NAIAS 2014: Kia GT4 "Stinger" Concept

by Phillip Thomas

Updated: February 5th, 2014 Published: January 13th, 2014

The world needs more sexy two door RWD coupes. I think we can all agree that the cheap two-door sports car market has gained some excitement the last few years, especially with the success of the BRZ/FRS (I shall call them BRS for short) twins. Kia is toying with that idea, too, and is pulling no punches while they’re here. The GT4 Stinger concept is aimed right at the heart of the BRS twins, and here’s how…

The GT4 rides on a custom chassis for this concept. It utilizes four wheel independent double wishbone suspension, leaning more towards Miata than BRS (Which still uses McPherson struts up front) as far as suspension quality. With a reported 103.1 inch wheelbase, the GT4 is just a hair longer than the BRS, which sits at 101.2 inches; but it’s also nearly a foot wider, and much shorter than the BRS — though these are just concept car proportions. The GT4 uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with 315 hp, twisting this thrust through a close-ratio six speed manual to scoot along the scant 2,874 pounds.

All that aside, little of it matters to the production car — which is a long way off, Kia admits. Styling is what’s drawing the most attention, and I find it well-deserved. Kia’s take on the long hood/short deck styling is spot-on in proportion, with hulking fenders raising over its low belt-line to house staggared 20-inch wheels, with 235mm wide front and 275mm wide rear tires. The black accent along the rocker neatly hides a duct, presumably for brake cooling. And I don’t know what it is about those headlights, but they subtly remind me of the clamshell ’65 Buick Riviera headlights.

The see through A-Pillars are an interesting conceptual touch, but I feel they’d be far too distracting to try and peer through in practice. The rest of the interior pushed for a minimalist approach.

With no platform to house it, and no immediate plans to build it, this is a traditional dreamy concept car. That said, Kia execs have their ears to the ground, listening for public response. I would like to see it happen, that’s all.

#NAIAS2014

Phillip Thomas

More by Phillip Thomas

Comments

Join the conversation

2 of 27 comments

CJinSD on Jan 21, 2014

Anyone else feel like they've seen this one before? Check out the Saab Aero X Concept.

Like Reply
WildcatMatt on Feb 10, 2014

The vertical headlights reminds me of the front-end treatment on the first-gen Buick Riviera.

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Kcflyer Sorry to see it go. The interior design and color options in particular are rare in the industry
Wolfwagen Here is my stable. not great not bad I try to do as much as possible. I work for an Aftermarket automotive parts company so I can get most parts at a discount.i try to do as much of my own work as possible. My wife hates that I spend time and money fixing the vehicles but she doesn't want car payments either so...2019 VW Atlas 50K (wife's) Only issues so far were Brakes and normal maintenance.A Bad Cat Converter which was covered and a replacement of the rear bank head gasket which was a manufacturing defect due to improper torquing at the factory. All under warranty2003 Saab 9-5 Arc Wagon (my DD) 116 K picked up used last year. Replaced Struts, brakes, hatch struts, motor mounts, D/S swaybar link, Timing belt, water pump and thermostat Power steering pump Fuel pump, Both Front window regular rollers, Heater core and cabin air filter. Oil and transmission changes. Love the car but Saab/GM packaging is a nightmare.2005 Cadillac Deville (former DD now Son # 1 DD) picked up used 5 years ago with only 47K now 83K Plugs, coils, P/s pump, Water pump, hoses, P/S lines (mechanic job) evap valve, brakes, Front brake calipers and rear brake calipers. Currently has oil pan gasket leak - looking to have a mechanic do that2009 Mini Cooper (Daughters dd)picked up 2 years ago 67K Brakes and thermostat house to clear check engine light2001 Mazda Tribue (Son#2 dd) 106K picked last summer after he severely damaged a 2004 Hyundai accent. Oil changes
ToolGuy First picture: I realize that opinions vary on the height of modern trucks, but that entry door on the building is 80 inches tall and hits just below the headlights. Does anyone really believe this is reasonable?Second picture: I do not believe that is a good parking spot to be able to access the bed storage. More specifically, how do you plan to unload topsoil with the truck parked like that? Maybe you kids are taller than me.
ToolGuy The other day I attempted to check the engine oil in one of my old embarrassing vehicles and I guess the red shop towel I used wasn't genuine Snap-on (lots of counterfeits floating around) plus my driveway isn't completely level and long story short, the engine seized 3 minutes later.No more used cars for me, and nothing but dealer service from here on in (the journalists were right).
Doughboy Wow, Merc knocks it out of the park with their naming convention… again. /s