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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Hyundai, Kia Forecast Slowest Sales Growth in Eight Years

Sister companies Hyundai and Kia forecast their weakest sales growth in eight years due to increasing competition and the stronger Korean won. Chung Mong Koo, chairman of both automakers, said Hyundai and Kia’s combined deliveries will increase 4.1 percent to 7.86 million vehicles in 2014.

That’s the slowest growth since 2006 and falls short of the 8 million units projection based on the average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News.

Chung said the carmakers will invest in improving vehicle safety and technology as competition intensifies and the global economy reaches a “low growth era”. The Korean won gained about 8 percent against the dollar and 13 percent versus the Japanese yen in the past six months, affecting sales.

Hyundai plans to increase sales by 3.8 percent to 4.9 million vehicles this year, while Kia targets increased deliveries by 4.7 percent at 2.96 million units. Last week Hyundai named David Zuchowski, its former U.S. sales boss, to lead its U.S. unit after the automaker lost market share in the country, the company’s biggest market after China.

Hyundai’s U.S. sales rose 2.2 percent in the first 11 months of 2013, while Kia’s sales fell to 501,548 units from 518,421 units.

Hyundai’s sales in China rose 24 percent to 931,330 units in the first 11 months of 2013 and the carmaker is on track to exceed its annual target of 970,000 units. Kia beat its full-year target of 500,000 with a month to spare, selling 526,525 vehicles from January through November.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Kia GT4 Stinger Concept Shows its "Totally Selfish Design" in Detroit [w/Video]

Kia has unveiled the GT4 Stinger Concept at the Detroit Auto Show today, with the RWD coupe billed as “the brand’s most aggressive concept car ever”. Designed by Kia’s California design team that was also responsible for the Track’ster concept, the GT4 Stinger provides “a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future”, according to the Korean company.

With the designers and engineers focusing on weight reduction, functionality and pure driving enjoyment, the study is powered by a tuned version of Kia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower.

The unit is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels, which are shod with 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires. The front wheels are narrower - 235/35R-20. The custom 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels feature carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction, while stopping power is ensured by Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers.

Built on a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension, the coupe sports aggressive proportions: it’s shorter (169.7 inches/4,310mm) than a Forte sedan, wider (74.4 inches/1,890mm) than a Cadenza, and almost 9 inches (22.8mm) lower than a Rio subcompact (49.2 inches/1,250mm),

The GT4 Stinger weighs 2,874 pounds (1,304 kg), with the weight distribution (52 percent front/48 percent rear) favoring sporty handling. No performance figures were revealed.

On the outside, the car’s front end is dominated by the latest iteration of the signature Kia grille and the vertical LED headlights, while the long hood features two chrome accent pieces. Interestingly, the study features transparent A-pillars that provide a more than 270-degree view from the driver’s seat. On both sides, the GT4 Stinger sports satin black accent pieces with integrated functional cooling ducts for the rear brakes. At the rear, the glass hatch continued by a blacked-out panel is the most striking detail.

The equally sporty interior features red-stitched pull straps, bucket seats, billet-aluminum pedals, flat-bottomed steering wheel and a red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator. There’s no stereo inside the car, nor a floor carpet - only a rubber floor mat underneath the pedals.

Kia says there are no current plans for a production version of the GT4 Stinger, but doesn’t rule it out in the future. Kia Design Center America (KDCA) chief Tom Kearns describes the GT4 Stinger as a “totally selfish design,” adding that it’s the perfect car for gearheads and enthusiasts.

By Dan Mihalascu

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VIDEO

First Official Photos of Kia’s GT4 Stinger Concept Leak on the Web

Following a series of teaser skecthes released by Kia itself, the first official images of the GT4 Stinger 2+2 concept surfaced online. The leaked photos reveal a bold design, especially at the front end thanks to the aggressive, low-mounted vertical LED headlights.

The study features an “Ignition Yellow” paint that highlights the car’s sculpted body, with the most striking details being the pronounced wheel arches and the rear end, which accommodates a large glass tailgate. The profile of the car may remind some of the Audi Sport Quattro concept, as the GT4 Stinger also adopts the shooting brake solution.

Set to be revealed later today at the Detroit Auto Show, the Kia GT4 Stinger is 2+2 coupe study powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine producing 315 horsepower. The unit is mated to close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that directs power to the rear wheels.

The study features a custom chassis with an independent double wishbone suspension and rides on 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels with carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction. Stopping power is ensured by Brembo Gran Tourismo two-piece cross-drilled rotors with four-piston calipers.

While Kia is mum about the future of the study, I can’t help but think that a production version of the GT4 Stinger would make an interesting rival for the Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ trio of RWD coupes. 

By Dan Mihalascu

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