Kia is preparing for the official market launch of the new 2018 Stinger this December in the U.S., dropping along the way a new extensive gallery.

Kia describes the new Stinger as a five-seat sportback, designed to take on the best of its class and become the highest-performance model in the brand’s history.

The Stinger’s design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, the company’s chief designer and his Germany-based team of designers. Ride and handling development of the new Stinger took place at the Nurburgring under Albert Biermann’s supervision.

“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event,” says Biermann. “Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives. It’s a whole different animal.”

The engine range includes a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 255hp and 260lb-ft of torque, which allow the Stinger a 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. The range-topping twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine produces 365hp and 376lb-ft of torque, making the Stinger capable of a 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and of doing 167mph flat out. Both engines are coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The chassis utilizes a McPherson front and a five-link rear suspension setup, with base models riding on a passive suspension and GT models getting the electronically controlled one with the active dampers.

There’s also an all-wheel drive option available, with the system featuring what Kia calls a Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system, which distributes power between axles and uses the brakes for a torque vectoring effect. The all-wheel drive system remains rear-biased, sending up to 80 percent of the power to the rear with the Sport mode engaged and up to 50 percent of the power to the front in Normal.

The new Kia Stinger also features a 114.4-inch long wheelbase, which is longer than rivals like the Audi A5 Sportback, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, BMW 4 Gran Coupe and even the Lexus GS, with Kia claiming it offers more interior volume even from the more expensive 6-Series Gran Coupe.

A wide range of active safety systems is also present, including Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist and more.

Kia will reveal the official pricing of the 2018 Stinger closer to the model’s launch date.

PHOTO GALLERY