2018 Kia Stinger makes world debut
Kia plans to sting the A7 and CLS with an all-new sports saloon that was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show
Kia has unveiled its most adventurous and daring car yet, an upmarket five-door fastback sports saloon called the Stinger.
It took its first bow at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit to instantly become the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history.
The all-new grand tourer has an Audi A7 and Mercedes CLS sleek profile, an Alfa Romeo Giulia and BMW 6-Series front end and more than a hint of the A7 at the rear, all of which are popular sort-after cars, something Kia aims to replicate with the Stinger.
It’s also the latest in a swathe of models being renewed or introduced to the South Korean firm’s line-up. In 2016 Kia launched the new Optima saloon which was followed by a hybrid and the very good estate version (Sportswagon), an all-new Sportage SUV (accounted for 44.9% of 2016 UK sales), a facelifted Soul and the all-new and the teriffic Niro hybrid. While a all-new Picanto city car was announced just last week ahead of the launch of the all-new Rio supermini in February.
Based on the 2011 Kia GT concept, the Stinger measures in a 4831mm long, 1869mm wide, 1400mm high with a wheelbase of 2906mm.
At the front the Stringer wears Kia’s family “tiger-nose grille” which leads into LED headlights and a long bonnet and a steep windscreen, affording it the silhouette of the fastback shape. It gets a muscular presence with profiled a shoulder line.
Constructed of a mix of materials, its chassis consists of 55% advanced high-strength steel to give it a rigid body.
At the front, it gets MacPherson suspension with a multilink arrangement at the rear, which can be adjusted electronically by Kia’s new Dynamic Stability Damping Control system. This allows you to change from comfort to a sportier setup, with five settings available: Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart.
The steering aims to offer razor-sharp feedback by mounting the electric motor directly onto the steering rack. There are five adjustable settings for the steering.
Under the long bonnet, there will be a choice of two engines at launch, with more to follow. The first is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol which develops 252bhp and 192lb ft of torque.
Topping the range will be a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol with 360bhp and 277lb ft of torque, making it capable of getting from standstill to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 167mph.
Available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox complete with steering wheel-mounted paddles, power is sent through the rear wheels or alternatively you can opt for all-wheel drive. Again, there are five available settings for the throttle response and gearbox.
Inside, Kia says that passengers will be treated to low sporty seating position with the cocooning dash, all in an air of luxury. The dash is dominated by the free-standing infotainment system and rotary air vents. While the long wheelbase affords plenty of leg room in the front and rear as well as a large boot.
The Stinger is available with; either 18in or 19in alloy wheels; a colour head-up display; blind spot detection information; a wireless Smartphone charging pad; Bluetooth; plus a choice of three sound systems including Harman/Kardon.
Safety equipment available includes; forward collision assistance with integrated autonomous emergency braking; advanced smart cruise control; lane keep assist; and rear cross traffic alert.
Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Motors Europe said at the car’s unveiling: “A true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving, is not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling, all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace.” He added: “The Stinger has nothing to do with being the first to arrive at the destination – this car is all about the journey. It’s about passion.”
The all-new Kia Stinger will arrive in showrooms across the globe later in 2017 with prices and specifications to be confirmed nearer the time.
