Kia launch 'GT4 Stinger' concept at Detroit Motor Show
The product of Kia's American design studio in Irvine, California (who also produced the Track'ster), the GT4 Stinger concept is described as a bold new direction for Kia's design language that "pushes the boundaries of performance".
"Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger," said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA).
"It's a 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It's about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn't muted by electronic gimmickry."
Kia's US design team approached the GT4 Stinger project with an eye toward weight reduction, functionality and pure driving enjoyment. The concept shuns the luxury trappings of a traditional Grand Touring car to create a more "engaging" vehicle.
Power, Poise and Proven Performance
Beneath the low wedge of the GT4 Stinger's hood resides a tuned version of Kia's proven 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 235kW. "Our Optima racecars use the same engine and can produce more than 294kW," said Kearns. "So why not infuse our concept with the kind of power that will make people take notice?"
That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires. Staggered 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros nestle beneath the front fenders, ensuring loads of corner-carving grip.
Custom 20-inch aluminium centre-lock wheels feature carbon fibre inserts for strength and weight reduction. Tucked inside the massive wheels are Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers with plenty of stopping power.
Underpinning the GT4 Stinger's sculpted "Ignition Yellow" body is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension. With a shorter wheelbase (2618.7mm) and overall length (4310.4mm) than a Forte sedan, a width (1889.8mm) greater than a Cadenza, and a swooping roofline nearly 225mm lower (1249.7) than Kio's Rio subcompact model, the GT4 Stinger cuts a distinctive figure.
Weight is a scant 1303.6 kg, and weight distribution is spread almost perfectly; 52/48 front/rear. The GT4 Stinger also features a quick-ratio steering rack for direct feedback and uncompromised control.
Simplicity By Design
Fans of Kia's design language, set by Kia Motors Corporation president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer, will immediately recognize key styling elements of the GT4 Stinger.
"We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance," says Kearns. "It's as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it."
In silhouette, the GT4 Stinger is simple yet powerful. The latest iteration of the signature Kia grille rests low to the ground for maximum engine cooling and cold-air induction. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a theme found throughout the car.
Flanking the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents intricately moulded into the bumper provide a clean, smooth appearance.
A carbon fibre front splitter mounted below the bumper provides added down force for the car at high speed to keep the GT4 Stinger's front tires firmly planted to the tarmac.
The long hood gently rises to meet the cowl. Two chrome accent pieces add visual interest to the otherwise ripple-less pond of Ignition Yellow sheet metal.
The hood closely embraces the front wheel arches, creating two protruding muscular fenders above the front tires. The result is a pronounced edge at the vehicle's shoulders that eventually becomes the belt line.
Continuing around the car, the transparent A-pillars provide a more than 270-degree view from the driver's seat. The layered slots cut into the pillars reduce weight while improving outward visibility.
Paying homage to the iconic Soul, the greenhouse design provides an aggressive side profile. "It's as if the GT4 Stinger is wearing wrap-around sunglasses," notes Kearns.
Similar to the Soul, the roof of the GT4 Stinger appears to "float" from the C-pillars. Along the rocker panels are satin black accent pieces with integrated functional cooling ducts to enhance air flow to the rear brakes.
At the rear, the body widens to cover the large 275-series Pirelli rubber. The glass hatch opens to reveal a built-in storage compartment and rear strut-tower brace. The LED taillights illuminate from inside the outer edge of a blacked-out panel just above the dual exhaust ports in the rear bumper.
The interior is purposeful in design and practical in nature. Incredibly lightweight doors feature billet aluminium handles, but their generous width makes dropping into the moulded leather race-inspired bucket seats a breeze.
There is no carpet, only a rubber floor mat underneath the billet-aluminium pedals. Front and centre to the driver is a thick flat-bottom steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator.
In keeping with the track theme and taking inspiration from sports and competition cars of the past, interior door handles have been replaced by red-stitched pull straps. In fact, the GT4 Stinger makes due without the luxury of a stereo.
"The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes," said Kearns.
When underway, the GT4 Stinger's free-flow exhaust burbles and blurts unabashedly and is music to the ears of driving enthusiasts everywhere.
While there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production, Kia has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia's future.
When asked who the GT4 Stinger is intended for, Kearns quips, "It's a totally selfish design. The design team at KCDA is full of gearheads and enthusiasts, and the GT4 Stinger is the perfect car for that kind of crowd."
