No, you did not misread the title—unfortunately, Kia has opted to attempt to enter the sports car arena. Gulp. I know what you are thinking: Aren’t those the Flintstone cars that may as well be peddled forth by foot? Indeed.

Let’s face it, Kia is not a name that comes to mind when one thinks of a sports car. 

Kia took advantage of the 2014 Detroit Auto Show to tout its latest laugh: The Kia GT4 Stinger. I must admit to an audible giggle upon first reading the name…nothing about a Kia “stings”…except perhaps trying to pass a golf cart in the 30-mile per hour zone.

While I simply cannot resist jabs at Kia trying on a sports coat, the design cues are actually a bit attractive. I want you to know it took much pride for me to admit that openly. The Kia Stinger is believed to be a preview of the brand’s intentions to perhaps not entirely exit the mass production of plastic toy car molds, but to draw attention to itself in another light. Think of it as a child actor struggling to be taken seriously.

Speaking of a discount auto brand, Kia explained its creation as a tribute to the days of purebred, affordable sports cars. Under the hood pants a 2.0-liter 4-banger that commands a surprising 315 horses. It is a RWD mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The cabin boasts bucket seating and molded leathers complimented with rubber mats. Billet aluminum pedals mesh with the racing-style steering wheel to give the driver a sense of speed and life purpose. This purpose is then dramatized by the presence of pull straps rather than door handles…yes…on a Kia.

A spirited and sporty Kia sitting on 20s? What has the world come to?

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals