Detroit: Kia's GT86 rival two years away, coming to Oz

Kia’s rival for the Toyota 86 – GT4 Stinger - created a sensation in Detroit.

Wheels can reveal the “affordable sports car” with rear wheel drive is just two years away from production and is, according to one insider, certain to be sold in Australia.

The concept, powered by a 235kW turbocharged version of Kia’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from the US Optima sedan, drives via a six-speed manual gearbox. The 4.3m-long Stinger, designed in Kia’s California design studio, is built on a unique platform with double wishbone suspension, a clear indication of just how serious the Koreans are in tackling Toyota.

Tom Kearns, designer chief at Kia’s American studio says, "Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in the GT4 Stinger. It's a 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It's about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn't muted by electronic gimmickry.”

Officially, Kia says that while there are no plans bring the concept to production, the company has a “history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia's future.”

The Stinger’s clean lines, beautiful detailing and a profile that could come from the Audi Quattro concept, mark this down as one of Kia’s most successful designs. Look out Toyota.