2018 Stinger
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2018 Kia Stinger – confusingly, this isn’t the production version of the stunning GT4 Stinger two-door sports car concept from Detroit 2014, but rather the long-awaited road-going manifestation of the four-door, rear-wheel drive Kia GT show car.
Despite the near six years since the original made its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Stinger retains quite a bit of its design DNA, although some of the details have moved on a bit. At the front, sharp headlights flank the “tiger nose” grille, but the scoops that pierce through the lamp units on the concept have been made much smaller and simpler.
Moving to the side, the long bonnet and cab-backward profile betray the Stinger’s front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout, although the complex Optima-esque C-pillar and rear windscreen intersection means that the car is still recognisably a Kia. The front fender vents actually work to improve aerodynamics in concert with the front air curtains.
2018 Stinger
A wide front and rear track further emphasises the car’s strong shoulder line, with 18- or 19-inch wheels hiding standard ventilated Brembo disc brakes. At the rear, the LED tail lights with slim extensions that wrap around the sides have been retained from the concept, although the rear diffuser has been made more complex and features quad exhaust exits.
Inside, there’s a simple, driver-oriented dashboard with Audi-style triple round centre air vents, a freestanding centre display up top and a tall transmission tunnel. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel sits ahead of large analogue gauges, with a colour display in the middle showing information such as cornering G-forces, lap times and engine oil temperature. The seats feature optional Nappa leather and inflatable bladders in the driver’s backrest and side bolsters for improved comfort and support.
As standard, the Stinger comes with six speakers and a seven-inch haptic touchscreen UVO infotainment system, while higher-end models get a nine-speaker system with an external amplifier; a 15-speaker, 720 W Harmon Kardon sound system is optional. Also available is a head-up display and a wireless smartphone charging pad in the centre console.
2018 Stinger
Safety-wise, the car comes with Forward Collision Assistance (FCA) with autonomous emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), plus a Kia-first Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system.
Measuring 4,831 mm long and 1,869 mm wide, the Stinger is longer and wider than competitors such as the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A4, Lexus IS and Infiniti Q50, and its 2,905 mm wheelbase is longer than even the Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz CLS. The chassis uses 55% advanced high-strength steel, contributing to better ride and handling and reduced NVH.
Suspension is taken care of by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, and the car is also available with the company’s first electronic adjustable dampers called Dynamic Stability Damping Control. There are five drive modes – another Kia first – including Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart. A rack-mounted electric power steering system enhances steering response and reduces unwanted vibration.
Two engines are available for the Stinger – the first is a 2.0 litre Theta II turbo four-cylinder that produces an estimated 255 hp at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. Slotting above it is the 3.3 litre Lambda II twin-turbo V6, tipped to produce 365 hp at 6,000 rpm and 510 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. Kia targets a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds and a 269 km/h top speed with the latter.
The sole transmission option is an eight-speed automatic transmission from the K9, with paddle shifters and Kia’s first Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber (CPA) torque converter to help reduce torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. Buyers have a choice between rear-wheel drive (with a standard mechanical limited-slip differential) and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system with brake-operated Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control.
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this is really handsome…interior is as good or even better than audi
Well done Kia, this design looks good
the Maserati rear aside….
that’s a pretty handsome brutal looking car
Wow. See how Kia has progressed. From near bankruptcy, Kia now has become No 1 car brand in Australia and also Top5 brand in USA.
Proton needs to learn from the Koreans how to work hard. Sleeping on the job does not pay well
Beemer front, infiniti headlights, aston rear. The copying king continues…
Is there a dumb and dumber competition u both are participating in??
U have to admit, hyundai-kia has no soul (despite have a car named so). Interior oso look like mesidis. Mana originality?
You seem to have no Soul too John..
Err… Kia Accordana?? Lots of things lost in translation from concept car to the production car.
Yeah, from the thousands of cars they could have drawn inspiration from, i am sure kia copied the new proton perdana…..
You must’ve praised the new persona or even bezza by their authentic design lol
Wow, that’s a looker. Inside and outside. And it’s RWD too. Kia have come a long way. Even the Germans should be worried.
Hyundai-Kia hires German engineers and designers :)
They might as well hire Victor Frankenstein as their designer. Same result.
Bam!
Look, the rear looks like Maserati, but it’s alright tho..as long as it is not from…
Dont ever compare proton with korean car its thousand miles away . Hoho ho hehe
Yeah korean cars have better ride and handling than any luxurious cars, mind you
When KIA poached , from BMW’s M division in late 2014, he used the BMW 440i as the benchmark to make this GT.
So this Kia GT is conceived to challenged the premium performance cars like Audi S4 & BMW 440i BUT not the RS4, M3/4 or C-63 AMG.
Good job KIA & Albert Biermann.
Its nice but it has a similarity to the S coupe
Will in come to Malaysia?
If come it will only come 2.0L variant.
Wow, take my money pls! Kia really have come a long way now and if they can bring in the V6 into Malaysia I might just get one over the premium Germans. 0-100 in 5.1 is no joke – on par with BMW’s twin turbo 6 cylinder engines. Now to see if it can tackle corners with ease like the Jag XE.
Malaysian still prefer germany cars for high cc engine. No one to pay RM3-4k roadtax for the kimchi & sushi cars. Hope JPJ changed the roadtax system and not increase car road tax like crazy for the cars 2500cc and above.
Never say never bro! This is a GT model we’re talking about – sort of like a halo car for KIA and not some SUV or normal plain Jane sedan in which a 2000cc turbo engine will suffice. The V6 is needed to silence critics and of course to outrun those premium German cars here.
Not true. You see how many Alphard, Vellfire, Harrier on the road?
Nice. (Thumbs up).
Tough muscle car with macho looks.
Syiok sendiri.
Finally, Kia is able to produce a low-slung handsome coupe thats only twice the height of its wheels, while its size almost matches Audi A7/BMW grand coupe. Well done kimchi.
This is one handsome looking KIA. I wouldn’t have thought that I would say that a KIA is nice but that only means they deserve the credit for producing an awesome looking Korean car. Yes, there might be certain hints of other cars in its design but if any, its minimal to say the least. Its not a direct copy and it still holds to its on KIA identity. If priced correctly, this could be a hot seller!
Kia needs a massive rebranding exercise.. the logo is outdated and the brand value is too negative. The cars are amazing, makes complete sense to a rational consumer – but alas, cars are not rational machines. If we were all rational, we would all buy used Priuses. The emotive factor for Kia needs to change… I drive a Kia but in no way would I be loyal to Kia with its current brand image, even though its been an excellent car, very reliable, easy to service. If I was driving a Merc or a Mazda, I would be loyal, cos the image is much better.
Red looks really good on this car. Engine spec is good too. Lets see how it works on Malaysian roads soon!. Hey Paultan how about writing for car performance upgrades like installing a turbo from a reputable workshop, body kits, super chargers, NOS and etc. in terms of pros or cons and price. A lot of us wont be able to buy a fast car with 6 digit price tags but could upgrade our existing work horses and bikes! Appreciate if got any response and Happy New Year!!
Take. My. Money.
NOW!
will look stunning in matt grey with black rims
Why KIA can develop 2.0L with 250 HP, benz and bmw cannot accomplish this ? sigh.