Designed to appeal to enthusiasts, Kia’s new GT4 Stinger concept that debuted today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit offers a glimpse into what could become a production-bound “affordable” sporty car.
Clearly intended to rival everything from the Scion FR-S/ Subaru BRZ to V6 versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, the GT4 Stinger concept uses a 315 horsepower variant of Kia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels. And, befitting its sporting aspirations, those rear wheels are wrapped in P275/30R-20 Pirelli P-Zero tires. The fronts, meanwhile, are narrower 235/35R-20 units.
Bringing things to a halt Brembo Gran Turismo brakes with 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers.
GT4 rides on a short 103.1-inch wheelbase and measures just 169.7 inches from head to toe. However, it’s a wide sports car, stretching 74.4 inches from left to right. Curb weight checks in at a light 2,874 lbs., made possible by weight saving measures including carbon fiber trim, ultra-light door panels and no carpeting (rubber floors are included instead).
The GT4 Stinger’s styling was penned under the direction of Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer. A low front grille is surrounded by vertical LED headlamps. The GT4’s sheetmetal is sprayed in a unique Ignition Yellow paint scheme, but it boasts satin black rocker panels that hide functional brake cooling ducts.
Inside, the track-oriented GT4 features a flat-bottom steering wheel, red pull straps instead of door handles and no audio system.
Will the GT4 Stinger make production? Not in its current form. The automaker says instead that it offers a “glimpse into Kia’s future.”
January 13, 2014January 13, 2014
0 Comments