Kia reveals the GT4 Stinger concept

The American arm of Kia, Kia Motors America (KMA), unveiled the brand's most aggressive concept car - the GT4 Stinger at the ongoing North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The jolting design language moves in a bold new direction with the introduction of the GT4 Stinger.

While there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production, the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia's future.

Kia's design team approached the Stinger project with an eye towards weight reduction, functionality and pure driving enjoyment.

Underpinning the Stinger's 'Ignition Yellow' body is a custom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension. Beneath the GT4 Stinger's hood resides a tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged, T-GDI four-cylinder engine, churning out an impressive 315bhp.

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 tyres.

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. Flanking the grille are vertical LED headlamps and cooling vents for the front brakes. A carbon fibre front splitter provides added downforce for the car at high speeds to keep the GT4 Stinger's front tyres firmly planted to the tarmac.

In keeping with the track theme, interior door handles have been replaced by red-stitched pull straps. The GT4 Stinger's stereo has been replaced with the aural capability of the free flow exhaust burbles and blurts.