Kia GT4 Stinger concept may be closer to production than you think

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Kia

After a trio of teasers, Kia has finally unveiled its GT4 Stinger Concept at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat: Kia says in its press release that "there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production." Of course, that's a qualified statement: the automaker then follows that up by noting it "has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them." So cross your fingers, kids - this looks like it could be a preview of the company's first real sports car.



Through those three teasers, we've learned and seen more of the GT4 Stinger, and we largely like what we see. It's a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder used in the Kia Optima GTS racer from the Pirelli World Challenge. The concept's engine is said to be good for a healthy 315 horsepower, though the race-tuned Optima GTS can deliver upwards of 400. A six-speed manual handles the power, while staggered Pirelli PZero tires provide the grip. Those Pirellis wrap around a set of 20-inch wheels, complete with showcar-friendly center locks, while 15-inch Brembo brakes and four-piston calipers mean the Stinger should be able to stop with as much authority as it will go. What the teasers haven't been able to put into perspective, though, is GT4 Stinger's size.

The footprint issue is an important one, as it hints that a production GT4 would be more of an FR-S/Subaru BRZ fighter than a rival to the Genesis Coupe.

With a 103.1-inch wheelbase and an overall length of just 169.7 inches, it's only a few inches longer than a Scion FR-S and is considerably shorter than the 182.3-inch Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Compared to the FR-S, the GT4 is lower and wider, both of which portend good things for its agility. This is a bit of a featherweight, too, weighing in at just 2,874 pounds. It's also somewhat unusual for an automaker to disclose a concept's weight - by our read, that further suggests eventual production is in mind. The footprint issue is an important one, as it hints that if/when we see a production GT4, it looks like it'll be more of an FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Mazda MX-5 Miata fighter than a rival to the Genesis Coupe or the upcoming four-cylinder turbo Ford Mustang.



The design, meanwhile, is something of a love it or hate it deal. From the side, we see hints of Nissan 240Z, thanks to the Stinger's long hood and plunging rear end, but we aren't completely sold on the nose. Those tall, vertical headlights on either side of the large grille are interesting, but we suspect they'll be left on the cutting-room floor if a production model is made, if only because their low mountings would make for expensive low-speed accidents (and they might not even be DOT complaint). We do like the transparent A-pillars that remind us of the 2001 Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), but don't count on those making it to dealers, either. The cabin, meanwhile, is purposeful, with billet-aluminum doorhandles, no carpet, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and an instrument cluster that uses red LEDs. Drivers and passengers sit in meaty, leather-wrapped bucket seats.



Now, it's fair to say that a lot of the stuff up here isn't likely to make production - concept cars rarely get the green light without making some major compromises. Still, enthusiasts should view the GT4 Stinger as a very positive sign. It's small and light, and with any luck, it'll provide substantially more grunt than what would seem to be its main competitors - the BRZ and FR-S. It'll still be some time before we know for certain whether Kia will go ahead with a production GT4, but if history is any indication, the prospects look good.

Continue reading Kia GT4 Stinger concept may be closer to production than you think

Kia GT4 Stinger concept may be closer to production than you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jan 2014 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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