Kia and Sports car are not two words ever uttered before in the same sentence, but here it is. At the North American International Autoshow Kia brought the thunder with it’s new GT4 Stinger. The car impresses in a big way. First off it’s pretty aggressive looking which is a must for any sports car. Add RWD, 2+2 seating and a 2.0L turbocharged engine pumping out 300hp mated to a six speed manual and it’s a recipe for success.
Kia says the car is designed with a “shrink wrapped” appearance in mind. Meaning instead of bolting up body panels to the underpinnings the panels are form fitted to the underpinnings. It makes for a stream lined look. Every piece is made to be smooth and flowing around the car. Take the brake ducts for example. Those are made to fit flush to the front end for maximum air flow. Carbon fiber parts are used to keep down weight and for a racy look.
Jan 15
Kia GT4 Stinger: Kia enters the sports car world with a bang!
Jan 14
2014 Dakar Rally – Stage 9
Jan 14
The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa
You can always count on Porsche to come through with something at Detroit. The 2014 Porsche 911 Targa unleashes some old school character with some new 911 underpinnings and looks. Targa cars are cool. It’s a lot of the fun of a convertible without going full on convertible. With the new Targa you will have all the advantage of a Targa top with none of the hassle. In the old days to remove a Targa top you’d have to undo some latches and pull the roof out. Storage was usually in the trunk or your garage which made for some interesting times when the rain started to fall. They were also notoriously leaky. That problem is solved with the new 911 Targa as one button raises and lowers the top.
Now I wouldn’t say the 911 Targa is a particularly great looking car with it’s awkward rear greenhouse but there will be no mistaking it for any other 911. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.4L six cylinder making 350hp. You can get the optional PDK transmission if you don’t like working the clutch. Of course you’d be subject to ridicule and scorn but you’d deserve it. The Targa 4S which is like the regular Targa but with all four wheels driving the boat will go 0-60 in 4.6 seconds which is sure to impress your date and scare your Mother in Law.
Jan 14
The Toyota FT-1 Concept
Toyota is a company we do not talk about too much here. Let’s be honest they generally make boring cars. However the FT-1 concept is a stunner. Drawing a little bit from the Lexus LFA and some fast Toyotas from the past the FT-1 looks like a road going F1 car. At the presentation Toyota used a lot of buzzwords like passion and poise but really not too many details were released. That’s ok, it’s pretty to look at.
As I said details are scant right now but I have plenty of photos and a video so hit the jump and check this beauty out with your own eyes.
Jan 14
2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe
The Cadillac ATS is a winner. Good looks, great ride, fun to drive, and smattered with a bit of luxury. Cadillac can’t seem to miss these days. If the 2015 Cadillac ATS coupe is any indication they don’t intend to quit swinging for the fences any time soon. Long gone are any idea that the Cadillac brand is for old people. Oh sure they can still buy them too but more often then not when I’m chatting with my friends a Cadillac comes into the conversation as an object of desire.
There is a lot to like here with the 2.0L Turbo engine being standard producing 295 ft-lbs of torque which is enough to waft the car to 60mph in 5.6 seconds. The car also boasts 50/50 weight balance and big Brembo brakes so it should be pretty capable if you feel the need for a fun run through the corners. AWD will be an option for those who need even more traction. I’ve put together some info after the jump including a short video.