As a tribute to Rafael Nadal's 63 singles victories on clay courts, Kia created a unique, full-scale prototype of the Kia EV4 GT, made entirely of clay. This prototype combines automotive modeling clay with clay from the courts where the Spanish tennis player achieved his victories. The model was unveiled at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.

This tribute unites two worlds where clay plays a fundamental role: the surface on which Nadal forged his extraordinary sporting legacy and the material that designers use to shape and refine Kia vehicles. It also celebrates a collaboration that has lasted for more than two decades.

His extraordinary record on clay earned him the title of "King of Clay." He won 63 titles on this surface, including a record 14 singles titles on the iconic clay of Roland Garros in Paris, where he achieved some of his most important victories. This surface became the creative starting point for Kia's tribute.

 

Amura,AmuraWorld,AmuraYachts, The prototype combines clay used to model KIA models with clay used on tennis courts. The prototype combines clay used to model KIA models with clay used on tennis courts.

 

Clay modeling remains fundamental to vehicle development, allowing designers to refine its shape and design before production. Even as automotive development becomes increasingly digital and technology-driven, clay continues to be a tactile way to evaluate proportions, surfaces, finishes, and stresses.

This creative method is uniquely combined in the EV4 GT clay prototype, crafted from a blend of tennis court clay and automotive modeling clay. This interpretation preserves the fundamental proportions and shape of the EV4 GT hatchback.

A white automotive design tape outlines the prototype's reddish-orange surface, mirroring the lines of a tennis court. Custom details* reference milestones in Nadal's career, including:

  • His 63 singles titles on clay, including victories in Monte Carlo and Rome.
  • A record 50 consecutive sets won on clay.
  • The five seasons he finished as world number one.

Kia's support for tennis goes beyond its collaboration with Nadal. In 2016, the brand celebrated 25 years of partnership with the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Through its sports alliances and initiatives with the Rafa Nadal Academy, Kia connects tennis fans around the world and inspires a new generation of players.