Kia’s reputation for manufacturing great cars has been on an upward climb in recent years. Kia cars now feature head turning looks, economical power units, and a comprehensive standard equipment list that would make you turn your back on the more established brands. The Kia design language is set to evolve even further with the debut of the GT4 Stinger Concept. The Concept not only hints at Kia’s next design chapter but also provides a glimpse to the company’s newest entry to the two door sports car segment.
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| Kia GT4 Stinger Concept |
In silhouette, the GT4 Stinger is simple yet powerful. The latest iteration of the signature Kia grille rests low to the ground for maximum engine cooling and cold-air induction. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a theme found throughout the car. Flanking the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents intricately moulded into the bumper provide a clean, smooth appearance. A carbon fibre front splitter provides added down force for the car at high speed, to keep the GT4 Stinger’s front tires firmly planted to the tarmac.
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| Striking profile |
Continuing around the car, the transparent A-pillars provide a more than 270-degree view from the driver’s seat. The layered slots cut into the pillars reduce weight while improving outward visibility. Around back, the body widens to cover the large 275-series Pirelli rubber. The glass hatch opens to reveal a built-in storage compartment and rear strut-tower brace. The LED taillights illuminate from inside the outer edge of a blacked-out panel just above the dual exhaust ports in the rear bumper.
Beneath the low wedge of the GT4 Stinger Concept’s hood resides a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 234 kW (315 hp). That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires.
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| Cockpit |
Staggered 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros huddle beneath the front fenders, ensuring loads of corner-carving grip. Custom 20-inch aluminium centre-lock wheels feature carbon fibre inserts for strength and weight reduction. Tucked inside the massive wheels are Brembo Gran Turismo brakes with plenty of stopping power. Underpinning the GT4 Stinger’s sculpted “Ignition Yellow” body is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension.
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| Rear storage space |
The interior is purposeful in design and practical in nature. A pull of the billet-aluminium door handles reveals incredibly lightweight doors, but their generous width makes dropping into the moulded leather race-inspired bucket seats a breeze. There is no carpet, only a rubber floor mat underneath the billet-aluminium pedals. Front and centre to the driver is a thick D-shaped steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator. Red-stitched pull straps act as door handles.
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| Striking rear design |
Destiny
With the ever increasing popularity of affordable 2+2 sports cars, Kia has decided to add another car to the list. The production version of the Kia GT4 Stinger is set to debut before the end of this year. The sports car will compete with the likes of the Subaru BRZ, next generation Mazda MX-5, and Toyota GT86.