KIA Stinger one step closer

BRUTAL PERFORMANCE IS NOT THE AIM, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY The impressive acceleration figures make this the fastest production KIA ever.

The KIA Stinger is entering the final stages of its rigorous test and development regime before going on sale later this year. The test programme – carried out worldwide on road and on track – will ensure the car has the performance, reliability and dynamic sophistication to match its striking fastback design.

Unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, the Stinger made a bold first impression. “The new KIA GT is a true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving,” explains Gregory Guillaume, KIA Motors Europe’s Chief Designer. “It’s not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace. The new GT has nothing to do with being the first to arrive at the destination – this car is all about the journey. It’s about passion.”

Producing approximately 272kW, the KIA Stinger’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, it is claimed, making it the fastest-accelerating production KIA ever.

Like every KIA, the Stinger is undergoing a full, rigorous testing regime to ensure it is as reliable for owners as it is entertaining for drivers. While the Nürburgring Nordschleife has played a key role in establishing the Stinger’s dynamic character, KIA’s testing facility at the ‘Green Hell’ also sees every car tested for quality and reliability.

Every Stinger prototype tested at the Nürburgring Nordschleife is treated to the same punishing regime, testing the suspension, body and powertrain to the full. KIA’s testing procedures are designed to identify powertrain wear and fluid leaks in particular, as well as gearbox heat management characteristics.

Temperatures of the car’s brakes, exhaust and gearbox are constantly monitored, to make sure they consistently offer optimal performance. The brakes, for instance, have to be changed halfway through a typical daily session, such is the harsh nature of the tests to which development prototypes are subjected.

The KIA Stinger enters production in the second half of 2017, and goes on sale globally during the fourth quarter of the year.