Kia Motors (ports)...? Kia has its sights set on creating a mass-market sports car. It plans to reveal just has far it has come in that regard when it debuts its newest creation, the GT4 Stinger concept car, at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show on Jan. 13. The Stinger is already making automotive aficionados giddy with excitement. Just based on how many car websites are talking about the Stinger, Jan. 13 couldn't come sooner for them.

The Stinger's promotional images that have been put out by Kia paint the car in a very positive light, of course. Yellow and orange hues accentuate the low-slung, wide-bodied vehicle. LED headlights, hood scoops and a menacing, "tiger nose" grille makes Kia's other vehicles look tame in comparison. But the car isn't just about vanity; the Stinger shape and front end evokes thoughts of an Audi. The Stinger's 2+2 car body style "is intended to turn heads while delivering superb driving enjoyment on both road and track," according to Kia.

It may look like an Audi, but the Stinger may very well drive like a faster version of the venerable Lotus Elise. The GT4 Stinger should be a relatively lightweight car like its British counterpart, but it will have a lot more horsepower. A zippy 315hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine powers the rear-wheeled drive Stinger. This small liter size and RWD setup is again reminiscent of the Elise. Other sports car makers better take heed because Kia seems serious about the Stinger.

Why is this announcement so shocking? Kia Motors has long been known for producing affordable cars. Kia owners know that they can rely on their vehicles. They also know that they won't get laughed at unlike the dozen or so people that drive Smart Cars. Yet, recent moves by the South Korean automaker, like the upcoming Stinger unveiling, and the addition of two luxury sedans into its lineup, the K900 and Cadenza, suggest an aggressive image makeover.

Hans Greimel of Automotive News caught up with Kia's international business division COO Oh Tae-hyun last spring. During their chat, Oh had this to say about the company's future, "Eventually, Kia would like to be one of the mainstream brands like VW."

While Kia is certainly on the right track concerning design, affordability and style thanks to the Stinger, K900, Cadenza and its value lineup the company's market share is woefully low. Kia Motors also has to deal with adversity from within since it's overshadowed by its parent company, Hyundai Motor Corporation. Regardless of these obstacles expect Kia to keep driving forward.

What do you think of the GT4 Stinger? Would you ever buy a Kia branded sports car? Let us know in the comments below.