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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