Fresh data emerges on the production version of the Kia GT, which could go on sale under the Stinger moniker.
Codenamed CK, the vehicle has been confirmed by Kia Australia’s COO, Damien Meredith, who had trouble hiding his enthusiasm in an interview with Motoring and said that it will go official in 2017: “We can’t wait for CK. It will be here in the third quarter of next year, in two specifications, priced from about AUD $40,000 (USD $29,830).”
While the GT Concept was powered by a 5.0-liter V8, Meredith dismissed such a unit on the production version. However, since Kia’s large four-door is expected to be underpinned by the same platform as the Genesis G80, rumor has it the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Sport grade will be added to the lineup, probably in the range-topping version, priced at roughly AUD $50,000 (USD $37,288). The engine sourced from the larger G90 is rated at 365 HP and 509 Nm (376 lb-ft) of torque.
With key rivals such as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon in mind for the Oz market, Meredith has high hopes when it comes to the Stinger: “It’s perfect timing. CK will arrive just before the unfortunate demise of Australian car manufacturing, and it will appeal to the same buyers in that segment. It’s great opportunity for us.“
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