800 to 2,500rpm. Testing of the car was handled by teams all across Europe and in multiple weather conditions in preparation for this weekend’s race.

Four drivers will share the 1,900km journey between them - Dr Alberto Bergamaschi who already has 360 races under his belt; Gianni Bellani – an experienced long distance race expert; and two of the most experienced touring car drivers, Paolo Cecchellero and Edo Varini.

In addition to the cars from the major carmakers there will also be a petrol-electric hybrid supercar from Germany’s Gumpert, which you can read about in our previous story by clicking here.