Kia has created a unique concept car dedicated to Rafael Nadal, built as a life size EV4 GT using clay taken from the courts of Roland Garros. The tribute celebrates 63 singles titles on clay, a record no other player has come close to matching.
A clay EV4 GT for Nadal
The car combines automotive modelling clay, the material designers have used for decades to refine volumes and surfaces before series production, with red clay from the Roland Garros courts where Nadal built his career. The result keeps the proportions of the five door Kia EV4 GT, finished in a red orange body crossed by white ribbons that recall the lines of a tennis court.
Kia presented the finished piece directly to Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. Nadal is the brand’s global ambassador.
A career engraved on the bodywork
The details engraved on the car tell the story of Nadal’s career on clay. They include his 63 singles titles on the surface, among them the wins at Monte Carlo and Rome, a record run of 50 consecutive sets won on clay and five seasons finished as world number one.
Kia states that these elements are exclusive to the tribute. They will not appear on the production version of the EV4 GT, which remains a separate model.
Over twenty years of partnership
The relationship between Kia and Nadal began in 2004, when the brand’s Spanish subsidiary started supporting the young player. After his first Grand Slam title in 2005, Nadal became global ambassador in 2006, a role he still holds today.
Kia’s involvement in tennis extends beyond this single agreement. In 2026 the brand marked 25 years as a partner of the Australian Open. It has also extended its sponsorship of Surrey County Cricket Club until 2029, an agreement that dates back to 2010 and is the longest in the history of the English club.
