New Kia Stinger GT: UK starting price and specs revealed
New Kia Stinger GT range to start from £31,995 in the UK, while the range-topping 3.3-litre V6 GT-S is priced from £40,495
UK prices and specifications for the new Kia Stinger GT have been revealed, with the Korean firm’s first rear-wheel-drive performance model starting from £31,995 when it goes on sale in Britain in January 2018.
That price tag belongs to the basic 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol version in entry-level GT-Line trim, while the flagship 3.3-litre V6 Stinger GT-S, with 365bhp, will be priced from £40,495. No prices have been issued for the 2.2-litre diesel model, nor GT-Line S trim level cars.
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The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol version produces 244bhp and 353Nm of torque. Kia claims that it’s capable of 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, with fuel economy and emissions of 35.8mpg and 191g/km CO2.
The diesel is predicted to be the bigger seller in the UK, though. The 2.2-litre CRDi unit packs 197bhp and 440Nm of torque, unlocking a 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. It’s by far the most economical though, returning a claimed 50.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 147g/km.
Alongside its 365bhp power figure, the six-cylinder GT-S boasts 510Nm of torque, taking 4.7 seconds to hit 60 mph from standstill and a top speed of 168mph. Kia claims you’ll get 28.5mpg, while CO2 emissions are officially pegged at 225g/km. All models receive a limited-slip differential, highlighting the dynamic edge Kia is keen to showcase with the Stinger GT.
As standard all UK cars will be fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system pre-loaded with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth connectivity, and a head-up display is also included as standard equipment on any Stinger. Leather upholstery also comes on every model, upgraded to Nappa leather on the GT-S.
Eight way adjustable seats are found in the cabin. The front two are heated on the basic model, with the GT-Line S and GT-S also boasting heated seats in the rear.
The car also features a number of standard driver assists and safety features. Autonomous emergency braking is fitted to all cars, alongside a lane keep assist feature, a driver attention warning system, cruise control with speed limited and traffic sign recognition. GT-Line S and GT-S will include blind spot assist and rear cross traffic alert too.
Underlying its performance credentials, the 365bhp GT-S receives a set of Brembo brakes and adjustable electronic suspension. It also gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels, plus LED headlights shared with the GT-Line S model.
The Stinger GT saloon takes clear inspiration from the Kia GT Concept first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, meaning this production model is a car six years in the making. Auto Express has also learned that an all-electric version of the Stinger is planned too.
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The production car made its debut on the stands at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. However, ahead of the car’s reveal in the United States, Kia invited Auto Express to research and development centre in Korea as part of a select press group to discuss the Stinger GT with its designers and engineers – as well as to drive a development car.
“The Stinger GT is a true gran turismo, a car for spirited long-distance driving,” said Gregory Guillaume, chief designer at Kia Motors Europe. “It’s not about outright power, hard-edged dynamics and brutal styling all at the expense of luxury, comfort and grace. This car is all about the journey.”
Peter Schreyer, chief design officer of Kia Motors, added: “I’m very pleased with how much of the concept car we’ve been able to keep in the production car. This car really shows how far Kia can go.”
As Schreyer suggested, the basic shape and athletic proportions of the GT Concept have been carried over to the production model, although the show car’s more extravagant design touches – such as the ‘bullet’ door mirrors – have been dropped.
“The original Maserati Ghibli is what I had in mind when we started the project – to find a modern interpretation, not as a two-door but as a four-door,” explained Guillaume. “The moment you have a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout you get completely different proportions.”
The Stinger uses an adapted version of the Hyundai Genesis platform, with all-new MacPherson strut suspension on the front axle and a revised version of the multi-link set-up at the rear. The Stinger GT is bigger in all dimensions than either the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé or Audi S5 Sportback – its most natural four-door coupe rivals – and it weighs more than 1,900kg.
The development of the car has been overseen by Kia engineering chief Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M division. “The brief was to make it sporty,” he told us, “but it still needed good long-distance comfort. It could not be a harsh car.”
In a first for Kia, the Stinger GT uses adaptive dampers, and owners can choose between a suite of modes using the Drive Mode Select system, adjusting steering, damping and throttle response, gearshift strategy and ESC intervention to suit the road type and driving style.
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