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
PHOTO GALLERY
