The Californian new car market is unique – on its own racking-up more annual sales than Australia’s total – and so it’s no surprise Kia’s Detroit-starring GT4 Stinger is the creation of the ‘gearheads’ at the Korean’s design studios in Irvine (just south of Los Angeles).
The 2=2 sporty is a true enthusiast’s – driving its turbocharged 235kW engine via a six-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.
Kia’s most aggressive-looking vehicle so far is a throwback to the halcyon days of yesteryear when sports cars had a menacing presence about them. And electronic gimmicks? No sir!
With inspiration from the company’s North American motorsport program, the Kia GT4 Stinger ditches some luxury in favour of weight reduction (1304kgs in total) and is a logical progression from the team in Irvine’s previous effort – the Track’ster. Part of that story are the bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels – a centre lock design with carbon fibre inserts.
Inside there’s no carpet (rubber mats), no audio system, race-insipred seats and no door handles (pull straps instead).
Underneath is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension, 52/48 weight distribution and quick-ratio steering. Braking is handled by a Brembo system.
C’mon Kia lets get this one into production – your team of ‘rev-heads’ in California are on the same page as Car Showroom, the world needs more cars like this and it would be a real boost to your brand image.
