- Full-scale clay EV4 GT made for Nadal.
- Blends court clay with modelling clay.
- Presented at Rafa Nadal Academy, Mallorca.
- Partnership with Nadal dates back to 2004.
- Videos on Kia YouTube and Kia Europe website.
Presented at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, a full-scale clay concept of the EV4 GT combines automotive modelling clay with clay from the courts where Nadal won a record 63 men’s singles titles. The tennis player is Kia’s global brand ambassador.
The project links the surface on which Nadal built his career with the material designers use to shape and refine Kia vehicles. It also marks a partnership that has lasted more than two decades.
How the EV4 GT clay concept was made
Clay modelling is still part of vehicle development, letting designers judge proportions, surfaces, finishes and tensions before production, even as the process becomes more digital. The concept keeps the fundamental proportions and form of the EV4 GT hatchback, while white automotive-design tape traces lines across its orange-red surface in the manner of a tennis court.
Nadal career milestones on the concept
Known as the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal won 63 titles on the surface, including a record 14 men’s singles titles at Roland-Garros. Bespoke details on the car reference his clay-court successes in Monte Carlo and Rome, a record 50 consecutive sets won on clay and the five seasons he finished as world number one. These elements were made only for this artwork and are not features of the production EV4 GT. “Receiving this tribute, created from the material that has defined so much of my journey, is incredibly meaningful,” said Nadal.
Kia and Nadal partnership since 2004
The relationship began in 2004, when Kia Spain started supporting the young player. After his first Grand Slam title in 2005, Nadal became the brand’s global ambassador in 2006. “Rafael’s determination and resilience have inspired tennis players and fans around the world,” said Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe.
Beyond Nadal, the carmaker celebrated 25 years with the Australian Open in 2026. In the United Kingdom, Kia UK has extended its headline sponsorship of Surrey County Cricket Club and the Kia Oval until the end of 2029, a partnership that started in 2010.
EV4 GT performance and tribute videos
The production five-door hatchback uses dual-motor all-wheel drive with 215kW and 468Nm, reaching 62mph from rest in 5.6 seconds. It adds Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring, electronically controlled suspension, GT Mode and Virtual Gear Shift. Films showing the creation and presentation of the tribute are available on Kia’s global YouTube channel and the Kia Europe brand website.
Supplied by Newspress UK (Kia)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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