Kia has turned its 2011 GT sedan concept into an equally impressive production
model named the Stinger that was presented today in Detroit. It’s not the Korean firm’s first attempt at a luxury rear
wheel drive sedan, but unlike the K900, the Stinger
is a much more youthful and striking proposition.
While placed against both the BMW 3-Series and
4-Series Gran Coupe, as well as the Audi A4 and A5, Infiniti Q50 and Lexus IS,
Kia says that, at 114.4 inches (2,905 mm), it not only has a longer wheelbase
than those models, but the Lexus GS and Mercedes CLS as well. Furthermore, it’s longer overall at 190.2
inches (4,831 mm) and wider 73.6 inches (1,869 mm), which according to Kia,
allows “for spacious accommodations” and a larger cargo area than “many in its
class, with enough space for full-size luggage or golf bags”. Powering the
Stinger is a choice of two gasoline engines for North America, with Europe also
getting a diesel option, details of which should be released at this year’s
Geneva Motor Show.
In North America, the base unit is a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four producing 255 hp and 352 Nm, and a 3.3-liter
turbo V6 rated at 365 hp and 494 Nm. Kia says the twin-turbo V6 model
should reach 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and top out at 269 km/h.
Both models come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and
optional all-wheel drive.
The Koreans claim that much of the chassis
development took place in Europe, with a lot of time spent on the Nürburgring
from a team led by Hyundai-Kia’s Executive vice president for vehicle testing
and high performance development, Albert Biermann, who previously headed BMW’s
M division.
The Stinger will the first Kia to offer adjustable
ride-damping and vehicle handling traits through an electronically adjustable
suspension called the Dynamic Stability Damping Control. The electric power
steering will also be adjustable via five selectable drive modes.
The Stinger will come well equipped
boasting an assortment of standard safety and comfort features, as well as
driving aids, including Forward Collision Assistance (FCA) with integrated
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Lane Keep Assist,
and an infotainment system with a 7.0 inch haptic touchscreen.
The Stinger will go on sale in the States this
summer at as of yet, undisclosed prices.
