After what’s felt like ages’ worth of concepts, teaser pictures and rumours, Kia has finally unveiled the production version of its GT sports car concept – the Stinger.
A rear-wheel drive, four-door performance coupe, the Stinger represents a massive departure for Kia, which is traditionally better known for its family hatchbacks and crossovers.
Powered by a range of high-horsepower engines, including a 365bhp twin-turbo V6, and engineered by former head of BMW M Albert Biermann, the Stinger is by far the most powerful Kia ever made.
Two versions will be available: the entry-level Stinger which gets a 255bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, while the range-topping Stinger GT gets the full-fat 3.3-litre V6 motor.
Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels as standard, though buyers can specify all-wheel drive as an option. So far, there’s no mention of a manual gearbox, though.
Exact performance figures have yet to be confirmed, though Kia says that it reckons the Stinger GT will be able to hit 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 167mph.
It’s not all about the pure speed though. Envisioned as a proper grand tourer, the Stinger has a larger wheelbase than cars like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz CLS, and a sleek fastback silhouette.
Kia’s trademark ‘tiger-nose’ grille sits up front nestled between LED headlights and various aerodynamic scoops, while the rear sports a quad exhaust and an integrated diffuser.
High-strength steel is used throughout much of the chassis in order to keep up rigidity and reduce weight, which should make for agile handling, better economy and even a reduction in interior noise.
Inside, the low-slung cabin will come upholstered in high-quality Nappa leather, and the car also features adjustable air bladders in the seats for better support, plus a range of high-tech kit.
In addition to a colour touchscreen, which will display information on cornering forces, lap times and diagnostics, the car also features a heads-up display and a choice of high-performance stereos.
The new Kia Stinger is due to arrive in the UK this September, and although official pricing has yet to be announced it’s expected to start from around £43,000.
