As Kia’s highest-performing production vehicle enters the final stages of testing, details of the new fastback sport sedan are emerging.
Born from Kia’s GT Concept car, the new Kia Stinger aims to combine the epitome of grand touring features in power, elegance and speed.
Chief Designer at Kia Motors Europe, Gregory Guillaume said “The Kia Stinger is a true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving. It’s not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling, all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace. The Kia Stinger has nothing to do with being the first to arrive at the destination – this car is all about the journey. It’s about passion.”
The Kia Stinger will portray a commanding presence on the road as it will be a big bold brute. Coming in at 4830mm in length and 1870mm in width it will be one of the largest sport sedans on the market.
The large proportions should allow for a spacious cabin. The Stinger also has a reported cargo capacity of 406 litres.
Featuring the latest line-up of interior luxuries such as a large colour touchscreen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ultra-soft Nappa leather seats and optional wide sunroof, the Stinger will be well equipped for comfortable long-distance cruising.
Ten exterior metallic and pearlescent paint choices will also be on offer.
Speaking of the exterior, the Stinger will feature many functional exterior design elements such as front air curtains, wheel arch gills, smooth underbody, and an integrated rear diffuser to assist in the aerodynamics of the car. Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille will also feature on the front end between complex LEP headlamps whilst the rear will display four oval exhaust pipes.
Taking the performance to the max are the powerful engines on offer. Although there are three engines which will feature on the Stinger in different markets around the world, Australian buyers will have the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Theta’ engine or the 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 ‘Lambda II’ engine to choose from.
Capable of producing 182kW of power and 353Nm the 2.0-litre engine is eclipsed by the larger 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 option, which produces peak power of 272kW and 510Nm of torque. Both engines are matched with the second-generation electronic eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The Stinger will begin production and go on sale around the world towards the end of 2017.
Let’s start a Car Conversation, will the Kia Stinger remain popular after the initial excitement wears off?
