Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia GT4 Stinger concept at Detroit Motor Show 2014

Kia comes over unexpectedly sporty with the muscular 311bhp GT4 Stinger coupe concept in Detroit - now with video

If you thought Kia was only about family hatchbacks and sensible crossovers, the GT4 Stinger concept is here to change your mind. Revealed at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, this muscular 2+2 coupe shows how a Kia rival to the Toyota GT-86 could look, and a production version hasn’t been ruled out.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You could probably guess that it’s been designed at Kia’s Californian studio, with the help of some classic US muscle car cues. A short rear overhang, bulging rear arches and a clamshell bonnet that’s shrink-wrapped around the front arches should go down well in Motor City. Other features like a new tiger nose grille and vertical LED lights point towards a subtly-different design language across the range.  

• Detroit Motor Show 2014 

Power comes from a highly-tuned version of Kia’s familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged T-GDI petrol engine, sending 311bhp to the rear Pirelli P-Zero tyres. We have also learned that the Stinger will be built on its own, bespoke platform that has independent double wishbone suspension all round.

Kia claims the purpose of the GT4 Stinger was to create a “purebred, affordable sports car,” which is why there’s a six-speed manual, instead of a more complicated twin-clutch ‘box, and a back-to-basics interior.

Kia GT4 Stinger concept leaked interior

Kia GT4 Stinger: interior

Inside, there’s rubber mats instead of carpets, pull straps where you’d normally find door handles and no stereo. A flat-bottomed steering wheel and leather buckets seats draw connections to the race track, while a glass hatch at the rear reveals a small storage compartment.

Built on a bespoke chassis with independent double wishbone suspension all round, the GT4 Stinger has a shorter wheelbase, but identical length to the Cee’d hatch, although it’s also wider than an Optima saloon and 229mm lower than the Rio hatch. Custom 20-inch alloys with carbon-fibre inserts are fitted with 15-inch Brembo brakes, while the overall weight is 1,304kg - just a few kilos heavier than the GT-86.

While officially there are no plans to put it into production, Kia couldn’t help but fan the flames of speculation. It claims the GT4 Stinger “provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future”. Kia has also confirmed that a production version of its 2011 GT concept will go on sale in 2016 - although it's still not clear whether it will use a rear or front-wheel drive layout.

Kia news and reviewsDetroit Motor Show 2014 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box
New Kia EV3 - front cornering

Kia's new app turns your phone into a car insurance black box

Kia’s new app sends data to your insurance provider in order to receive usage-based premiums
News
25 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV gets a range boost before it’s even arrived

Kia’s ID. Buzz rival can potentially go further on a single charge than first thought
News
18 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025