When is a German Car Not German? The 2018 KIA Stinger GT!

 

 

2018 KIA Stinger GT – First Drive!

 

 

This is a pivotal moment for KIA. A car that offers passion, exhilaration, excitement and pride! Yes, a KIA that gives you an adrenaline rush.

 

We took the 2018 KIA Stinger to the California Proving Grounds to see what this sports sedan is made of, we were pleasantly pleased!

 

Designed by Peter Schreyer, known for creating some of the sportiest German cars. This is a Grand Turismo vehicle that offers style, performance and comfort. The Stinger is like no other KIA.

 

This is a true GT car with RWD proportions, a sport back design with the performance car experience. Plus premium technologies and amenities are required in a GT vehicle. The long hood, shorter stance and long wheelbase of the Stinger results in a beautiful fastback profile with broad shoulders.

 

Inside the high quality authentic materials are all real and hand-stitched. The accents are premium and impressive. We love the D-Shaped steering wheel and easy to read gauges. Seating is lower and had 16-way seats for the driver, 12-way for the passenger with ultra-soft Nappa leather. The lumbar and bolster hold you in the seat! Love them! Interior colors of black, ivory and RED! Seating for 5-people. The unique air vents are of German flavor too.

 

Technology includes a Harmon Kardon audio system with 720 watt, 15-performance speakers with dual underseat-mounted subwoofers, Clark-Fi digital music and QuantumLogic Surround sound. All-new faster interface, UVO also includes head-up display and 14-services an no charge. Apple Car Play and Android auto is standard.

 

Safety include 18 driver assistance systems with all the latest in safety. IIHS Top safety pick.

 

Cargo in the rear is more than expected, with a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Easy to place luggage in the back.

 

Engine:
2.0L Twin scroll Turbo, 255 hp, 260 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds

3.3L TwinTurbocharged V6, 365 HP, 376 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
8-speed transmission with paddle shifters and sport mode. No manual available.

 

Rear biased AWD. RWD offers available limited-slip differential.

 

Top speed: 167 mph.

 

Brembo 4-piston disc brakes with brake cooling vents and a new technology that protects against brake fade.

 

NACA ducts and aerodynamics are functional and adds cooling.

 

Handling: Dynamic torque vectoring and drive mode select give give better handling.

Modes: Smart, ECO, Comfort, Sport, Custom – changes steering throttle response and handling.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport tires give summer performance and better handling.

 

2018 KIA Stinger Competes with:

Audi A4/ A5
BMW 440 and Grand Coupe
Mercedes
Lexus GS
Infiniti Q50
Acura A-Spec
And even the Porsche Panamera

 

Price:
$31,900 for base Stinger 2.0T
$37,000 for Stinger Premium 2.0T
$39,000 for GT 3.3 T
$43,500 for GT1 3.3T
$49,500 for GT2 3.3 T
AWD $2,200 for all models
Destination $895

 

Cars available November 2017.

 

The Stinger offers more that one can imagine, a drivers car with all the state of the art technology, style, safety and German-like performance for a much better price.

 

Watch our other His Turn-Her Turn™ reviews:

2018 Kia Rio
2018 Audi TT RS
2018 Honda Fit
2017 Jeep Wrangler 4×4
2018 Genesis G80 Sport
2018 Subaru WRX STI
Demons, Durangos & Hellcats
2018 Infiniti Q50
2017 Volvo V90
2017 Acura MDX Hybrid Sport
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
2017 Mini Countryman
2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2018 Toyota Camry
2018 Volvo XC60
2017 Honda Civic Si
2018 Honda Odyssey
2018 Acura TLX
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
See More

 

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Car Courtesy of KIA
Destination: California
Aired: October 9, 2017
Music: by AudionautiX.com
Disclosure: Free Royalty Music

 

His Turn-Her Turn™ is a production of Automotive Aspects Inc.

©Automotive Aspects, Inc., 2017.  All Rights Reserved.

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