The new Kia Stinger is going to inevitably turn heads in St. Louis when it comes galloping solidly out of the gate this spring. This is a real-wheel-drive four-door, powered efficiently and nearly brutish with a 3.3 twin-turbo V6. The engine produces 365 horsepower, and the presence of the 376 pound-feet of torque is responsible for the car's 4.9-second claim for a 0-60 sprint. The GT will also be available in all-wheel drive, and even a diesel in Europe, as well as a 2.0 turbo. VP of engineering at BMW Albert Biermann had a big hand in development, and this car is supposed to handle excitingly above many other options at auto shows this year.
Both models have an 8-speed automatic, and a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. You can get to business fluidly in the navigation department with the included 7-inch touchscreen, and enjoy an extra-smooth ride with features like adaptive cruise. Lane-keep assist is one of the very modern features that we will see become more and more common, and there is an audio system option from Harman/Kardon that will enable to driver to wade through ample walls of sound. The roofline lies much lower than that of the K900, and at first glance, sleek is the first word that comes to mind. On the V-6 model, the quad tailpipes are even a bit reminiscent of what Italian powerhouse Alfa Romeo would craft, and the entire rear of the Stinger is like nothing Kia has ever created.
The Stinger has a few more inches of length than its competitors, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. One trait that will be greatly appreciated by the taller members of your friends list is the rear legroom: the variance and experimentation with the wheelbase provides this luxury. The V-6 engine is a turbocharged beauty from Hyundai: it's a direct-injected aluminum Lambda II that is similar to what the Genesis G90 sports. Designed for sensible and ultra-smooth shifting, the transmission is a new version of the K900 automatic, and there is an expertly engineered mass damper situated on the flywheel to help reduce vibration that is common in any drivetrain.
Kia claims that the Stinger is constructed from mostly materials that are conventional, and about exactly 50% steel of the highest strength. Able strut suspension in the front and 18-inch wheels are the equipment offered up to navigate the ever-changing road, and the Brembo brakes have seen a generous upgrade. Now with four-piston front calipers and discs that are completely vented, any sudden stops will seem like second nature. This is the first model that Kia will offer adaptive dampers in, and the driver will be able to select from Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart and Personal settings. The sport setting is reported to feel nearly like a manual, and speed enthusiasts will enjoy the growl from underneath the hood.
Here at Jim Butler Kia, we are constantly excited about new models, features, and offerings from world-class product lines. We know the release of the Stinger is bound to excite many motorists in the St. Louis Metro area, and extend our welcome to anyone that wants to come check one out. Talk to our sales specialists, and see just how easy it is to cruise off of the lot in one of these gorgeous machines!
