Kia Stinger GT Exterior 1 EU Spec copy
Kia Stinger GT Exterior 3 EU Spec copy
Kia Stinger GT Exterior 8 EU Spec copy
Kia Stinger GT Interior 2 EU Spec copy
Mike Sinclair9 Jan 2017
NEWS

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Kia debuts twin-turbo V6 Stinger GT

All-new rear-drive ‘fastback’ Kia is gunning for Commodore fans and performance buyers

This is the Stinger GT and it’s the car Kia hopes will win it a legion of new fans Down Under.

And as if to twist the knife, Kia has already stated the all-new, rear-drive four-door sedan is set to be launched in Australia around the same time we say goodbye to production of the last local rear drive hero car later this year (October 2017).

We’ll be one of the car’s first markets. But there’s no mistaking the timing or intent of the move.

Kia Australia will target enthusiasts. It will also woo police forces across the country with Stinger GT. There’s even suggestions the slippery fastback is set to be the car to beat come the 2018 Supercar season.

Kia Stinger GT Exterior 8 EU Spec copy

And Kia’s first pukka sports-sedan looks to have the bite to match the bark. The key points of the much-teased yet closely held Stinger GT were set for release later this morning but US sources have already broken the pre-Detroit show embargo set by the Korean brand.

So at the risk of joining the rebels, we can report the goodies are as follows: all-new, high-spec high-torsion platform shared with Hyundai's Genesis brand; twin turbo V6 3.3-litre range-topper pumping out over 270kW; eight speed automatic gearbox; and ride and handling via electronically adjustable suspension (Dynamic Stability Damping Control) and electric power steering that WILL be uniquely optimised for Aussie conditions.

Kia is internationally headlining the car with the following statement: “Designed in Frankfurt, developed on the Nurburgring, industry-leading quality…”

Yes, it’s an affordable Korean car Jim, but not as we know it!

Kia Stinger GT Interior 3 EU Spec copy

The links to the Frankfurt 2011 GT concept car are clear but the fastback Stinger is a true sedan and one of decent proportions. The wheelbase is 2906mm, just 9mm shy of the VF Commodore but almost 100mmm longer than a BMW 3/4 Series. At 4831mm overall, the GT is a substantial 133mm shorter than the VF but almost 200mm longer than the BMWs named as some of its targets.

The chassis set-up is predictably front McPherson strut and multi-link rear. The worldwide tune for the GT has been overseen by a former BMW M executive, Albert Bierman. Probably best known as the head of the fledgling Hyundai N performance offshoot, Bierman’s responsibilities now extend to the Korean giant’s sister marque. Expect good things..

Two versions of the car will be offered Down Under. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 190kW/353Nm gets a Stinger badge. The 272kW/510Nm blown six adds GT to the nomenclature.

Kia Stinger GT Exterior 3 EU Spec copy

As noted above, both are auto-only. Although left-hand drive markets will get the choice of all-wheel drive, Aussie cars will also be rear-drive only. Expect the GT to sport a mechanical limited slip diff to help tame those plentiful Nm -- available from just 1300rpm.

Kia says it is targeting 5.1sec to 100km/h and a top speed of 269km/h for the twin turbo six-cylinder model (albeit the AWD version).

The Stinger’s interior has more than a hint of recent Mercedes' efforts to it. There’s a large stand-alone tablet-style screen at the top of the centre console and a trio of large ‘jet engine’ style circular vents are conspicuous at its mid-level. These are repeated outboard. In the bottom section of the console there are ancillary buttons and climate controls.

In front of the driver is a discreet binnacle with the requisite gauges and configurable digital displays. There are gearbox paddles hidden behind the thick, mercifully round steering wheel — are we the only ones sick of unnecessary D-shaped wheels?

Kia Stinger GT Interior 2 EU Spec copy

The gear lever is also surprisingly conventional and there’s a five-way drive-mode selector adjacent that further tweaks steering, gearbox, throttle mapping and other settings.

Kia is making much of the fit and finish not to mention the high-grade materials including Nappa leather. It's also making noise about the space the long-wheelbase, short overhang design delivers. We'll report back on both when we see the car in the flesh.

Local specifications won’t be announced until much closer to the car’s Aussie on-sale date late in 2017 but expect a high-level of a standard equipment including a suite of active driver aids.

The US-spec Stinger gets autonomous braking, a forward collision detection system (that also senses pedestrians) and adaptive cruise control. Lane keeping assist is offered and also a rear cross traffic alert system. A head-up display is also featured and there’s a high-end Harmon Kardon audio system offered on the US range-topper.

Kia Stinger GT Detail 5 EU Spec

According to US specifications a choice of alloy wheels and performance rubber will offered. The 2.0-litre variant rides on 225/45R-18s while the twin-turbo V6 gets staggered “ultra-high performance” 19-inch rubber, with the front’s 225/40s and the rears sporting a substantial 255/35R section.

Four-piston front Brembos front calipers look set to be standard on the range-topper.

The design of the Kia was the work of the company’s Frankfurt design studio – the originator of the GT concept coupe.

Gregory Guillaume, chief designer, Kia Motors Europe has dubbed the car: “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...

“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,” Guillaume stated.

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