Kia has unveiled the Stinger at the North American International Auto Show, with the new model described as a gran turismo for the future.
The five-seat fastback sport saloon is designed to be as sleek as possible, with the sloping roof giving a new angle to the sports saloon.
Available with rear or all-wheel drive, the concept currently is built to have a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255bhp, with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine in development to offer 365bhp and a top speed of 167mph for the GT model.
An eight-speed automatic transmission helps to smooth out the gear changes during normal driving, while being responsive and sharp in more dynamic situations.
Following Albert Biermann joining from BMW in December 2014 as the performance development director, the Stinger was built to be stylish, dynamic and quick, and with his help, this has been achieved.
The suspension and dynamic stability damping control is optimised for the best feel, while the wheelbase is also longer than the majority of its sector rivals, which helps the vehicle feel more stable and also creates more interior space. With a high-strength steel chassis, the Stinger is rigid for better cornering and safety.
The Stinger will come with a variety of assistance systems, such as driver attention alert to combat drowsiness and distracted driving, autonomous emergency braking and advanced cruise control, which can set a distance between the car and the vehicle in front as well as coming to a full stop in traffic. Lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert will also be fitted to the Stinger, making sure the fastback is crammed with safety technology.
Inside, the Stinger is sportily orientated to ensure the best driving experience possible and it has all the characteristics that a gran turismo should. With a high-quality Harman Kardon audio system, head-up display that provides turn-by-turn navigation instructions and Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity, it is packed to ensure you, the driver, are well catered for.
With the V6 version coming to the UK in October this year, the anticipation for the Stinger will grow considerably between now and then, and if you want to find out more about Kia’s new GT car, register your interest today.