There isn’t a better example of Kia’s progress in recent years than the new Stinger. If, a few years back, someone said that the Korean manufacturer would launch a rear-wheel drive, twin-turbo V6 sports sedan that could mix it with the best, he would have been met with skepticism, if not outright ridicule.
And yet, here it is. The Stinger’s intriguing underpinnings are combined with an eye-catching exterior design and sporty proportions. As Carfection notes, the bodywork is perhaps a bit overstyled and too busy in certain areas, but the outcome is definitely positive and overall a very welcome addition to Kia’s model range.
In addition, the flagship Stinger uses a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that provides enough performance to match its impressive looks: 365hp and 376lb-ft of torque to be exact. An eight-speed automatic transmission is responsible for sending the power to the rear axle.
Kia says that the Stinger GTS is capable of a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 5.1 seconds and that it will not stop accelerating until it reaches 167 mph (269 km/h). The Korean car maker also makes great promises about its handling, and it’s true that former M Division boss Albert Biermann’s influence in the chassis department is felt, making the Stinger an enjoyable daily drive.
Nevertheless, the range-topping Stinger is a true gran turismo first and foremost – and one that really deserves your attention if you’re in the market for such a vehicle.