New 2018 KIA Stinger GT
New paradigm of Gran Turismo (GT), delivering high performance and supreme comfort on the open road; not for the faint-hearte
Written by Marco Carvajal
Photographs by KIA
The 2018 Kia Stinger is now on display at select Kia dealerships and at select malls from October 14 until December 31, 2017. Kia Motors plans to start selling the new 2018 Kia Stinger in the U.S. in December 2017. The price is still a secret, but it will be announced soon.
Just a couple of weeks and Americans will be able to drive a true Grand Touring vehicle made by KIA, competing with famous European automotive manufacturers in this class.
The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger spoke out loud as it made its world debut while presented on September 26, 2017 at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It got top awards from Cars.com as Best in Show for its combination of refined style and performance in a sports sedan; and EyesOn Design award for Production Car Design Excellence.
“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event. Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives. It’s a whole different animal’’, – Albert Biermann, former BMW M Division VP and now head of Kia’s Vehicle Test & High Performance Development.
2018 KIA StingerKIA GT Fastback Sport SedanFrom 0 to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds 5Seats2 Powertrains with 2 Types of Engines:
255 HP260 Lb.- Ft. Torque
365 HP376 Lb.- Ft. TorqueTransmission2nd-generation 8-speed automatic transmission with 5 drive modesWheelbase: 114.4 in. Length: 190.2 in. Width: 73.6 in. |
What makes a true gran turismo?
Gran Turismo, in Italian means “Grand Tour”.
GT in general refers to automobile that can drive for long-distance “Grand Tours” in comfort and style. GT cars have a powerful engine and can travel for long distances with very good performance. GT care are usually larger and heavier than most regular sports cars, mixing comfort, speed and performance. GT usually include visual effects in the design like spoilers, extra set of headlights, and other features like extra comfort features, such as softer suspensions or leather seats.
The original GTs were produced in the beginning of the 20th century by European car manufacturers like Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Lancia. The GT concept has gained popularity in both North America and Europe, and KIA decided to compete in such market
KIA’s Years-long journey with the GT began when the KIA GT concept was unveiled for the first time in history at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. At that time the GT concept was something considered by many as little more than a dream for a brand known for producing mass-market transportation rooted in value. But the GT sparked a fire within KIA and over the next five years that fire has grown beyond fantasy into reality.
now in 2017 with the Stinger becoming reality the Gran Turismo will be able to penetrate the American market in a massive way.
Most important, the Stinger GT is an authentic gran turismo.
Design
Turning a concept into a production car is no small task and Schreyer looked no further than Kia’s Frankfurt studio – the birthplace of the GT concept – to bring the Stinger to life. “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,” notes Gregory Guillaume, chief designer, Kia Motors Europe. “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 Stinger GT design is bold, nimble and fast while also luxurious and quiet. KIA wants to achieve the perfect balance of ride and handling and seat five people comfortably with enough room for luggage. Most important, the Stinger GT is an authentic gran turismo.
The new 2018 Kia Stinger has got lots of labels during its reasonably short life – BMW killer, Maserati for poors and so on. But, despite of its resemblance with many famous European brands, 2018 Kia Stinger promises to be the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history and is targeting the niche which is currently occupied with the European automakers.
Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is Headquartered in Irvine, California.
Founded in 1944, today Kia Motors is the second-largest automobile manufacturer, also being a subsidiary of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group. It started with a manufacturing of the first Korean domestic bicycles, today Kia Motors is selling its cars to more than 170 countries, and providing a work for about 40,000 employees worldwide.
Being strongly committed to the U.S. market and having more than 750 dealers on its territory, in 2009 Kia Motors has open its manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, investing over $1,1 billion.
Kia Motors is also known for its sponsorship for such well-known associations as: FIFA, UEFA, NBA.
What to expect
It seems Kia Motors has decided to break the stereotypes and get rid of its image as the automotive manufacturer for mass-market. In fact, the new 2018 Kia Stinger has all the chances to do it.
The new 2018 Kia Stinger will be available in RWD and AWD, with 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cyl engine and 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine , offering from 255HP up to 365HP, optimized fuel efficiency, and its Dynamic Stability Damping Control suspension will adapt to your driving.
“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event. Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives. It’s a whole different animal’’, – Albert Biermann, former BMW M Division VP and now head of Kia’s Vehicle Test & High Performance Development.
It will be longer (190.2 in.) and wider (73.6 in.) than other cars in this car segment, with a generous cargo area of 23.3 cu.-ft. which is also larger than many in its class, and will be perfect enough for full-size luggage or golf bags. Needless to say, the overall interior volume of 2018 Kia Stringer is more spacious than such vehicles as BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and 4 Series Gran Coupe, the Audi A5 Sportback, the Lexus GS and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
2018 Kia Stinger’s 111.4 in. wheelbase is longer than the above mentioned competitive brands in this class.
Interior Features
The all-new 2018 Kia Stinger has a cocoon-like interior with aircraft-style spoked vents and metal-ringed gauges.
- satin chrome trim
- ultra-soft Nappa leather seats
- under-seat mounted subwoofers
- height-adjustable color Head-Up Display
- wireless Smartphone charging pad
- Bluetooth hands-free
- base audio system, six speakers and a seven-inch haptic touchscreen with the latest version of UVO
- QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology
Safety Features
- Driver Attention Alert
- Forward Collision Assistance
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Advanced Smart Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Detection
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
It seems Kia Motors has decided to break the stereotypes and get rid of its image as the automotive manufacturer for mass-market
Coming soon at the end of 2017 the new KIA’s GT, the 2018 Stinger!
