With technology evolving at the incredible rate that we're seeing, it seems that symmetrical all-wheel drive systems are becoming a thing of the past.
Kia is the latest to follow the trend of adding a 'Drift Mode' to one of their vehicles, in the hope of building interest in the new Stinger GTS, and we approve.
Debuting at the New York Auto Show, the limited edition Stinger GTS drew attention with its bold orange paint job and new badges. On closer inspection, you'll notice the Stinger's carbon fibre mirror caps, side vents, and front grille surround.
Complete with a refreshed all-wheel drive system that Kia calls D-AWD, torque can be distributed to the rear wheels to your liking. Under this system, the rear wheels get a significant bias, with comfort mode sending 60% of the power back there, and sport mode sending 80%.
As you may have guessed, when Drift Mode is selected, 100% of the power is sent to the back wheels and gears hold without upshifting. In order to keep the driver's best Tokyo Drift impressions consistent, a limited-slip-differential has been added to the model.
Under the hood is the same 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 that the world has grown to love, pumping out 272kW and 509Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels exclusively through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Looking at the interior, the changes aren't significant, but the cabin has received a bit of a spruce-up. A suede-like headliner and an Alacantra wrapped steering are the biggest changes. Other driver comforts include a 720-watt Harman/Kardon audio system, a wireless smartphone charger, and a power sunroof.
