Kia hopes new Stinger will leave a mark

Automaker unveils sporty hatchback in effort to boost image

Kia expects the dynamic Stinger sporty hatchback’s looks and performance to raise the brand’s image to an all- new level.

The new Stinger starts with the looks of Kia’s popular GT concept car and adds all- and rearwheel- drive, a pair of turbocharged engines and a quick- shifting 8- speed automatic transmission.

The Stinger’s long nose, short rear deck, sweeping roofline and flared fenders demonstrate that Kia’s “tiger nose” styling theme can stretch from the brand’s previous family sedans and crossover SUVs to a European style sporty hatchback.

Executive Vice President Michael Sprague said it’s “burning with passion and performance ... a car like nothing that has ever come before it.”

He later added, “The Kia you know 10, or even five years ago, is gone.”

Kia’s design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, styled the Stinger. Engineers honed the car’s dynamics on Germany’s famed Nürburgring race course.

Gregory Guillaume, a chief designer, said working on the Stinger was a dream come true for him.

The Stinger will offer a 2- liter 255- horsepower turbocharged 4cylinder engine and a 365- horsepower, 3.3- liter twin- turbo V- 6 engine.

Features will include forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian protection, adaptive cruise control, lane- keeping assist, color head- up display and 720- watt Harman/ Kardon audio.

It goes on sale late in 2017.

ROMAIN BLANQUART, USA TODAY NETWORK Journalists take a peek at Kia’s 2017 Stinger Sedan during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.