"Four years ago, no one would have believed we were doing this, but the face of Kia has completely changed," Schreyer said.
"People take us seriously. Of course we want popular cars to boost volume, but we can also build a halo, small-volume model too.
"We need to ask ourselves for all new Kias: 'Where is the K Factor?'."
Despite his confidence about the future of Kia's design direction - you'll see some elements of the GT's front-end design in the new Cee'd - there is still work to be done on the firm's naming strategy. Schreyer had pushed for a dramatic change that would have seen an alpha numeric system put in place, swapping Picanto, Rio and Cee'd, for K1, K2 and K3.
The stylish four-seater Kia GT is the South Korean brand's rival to the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes CLS. The move to a rear-wheel-drive platform is a major turning point for Kia, allowing designers to explore exciting new proportions.
Schreyer said: "The classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout of a performance saloon has distinct appeal, not just for the domestic Korean audience but also for the European and American markets."
Kia admits the design was inspired by GT cars of the 1970s, combining the trademark bow-tie grille with muscular wheel arches and a rear-set cabin.
Asked if a production version of the V6 concept would work in all markets, or be limited to places like the United States and China, Schreyer said: "It's not necessarily about the drivetrain, more about the whole package of the car, and it's definitely a body style we would consider introducing.
"The only way to be successful is to bring it to all markets. The biggest chance is definitely in the US and the home market in Korea, but the GT should try to be everywhere. Done in the right way, with a smaller engine or hybrid technology, it would work, still drive fast, but return decent fuel economy as well."
Schreyer said it was necessary for Kia to begin building sports cars.
"I said to top management, I see there is a business case for the GT.
"You could definitely extend the range and make money with it.
"It's the emotional side that we need more of, there's a chance we will start to get more European-style cars, with more reasonable performance."
