After a couple of teasers, Kia finally unveiled what they called their “most aggressive concept car”: the GT4 Stinger. The name certainly sounds like a video game sequel, but make no mistake: this one’s taking the fight to the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 IF Kia decides to build it.

Designed by Kia’s California design team, the GT4 Stinger is a rear-wheel drive, 2+2 coupe that’s a through-and-through sports car. Beneath the GT4 Stinger’s hood resides a tuned version of Kia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine putting out 315 horsepower. The gearbox is a 6-speed manual while stopping power is provided by 15-inch cross-drilled rotors with four-piston calipers. Besides what seems to be neck-breaking performance, the GT4 Stinger rolls on double wishbone suspension at all four corners with a 52/48 weight distribution. It also weighs a scant 1,306 kilograms and casts a silhouette no larger than a Forte.



The GT4 Stinger’s look is quite simple, according to Kia President and Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer. Kia was aiming to make the GT4 Stinger look like it was shrink-wrapped around its chassis. The result is a simple yet powerful look with the vertical LED headlamps, large Tiger Nose grille for maximum cooling, and staggered 235/35R20, 275/35R20 tires with Brembo brakes peeking out.

Inside, it’ the same story with a simple and straight-forward cabin. There’s no carpeting, only rubber mats underneath the billet-aluminum pedals. It doesn’t even have a stereo system. The red LED illuminated instrument panel and D-shaped steering wheel means business.