New Stinger GT sports sedan revealed ahead of Detroit Auto Show
A rear-wheel drive platform mated to a turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 with a 0–100 time of just over five seconds? It sounds fantastic, and rather surprisingly it's also a Kia.
The Korean marque are set to reveal their all-new sports sedan, the Stinger GT (it even has a cool name!), at the opening day of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show tomorrow.
These fresh images of the Stinger highlight the latest iteration of Kia's 'tiger nose' styling. But this is no Picanto; rather, the Stinger GT looks to take aim at premium rivals from Europe.
Big protruding cheeks and chrome features give emphasis on its aggressive face, while gills on its flanks and possibly the best wheels to ever adorn a factory Kia product help give it presence.
The rear end gets quad exhausts and tail lights similar to those of the current Sportage crossover. This is a very attractive car, and, if the price and equipment levels are right, it could well be a competitive challenger in the large car market.
If the 'Stinger GT' name rings a bell you may well be remembering the rather funky concept car, the GT4 Stinger, that Kia unveiled in 2014 (ironically also at the Detroit Auto Show).
Very few elements from that car remain on this reportedly production ready example, but it does have one advantage — more power.
While information is still to be confirmed by the manufacturer (expect a full list of details to surface tomorrow), the Stinger GT will reportedly be powered by a turbo 3.3-litre V6 engine capable of 0–100 in 5.1 seconds — a handsome time that compares well to the best from Europe. 510Nm of torque ensures that you'll certainly feel it behind the wheel too, though sadly the Stinger looks primed to only come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Regardless, this is another grand step forwards in the luxury stakes for Korea's car manufacturers. If it goes as good as it looks, watch out (and please, bring it to New Zealand).