South Korea’s second-largest automobile manufacturer recently introduced the 5-seater sports sedan 2018 Kia Stinger at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Designed in Frankfurt and developed in Nuremberg, Kia Stinger represents the latest design idea of Peter Schreyer (Kia chief designer and for some time the President of the Corporation) and his team from the Kia Design Centre in Frankfurt.

2018 Kia Stinger highlights

• Fastest and most powerful Kia ever
• Slightly larger that its direct (mostly German) competitors
• Two petrol engines in the USA, diesel engine added in Europe
• 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and a top speed of 167 mph (269 km/h)
• Rear-wheel drive as standard – all-wheel drive optional

Kia announced this car with a study six years ago in Frankfurt. Stinger is a true GT (Grand Tourismo), a car designed for longer journeys, enjoyment in driving and overall perception of the car. It must be both powerful enough and comfortable, such a combination is perfect for the consolidation of the brand.

Kia Stinger exterior: adapted to rear wheel drive

Kia Stinger external dimensions were tailored to the rear wheel drive. That means a long bonnet, short front overhang and extended wheelbase, guaranteeing a spacious interior. All this is confirmed by the long rear overhang with strong “shoulders”.

With 2.905 mm, the Kia Stinger wheelbase is longer than the direct competition: Audi A5, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe and even the Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Kia Stinger is also longer (4,830 mm) and wider (1,870 mm), so this should be noticeable in the passenger compartment. The luggage compartment is also bigger than in most cars in this class. The tailgate opens electrically.

2018 Kia Stinger is based on the chassis, 55 percent made of a very solid steel (AHSS) which, among other things, has a positive impact on reducing noise and vibration in the cabin. According to Kia, the suspension (MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension) is able to provide an optimal feedback to the driver.

For the first time in Kia vehicle we will have the option of Dynamic Stability Damping Control (DSDC) with 5 modes: Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart. The hardness of the electric power steering adapts based on the selected drive mode.

2018 Kia Stinger engines: two petrol for Americans, in Europe also diesel

In the North American market, the Kia Stinger will be offered with two petrol engines.

The basic two-liter four-cylinder engine will have the maximum power of 255 hp at 6,200 rpm, with a torque of 353 Nm available between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm.

The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine will offer 365 hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 510 Nm available between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. With the six-cylinder engine, Kia Stinger will accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour (0-62 mph) in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 269 kilometers per hour (167 mph).

In Europe, however, the buyers will have the option to choose a diesel engine. More details on the European version will be known after the presentation at the Geneva Motor Show.

Engine power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and there will also be a four-wheel drive option available with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system.

Kia Stinger with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is equipped with 225/45R-18 tires, while the 3.3-liter straight-six will have 225/40 R19 tires front and 255/35 R19 rear.

In order to compete with premium class, Kia Stinger needs a LOT of modern equipment

Among the advanced technologies that will help the driver, is the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which combines all the advanced features that can ease driving and enhance driving pleasure. Kia’s first system DAA (Driver Attention Alert) helps to overcome unfocusness and sleepiness while driving.

Forward Collision Assistance (FCA) with built-in Autonomous Emergency Braking AEB with Pedestrian Detection can detect a possible collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian and assist in stopping the vehicle.

Advanced Radar Cruise Control (ASCC) maintains a preset distance between Kia Stinger and the vehicle in front and can stop the vehicle completely in case of heavy traffic. Lane Keep Assist (LKA) actively monitors the position of the vehicle and alerts the driver with an audible warning and maintains the desired position of the vehicle by turning the steering wheel.

As far as the entertainment in concerned, Kia Stinger has a premium Harman Kardon audio system with Quantum Logic Surround System, wireless smartphone charging other connectivity options are also present.

2018 Kia Stinger rivals, price and release date

Kia Stinger goes into production in the middle of the year and will go on sale later this year.

The Koreans haven’t announced yet how much the 2018 Kia Stinger will cost, but some estimates nevertheless exist. For the US market, Kelley Blue Book estimates the price from about 35,000 USD to a little over 50,000 USD, based on the Stinger’s target segment.

British Carwow believes the 2018 Kia Stinger will cost from around 30,000 pounds in the United Kingdom.

As we mentioned before, the main Kia Stinger rivals probably come from Germany:

• Audi A4 / A5
• BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
• Mercedes-Benz CLS

Of course, we can also find some competitors from Asia:

• Infiniti Q50
• Lexus IS
• Lexus GS

2018 Kia Stinger technical details

Dimensions:

• Length: 4,831 mm / 190.2 in.
• Width: 1,869 mm / 73.6 in.
• Height: 1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
• Wheelbase: 2,906 mm / 114.4 in.

Engines:

2.0L Turbo Charged I4 Theta II

Maximum power: 258 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Maximum torque: 353 Nm / 260 lb.-ft @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
Top speed: n/a (est. 250 km/h / 155 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h, 0-62 mph): n/a (est. 6-7 seconds)

3.3L Twin Turbo V6 Lambda II

Maximum power: 370 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 510 Nm / 376 lb.-ft @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
Top speed: 269 km/h (167 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h, 0-62 mph): 5.1 seconds

2.2-liter turbodiesel

Maximum power: 200 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Maximum torque: 440 Nm / 325 lb.-ft @ 1,750-2,750 rpm
Top speed: 225 km/h (140 mph)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h, 0-62 mph): 8.5 seconds

Image credit: Kia