Kia might not be the first automaker that comes to
mind when asked to think about performance cars, but the 2018 Kia Stinger aims
to change all that. Revealed at the North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) 2017 today, the new “fastback sport sedan” is set to hit Kia
dealerships later this year, the company says.
Two
engines will be on offer, both turbocharged; Kia says it hasn’t finished
developing them quite yet, but the entry-level will be a 2.0-liter
four-cylinder. That’ll be good for around 255 HP and 260 lb-ft. of torque
between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm.
Those wanting more performance, meanwhile, will have
the option of a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, expected to muster 365 HP and 376
lb-ft. of torque from 1,300-4,500 rpm. Kia says, it’s expecting a
5.1 second 0-62 mph time, and a top speed of 167 mph. Both engines will be
paired with an eight speed automatic transmission, with paddle-shifters.
Either rear- or all-wheel-drive will be offered, a
first for Kia sedans. The AWD will have brake-based torque vectoring,
individually braking the wheels to ensure traction. The RWD will have a
mechanical limited-slip differential. Both will have five different drive modes
to switch between, changing the settings of the suspension, steering, shift
patterns, and throttle mapping.
The V6 will get 225/40R-19 wheels up front, and
255/35R-19 at the rear. Vented Brembo disc brakes will be standard with that
engine, too, with quad-piston front calipers and dual at the rear. The
four-cylinder will have 225/45R-18 tires.
With a longer wheelbase than Audi’s A4, the BMW 4
Gran Coupe, and Mercedes’ CLS at 114.4 inches, the Stinger should have plenty
of interior space; a power ljftgate will be an option. The MacPherson front and
multi-link rear suspension can be driver-adjusted between those five settings:
Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.
Inside, there’s ultra-soft Nappa leather on the
options list, while the driver can have a special performance seat with
air-support. The steering wheel is leather wrapped, and the driver instruments
mix digital and analog; a color TFT display between the physical gages shows
performance data like G-forces in the corners and lap timings. Satin chrome
trim is used as a shoulder highlight, while Kia says the low-slung seats mean
headroom is decent too.
As for tech, there’s a new Drive Attention Alert
which warns drivers if their road-behaviors are getting sloppy and it’s time
for a break. Forward Collision Assistance and Autonomous Emergency Braking are
available, as is adaptive cruise control with the ability to bring the Stinger
to a full halt in traffic. There’s also lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic
alerts.
Above the dashboard there’s a color head-up display
option, and wireless phone charging is an option for the center console. Kia’s
UVO infotainment system is standard, with the option of a Harman-Kardon 720W
audio install, featuring fifteen speakers and two subwoofers, one under each of
the front seats. A seven-inch touchscreen is standard.
