Stinger makes its mark Kia polishing its image

Kia has spent years polishing its image, with improvements in reliability and handling to go along with its traditionally low prices. It is a path that has been taken, with success by fellow South Korean brand Hyundai, with whom Kia shares common ownership.

A preliminary version of the Stinger, called the GT concept, was revealed in 2011 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. This led to the version that was rolled out with fanfare last week in Detroit, which will go on sale as a 2018 model year vehicle.

Germany. The engineering development was in South Korea, led by an executive who previously had been at BMW. Comparisons with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda unveiling the newly-redesigned Camry at the North American International Auto Show. Audi were encouraged.

ago is gone,” said Michael Sprague, chief speaking in Detroit.

Engines for the European- looking Stinger are still in development, but Kia says a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will produce 255 horsepower; an optional 3.3-liter V6 pushes that up to 365 horsepower. Kia is targeting a zero to 62 mph speed in 5.1 seconds.

The Stinger goes on sale in late 2017. Pricing and other details were not announced.

The Stinger continues an evolution of Kia into a brand that attempts to compete in a wide array of segments. Its current top seller is the Soul, a subcompact SUV with pricing that starts at $16,100.

It is a leap to go from selling the Soul to selling a sports sedan with a European Kia is up to the challenge.

The Stinger “has an opportunity to work really well in an auto show setting but not

Odyssey deluxe

Honda unveiled a new design for the Odyssey, which is one of the topselling minivans.

The segment is much smaller than it used to be, but remains large enough, several automakers continue to update their offerings.

The new Odyssey comes with a long list of features in on-board electronics, cabin comfort and safety. It goes on sale this spring. Pricing has not yet been disclosed.

Honda said the model will make everyone in the family happy, from the driver to the passengers in the third row. The engineering design was done at Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio.

(Information from the Associated Press was included in this story.)