“The king of clay” is the nickname by which Rafael Nadal is known both in the field of tennis and in sport in general. And that is precisely the material that Kia has used to create a unique full-scale replica of its EV4 GT car and thus pay tribute to the career and legacy of the former tennis player, and also to a relationship with the brand that has lasted for more than two decades.
As the company explains in a statement, the prototype has been created by combining clay from the courts on which Nadal has won up to 63 individual titles with the clay used by the designers in the modeling phases, following a creative idea by Innocean Berlin. In this way, the action unites two worlds: on the one hand, the surface on which the athlete built his extraordinary sporting history, and on the other, the material that designers use to shape and perfect Kia vehicles.
According to the company, clay modeling remains a fundamental part of vehicle development, allowing designers to evolve the shape and design of a car before production. And although model development is increasingly digital and technological, the material remains a tactile medium to evaluate proportions, surfaces, finishes and tensions.
As seen in the video shared by Kia showing the creative process, the prototype has been created with clay, retaining the fundamental proportions and shape of the EV4 GT. In addition to the characteristic reddish color, the company has added white ribbons, also typical of automotive design, that run across the surface of the car emulating the lines of a tennis court.
Next to them there are inscriptions that refer to milestones in Nadal’s career. Among them, the 63 individual titles achieved on clay courts, including his triumphs in Monte Carlo and Rome; his record of 50 consecutive sets won on this surface; or the five seasons in which he finished as number one in the world.
The car, which has been presented at the Rafa Nadal Academy, the tennis school that the athlete owns in Mallorca, celebrates Kia’s relationship with Nadal, which began in 2004. After winning his first Grand Slam title, the tennis player became a global ambassador of the Kia brand in 2006, consolidating an alliance built on shared values such as resilience, discipline and continuous improvement. The company assures that over the last 20 years, Kia and Nadal have followed their own transformation processes: one became one of the most emblematic athletes in the world; and the brand evolved its design philosophy and its commitment to electrification.
However, Kia points out that the initiative also reflects its commitment to tennis, and remembers that this year it celebrated 25 years of association with the Australian Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments worldwide. In addition, it also collaborates with the Rafa Nadal Academy, connecting tennis fans around the world and inspiring a new generation of players.
“Rafael’s determination and resilience have served as an inspiration to tennis players and fans around the world; values that have been the axis of our collaboration since 2004“; said Soohang Chang, president and CEO of Kia Europe. “This tribute celebrates Rafael’s extraordinary achievements and the path we have traveled together”.
For his part, Rafa Nadal has thanked the brand for its support throughout his entire career. “Receiving this tribute, created with the material that has defined much of my career, is something extremely significant. It is a special reminder of everything we have shared, and I am honored by this gesture”: he commented.
