2014 Detroit: Kia stuns with rear-wheel-drive GT4 Stinger Concept

Story by John LeBlanc DETROIT —  Debuting its new GT4 Stinger Concept at this year's Detroit auto show, Korea's Kia wants to send you back in time to the days of  you to "the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars. Penned by Kia’s California design team, the rear-wheel-drive 2+2 is arguably the most agressive design yet from the relativley young brand. Kia says the GT4 Stinger  is the "wild style child of " of its 2012 predecessor, the Kia Track’ster concept, targeted directly at driving enthusiasts.  “Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA).  “It’s an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gimmickry.” While Kia won’t confirm production plans, the GT4 Stinger would join a growing entry-level sports car market, already populated by the Genesis Coupe from sister Hyundai brand and the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ. The exterior design of the GT4 Stinger Concept is highlighted by Kia's signature grille set low to the ground.  A grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a theme found throughout the car.  Bracketing the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents set into the bumper. Mimmicing to the Kia Soul small wagon, the roof of the GT4 Stinger “floats” from front its C-pillars forward. Inside, a thick D-shaped steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with a large tach dominate. Door handles have been replaced by race-themed, red-stitched pull straps.  And Kia is keen to note the GT4 Stinger comes without a stereo: “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes,” said Kearns. Further adding to the concept's potential for production, Kia's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine making 315 horsepower powers the GT4 Stinger's rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers can be found as well.

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