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Kia GT4 Stinger gets top-down teaser

Kia has issued another teaser for its hotly anticipated GT4 Stinger Concept, which is set to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show early next week. Our third teaser for the new car is from above, showing a squat, compact sports car form that makes us rather hopeful for the upcoming debut.
All signs point to the GT4 being a looker, with noticeable vents in the hood, a small back window and rather meaty C-pillars and rear haunches. When Kia calls this "sculpted" in the press release, we're certainly inclined to agree.
As we told you when revealing the GT4's last teaser, a 2.0-liter turbo will be responsible for motivating the rear-drive 2+2. If it held on to the concept's 315 horsepower, a production version of the Stinger Concept would certainly seem like it could have the potential to keep pace with the new EcoBoost-powered Ford Mustang, as well as the Genesis Coupe, from Kia's favorite corporate frenemy, Hyundai.

Kia recalling 96k Souls with sunroofs [UPDATE]

UPDATE: A previous version of this post indicated that the recall affected 2010-2014 models, when the recall ends with 2013 models. The text below has been revised accordingly. Kia has issued a recall for the 2010-2013 model-year Soul compact cars. But while the notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers a long period of production – from January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013 – the problem only affects those units equipped with a sunroof. In those specific models – of which Kia estimates there are 95,314 examples in the United States – the headliner plate surrounding the sunroof may detach when the side curtain airbag is deployed, which could serve to compound the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Owners of affected vehicles can expect to hear from the manufacturer to bring their Souls in to their local dealer to have industrial adhesive strips installed to secure the headliner in place, starting from early February. RECALL Subject : Headliner Plate Detachment Report Receipt Date: DEC 29, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V822000 Component(s): STRUCTURE Potential Number of Units Affected: 95,314 Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag. CONSEQUENCE: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-949-468-4800. Kia's number for this recall is SC112. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Kia GT4 Stinger concept is a 'totally selfish design'

After a trio of teasers, Kia has finally unveiled its GT4 Stinger Concept at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat: Kia says in its press release that "there are currently no plans to bring the concept to production." Of course, that's a qualified statement: the automaker then follows that up by noting it "has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them." So cross your fingers, kids - this looks like it could be a preview of the company's first real sports car.
Through those three teasers, we've learned and seen more of the GT4 Stinger, and we largely like what we see. It's a 2+2, rear-drive coupe with a detuned version of the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder used in the Kia Optima GTS racer from the Pirelli World Challenge. The concept's engine is said to be good for a healthy 315 horsepower, though the race-tuned Optima GTS can deliver upwards of 400. A six-speed manual handles the power, while staggered Pirelli PZero tires provide the grip. Those Pirellis wrap around a set of 20-inch wheels, complete with showcar-friendly center locks, while 15-inch Brembo brakes and four-piston calipers mean the Stinger should be able to stop with as much authority as it will go. What the teasers haven't been able to put into perspective, though, is GT4 Stinger's size.
The footprint issue is an important one, as it hints that a production GT4 would be more of an FR-S/Subaru BRZ fighter than a rival to the Genesis Coupe.