Kia GT4 Stinger Concept
Back in February of 2014, we described Kia's ascendency in the automotive world:
Kia is in the process of making itself over as a company that sells aspirational vehicles as opposed to merely affordable ones.
For proof, one needs look no further than the GT4 Stinger Concept the Korean manufacturer unveiled in Detroit last Monday. Featuring a custom double-wishbone rear-wheel-drive chassis and equipped with a 315 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injected four mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual, the Ignition Yellow two plus two coupe is described by Kia as "the wild style child of Kia’s California design team."
In addition to its flashy styling, the design team focused on weight reduction and embraced such features 20-inch center-lock alloy wheels with carbon fiber inserts. The GT4 Stinger is also more than a roller (a body and chassis sans drivetrain) as under the hood is a Tuned version of Kia’s 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection petrol engine producing 315 horsepower.
Little did we know that in less than three year's time, a production version of the "wild style child" would show up at Kia dealerships.
2018 Kia Stinger
Expected to hit those dealer showrooms sometime next month (December 2017), the new Stinger will be the highest-performing vehicle in Kia's history. And while it can't match the affordability of models like the Rio and Forte, given its size, power, and level of standard equipment, it still offers a compelling value proposition.
All models, regardless of trim level, feature a standard leather-trimmed interior with a hand-stitched leather steering wheel and paddle shifters along with a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen. 23.3 cu-ft of trunk space can be accessed via a power liftgate. Base models ride on a fully independent suspension and are powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 255 horsepower and a maximum 260 lb-ft of torque.
Opting for one of the GT trims ups the ante with a flat-bottom steering wheel and an available suspension system that features electronically controlled shocks. Standard on all GT models is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 which produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.
Both the 2.0-liter turbo and 3.3-liter twin turbo are mated to an eight-speed, rear-drive automatic transmission. The option of all-wheel-drive is available across all trim levels.
In addition to the seven-inch display, the standard audio system on base models includes six speakers and Kia's UVO telematics system. GT models receive nine speakers and an external amplifier, while a premium Harman/Kardon audio system with surround sound technology is offered as an option.
Standard safety systems include driver attention alert, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keep assist, blind spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. A color head-up display is optional.
2018 Kia Stinger prices
Starting prices on 2018 Kia Stinger models, including a $900 destination charge, is as follows:
Stinger: $32,800
Stinger Premium: $38,000
Stinger GT: $39,250
Stinger GT1: $44,150
Stinger GT2: $50,100
All-wheel drive option: $2,200
