2023 Kia EV6 Boasts A-List Performance, Displays Leadership as “Agent of Future-Embracing Change”

Car and Driver last week described Kia as “a brand best known for low prices, long warranties, and liberal financing” that now has carefully created a machine with high-quality performance that can rival the best of the foreign competition. The amazing EV6 GT model is proof that engineering models that adapt to the electric revolution yet provide stellar daily driving performance is possible!

The GT model offers up to 576 horsepower with its futuristic muscles fully flexed! The GT mode opens the door to tons of possibilities, with an Eco mode that will dial things back a notch if needed. During the Car and Driver team’s testing sessions, the 320-horsepower EV5 GT-line hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with the GT arriving there in just 3.2 seconds. 

The quarter-mile was tackled in 11.6 seconds at 119 mph, with a top speed clocking in at 161 mph. The EV6 also boasts three different audio themes that customize the volume and pitch for your favorite signature sound. We’d recommend the Dynamic mode, which is akin to a spaceship heading toward a faraway out-of-this-world destination.

Just a few trips out will leave you impressed with the quicker steering and tuned suspension with a firmer response, ushered into pavement-prone perfection with adaptive dampers. These also provide modes that intricately adjust the steering effort, accelerator response, damper tuning, and eLSD. This lucky crew was riding on Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV tires, clinging fearlessly to the skidpad with .92 g of well-seasoned stick. 

The Drift Mode will surely become a TikTok star, bringing about its spinning ability that emulates the best of pony car classics and pleasing many who questioned electrification’s ability to produce its own excitement. During the 75-mph highway range test, the GT commandeered 190 miles, with a DC fast charger replenishing the juice from 10 to 90 percent in just 26 minutes. Sleek and boasting all of the best elements that forward-leaning scientific development offers, we are thrilled to see the EV6’s undeniable appeal shine through the constantly-changing presence of the unexpected. 

AA Driven Car of the Year Describes Kia Stinger as Providing “Brilliant, Grand Fun”

Designed in Europe and having all of its necessary performance chops ironed out painstakingly on the Nurburgring racetrack itself, the Stinger was an addition to the ranks of large sedan swagger that very easily turns many heads wherever it goes! As a finalist in the AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year award, the Stinger is also a current contender for the People's Choice Award. Boasting interior that is said to be “aircraft inspired” and a lower seating position to evoke a sportier feel, the aggressive stance and stigma of the Stinger has won acclaim from journalists and customers alike nationwide.  

Nappa leather seats, a range of active safety features, and on-board technology to prevent slipping and skidding during inclement conditions are all in the mix to add appeal to an object that is already undeniably eye-popping. This is the charismatic and gutsy auto offering out there right now that Car and Driver labeled as “outrageously mean,” and one that any expert or bona fide track enthusiast was guaranteed to have had their eyes on intensely during development. Making its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, this was a car that shocked many with it's bravado in the ultra-important category of straight-line performance. The acceleration factor is just one of those elements of the Stinger that will always be jaw-dropping, and it doles out the endgame for the quarter-mile during testing at 12.9 seconds, seeing 111 mph.

As far as the results in the telling 0-60 mph trot, the Stinger has many in the industry righteously starstruck, as the near-optimal grip/power balance yields a 4.4-second time, which is daringly quicker than any other similar sedan situated even close to it in its class. It was faster in the long run than every single car in the last comparison test for mid-size premium sports sedans, and the proof maintains its stance. When put up to the test against rivals Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, and Mercedes, the Stinger also fared the best in braking ability: four-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo calipers are now standard on the GT. 

The Stinger's 114.4-inch wheelbase is only a few tenths of an inch shorter than the Audi A6 and S6, and the overall length is just 4 inches shorter than the A6 and BMW 5-series sedans. The five included driving modes really make a difference when picking the best means to embrace the Stinger's available power.  that is just right for the mood of the moment that can easily claim you behind the wheel. Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom are the modes to select from, and all of us here at Jim Butler Kia quickly saw that “Sport” is the mode it was born and bred for: this is where you really get the opportunity to enjoy the performance aspects that were so important to Kia's engineers in the first place. 

While you are test-driving the Stinger to see just how awesome it is in every possible way, the lane-keeping assist feature is one to take notice of: this is a futuristic additive that is the predecessor to complete hands-off-the-wheel automation. Many have taken notice of the fact that the Stinger is not necessarily quiet: during a 70 mph run, the GT produced a 71-decibel noise dent, which was louder than the Jaguar XE, BMW 340i, and the Audi S6 Sportback. Delivering the medium to attain speed that you can't really argue with on any level, the Stinger GT remains to be disputed in many ways: come to see us soon and check out the car that re-defined and honed the “no compromise zone” for good! 

Kia Rio and Stinger Hailed as Best-of-the-Best in J.D. Power 2018 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study

High awards and accolades are two of the main reasons that many customers repeat their purchases of Kia vehicles. Kia has now earned two more J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout awards for its stylish subcompact, and the powerful fastback sports sedan. This double win helped increase Kia's overall score by 8 points in the last year, while solidifying the brand's spot among the top 10 non-premium contenders. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis were also pleased with Kia motors being named the highest ranked mass-market brand in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fourth consecutive year, with our beloved Rio also snagging a win in the smaller car segment.

Every Kia is designed with the customer in mind, whether it be a practical commuter car for people needing to get from point A to B, or a sports sedan with up to 365-horsepower for speed-hungry drivers. Securing an award such as this once again demonstrates the level of dedication we put on delivering a superior combination of the desirable features and attributes that today's savvy and demanding car buyers are looking for in their purchase.

The Rio went through a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, outshining the competition in the small car segment, and also being one of the only contenders that scored the highest marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features, and style. Our prized Stinger is the highest-performing vehicle in Kia's history, and also came up quite well when head-to-head with more expensive European counterparts in the very desirable compact premium car segment.

The J.D. Power APEAL study completes the task of measuring new-vehicle owners' overall satisfaction with their purchase during the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories, and weighted to the specific category: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy. Car And Driver rated the Rio with 4 stars, and claimed it as a model that “easily fulfills its modest ambitions.” One of the most refined subcompacts on the market, it is known for very pleasant road manners, and a no-nonsense design inside and out. Powered by a 1.6-liter I-4 with 130 hp, and a 119 lb-ft torque delivery, and don’t forget about the manual transmission available for the base LX trim.

Ask us when you visit about moving up to the S trim: this is when you see the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, additional USB ports, cruise control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. The range-topping EX trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch multi-informational display, automatic emergency braking, and Kia's UVO3 infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. A recent Motor Trend review stated about the Rio that “It's fun and jaunty-looking on the outside, and the interior seals the deal.” We invite you to check out this award-winning and fun SUV before the beginning of the 2019 year, and talk to our staff about a lease to get you situated in a remarkable and award-winning Rio!