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Kia GT4 Stinger Concept Built for "Gearheads and Enthusiasts"

Kia introduced the GT4 Stinger Concept at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and journalists from around the world took notice of the Ignition Yellow sports car. Sitting very low to the ground, shorter in length than a Kia Forte, wider than a Kia Cadenza, and nearly a foot lower in height than a Kia Rio, the GT4 Stinger Concept features 2+2 seating in a rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged package. Kia says the concept is designed as "a pure-bred, affordable sports car...for gearheads and enthusiasts."

Combining Kia styling cues such as a tiger nose grille and a floating roof with traditional sports car proportions, the GT4 Stinger features vertical LED headlights, LED taillights, and brake cooling ducts front and rear. The grille surround glows white and is underscored by a carbon fiber splitter, and the front fenders protrude beyond the hood line for a taut, purposeful appearance. In addition to the floating roof motif, the windshield pillars are transparent for 270 degrees of driver visibility, and a glass rear hatch opens to reveal a cargo space with an exposed suspension brace.

Inside, the Kia GT4 Stinger Concept features race-inspired bucket seats wrapped in leather, rubber flooring, aluminum pedals, and a D-shaped steering wheel. The driver faces red LED instrumentation with an oversized tachometer and gear indicator. The GT4 Stinger is designed without a stereo or infotainment system of any kind, in keeping with the focused, minimalist design ethos.

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From a hardware standpoint, the 2,874-lb. Kia GT4 Stinger is equipped with a 315-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox that powers the car's rear wheels. Weight is distributed 52% over the front axle and 48% over the rear axle, and the GT4 Stinger Concept sits on staggered-width 20-inch center-lock wheels with Pirelli P-Zero performance tires measuring 235/35 in front and 275/35 in back. Front and rear double-wishbone suspension, quick ratio steering, and Brembo Gran Turismo braking components featuring 2-piece, 15-inch cross-drilled rotors with 4-piston calipers are also installed in order to deliver on the promise of performance.

Kia flatly states that it has no intention of producing the GT4 Stinger Concept for public consumption. However, and this might put a smile on your face, the automaker does concede the following: "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."

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