DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Kia GT4 Stinger

Upstart Korean brand Kia has issued a teaser image of a mould-breaking new turbocharged rear-wheel drive sports car ahead of its world debut at the Detroit motor show on January 13.

The GT4 Stinger is Kia’s second rear-drive show car following the four-door GT Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt show and is likely to be based on the same platform as sister brand Hyundai’s second-generation Genesis sedan.

While the new Genesis coupe is confirmed for Australia by next year, the Genesis sedan is yet to be locked in for local release.

Kia has revealed little information about the GT4 Stinger, but confirms that “a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine pumps 235kW to the rear wheels”.

The same engine is likely to power Hyundai's new Genesis coupe, which will again share a petrol V6 with the Genesis sedan. The latter will also be available with a 5.0-litre V8, which in theory could also power the Kia GT.

Kia says the GT4 Stinger wears the latest iteration of its signature grille, which in this case features a glowing white surround and is flanked by vertical LED headlights.

“Front-brake cooling vents funnel air around custom 20-inch wheels while a carbon-fibre front splitter mounted below the bumper provides added downforce for the car,” said Kia.

Kia Australia’s first turbo-petrol model – and first hot hatch – will arrive in coming months in the shape of the pro_cee’d GT, powered by a 150kW 1.6-litre turbo-four.

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