2018 Kia Stinger European specs revealed – 2.2 CRDi

The Kia Stinger was one of the stars of Detroit 2017, not just because of its styling (which is eye-catching to say the least), but also because it has been teased and promised for a long time, the four-door rear-wheel drive machine. Now, European specs have been released and it’s within expectations.

Under the Stinger’s long bonnet is a choice of three longitudinally-mounted turbocharged engines, each in the final stages of tuning before entering production later in 2017. Announced for the first time here is a motor that will be the most popular in Europe – a 2.2 litre turbodiesel. The CRDi is good for 200 PS at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque available from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 8.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 225 km/h.

The base petrol is a 2.0 litre turbocharged Theta engine with 255 PS at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. The one with the biggest sting is a 3.3 litre twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, with 370 PS and 510 Nm of torque accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds makes it the fastest-accelerating production Kia ever. Target top speed is 270 km/h.

The sole gearbox is a second-generation eight-speed automatic. Designed in-house, the 8AT marks Kia’s first use of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter, reducing torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. The ‘box offers up to five different shift and throttle programmes, which drivers can select through Drive Mode Select. There are steering wheel-mounted paddles too, of course.

The Stinger is Kia’s first sedan to be available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. In RWD format, power is distributed to the rear axle by an optional mechanical limited slip differential. The rear-biased AWD system is equipped with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control.

Kia says that it has sought to create a car with driving dynamics that lives up to the Stinger’s design. The car’s ride and handling was honed at none other than the Nurburgring, under the watch of Albert Biermann, the ex VP of engineering at BMW’s M division. A gran turismo by design and by nature, the Stinger’s test regime was established to make it capable of taking every kind of road in its stride, the Korean company claims.

Comprising 55% “Advanced High Strength Steel”, the Stinger’s bodyshell provides a stiff foundation for the car’s suspension components, and contributes to reduced noise and vibration. It’s MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup at the back. Active dampers in the form of Dynamic Stability Damping Control is available, with Eco, Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Smart modes.

A variable ratio rack-mounted motor driven power steering system (R-MDPS) features an electric motor mounted directly on the steering rack, which affords more immediate responses and reduced vibration compared to systems with column-mounted motors, Kia says. Steering assistance and weight is also adjustable via Drive Mode Select.

A choice of alloy wheels and high-performance tyres are offered. Diesel models ride on 225/50 R17 tyres, and 2.0 petrols are fitted with 225/45 R18 rubber. The V6 gets 19 inch rims plus 225/40 and 255/35 tyres on the front and rear. The top Stinger also comes with ventilated disc brakes from Brembo (350 mm front, 340 mm rear), with quad-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers.

The Kia Stinger will enter production in the second half of 2017, and will go on sale across Europe in Q4 this year. Pricing will be announced later.

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