Kia GT4 Stinger Could be Built as a Scion FR-S and Mazda MX-5 Rival

The Kia GT4 Stinger concept, displayed at the Detroit motor show, was arguably one of the venue’s highlights. It is wacky-looking enough to thoroughly deserve being called a concept, but it has a proper powertrain configuration and engine, plus it is painted orange to attract as many gazes as possible, and it looked a bit like an Audi, so also it caused a bit of welcome controversy.

All these factors played in its favor and it garnered quite the interest; now AutoExpress magazine even says it may materialize into a production car by 2016.

Speaking to Tom Kearns, the designer behind the GT4 Stinger, explained that “it’s a total concept, but when we do these cars we have in the back of our minds that if we decide to make it, we don’t have to change it too much.”

If built, it would retain the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, rear-wheel drive architecture and styling cues and be priced to compete with the Toyota GT-86 and even the upcoming Mazda MX-5 (and the Alfa Romeo Spider, inherently). However, the 300+ hp figure would likely be cut down, especially given the fact that it would be proposed as a more affordable buy from a value-oriented manufacturer.

In regards to the overall look, Kearns said “I’d love it to be like this. It looks sporty and muscular without looking like an angry transformer. We have a new version of our signature grille – a face with a simplicity of design.”

If it is to come true, a convertible model could also be made out of it.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Scoop: New Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS Caught Undisguised

We first came to learn about the upcoming GTS versions of the related Porsche Cayman coupe and Boxster roadster through a leaked dealer presentation document last September, and now, we can give the first camouflage-free photos of the two models.

Much like the existing GTS variant of the Panamera saloon, the new editions of the Cayman and Boxster are based on their respective "S" models and will gain slightly more potent engines, chassis improvements and some limited styling revisions.

In the spy shots, we can see the redesigned front bumper with re-trimmed and modified air channels, and at the back, a new rear diffuser. While the two testers were wearing 19-inch wheels with winter tires, the production cars will feature different 20-inch rims. Some minor upgrades to the interior trim and colors are also to be expected.

The presentation document that surfaced online last year mentioned a humble 15hp bump for both cars, with the Cayman GTS rated at 340PS (335hp) and the Boxster GTS at 330PS (325hp), plus standard PASM damper control.

The same paper said Porsche will host the world premiere of the two GTS models at the 2014 China Auto Show in Beijing this April with sales to kick off this summer.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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BMW M4 vs Lexus RC F, Which Super Coupe Would You Take? [w/Poll]

It is hard to imagine a wilder interpretation of Lexus’ answer to the BMW M4 Coupe, the RC F. Based on an already daring design, the RC coupe, the RC F is the type of design that you either love or hate. One can tell designers were given a free hand to make the car as aggressive as possible and my opinion is that, they did a fine job.

The BMW M4 Coupe, on the other hand, features an aggressive styling as well, but seeing the two cars side by side (albeit only in photos) makes it clear to me that the RC F looks more dramatic. To put it another way, I’m sure that if the two cars were to be driven down a crowded boulevard in quick succession, there would be more people turning their heads after the Lexus than the BMW.

Sure, design will always be a matter of personal taste and one could argue that the BMW’s understatement is more appealing and the RC F’s aggressiveness is just too vulgar. Also, let’s not forget that tradition is way more important for BMW than Lexus, with BMW M cars usually featuring more restrained, understated lines than their competitors.

On the other hand, Lexus designers were not constrained by anything other than their imagination and this is why the RC F looks so dramatic. Furthermore, they had a wilder car to work on from the beginning - the standard Lexus RC.

Another difference between the two cars that can’t be spotted in the photos is that the M4 Coupe features a 425hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine, while the RC F is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 unit with “more than 450hp”.

Scroll down to take a look at the shots of the two cars put side by side and let us know which car is your favorite in the poll that follows.

By Dan Mihalascu

Poll: Which super coupe gets your vote?

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