“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us and after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world, that dream is now a reality,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America.

Once the Stinger had finally been approved for production, goals were set that many believed would be out of reach for an automaker that has been most famous for producing fun and economical transportation. The development team was told this new car had to achieve the perfect balance of ride and handling and seat five comfortably with room for luggage. And so, it does.

Stinger exudes a muscular confidence. Its stance and visual balance are designed to lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than boy-racer aggression. The low-slung cabin with its steeply raked windshield and backlight sit toward the rear of the vehicle, creating a fast silhouette. Inside, all Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed interior. Available ultra-soft Nappa leather covers the deeply contoured seats and the driver’s seat has available air-cell bladders in the seatback and width-adjusting bolsters for optimal support and comfort.

The centre console is intuitively split into two specific areas: the infotainment controls sit neatly below a large colour touchscreen, while the climate and ventilation controls nestle beneath. A colour TFT screen between the gauges relays performance data such as cornering G-forces, lap times and engine-oil temperature, along with ancillary information such as the trip computer, driver settings, navigation and diagnostics.

The base Stinger rides on a standard “passive” suspension, while the GT is equipped with Kia’s first continuously damping, electronically controlled suspension system called Dynamic Stability Damping Control. The system is accessed by the driver through five modes (another Kia first): Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart.

The 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II engine produces 255 horsepower at 6,200 rpm with 260 lb.-ft. of maximum torque available from 1,400 – 4,000 rpm, propelling the Stinger from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Performance credentials are further enhanced through the available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, which produces 365 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and offers 376 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,300 – 4,500 rpm. As such, the Stinger GT accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and can reach a governed top speed of 268 km/h (167 mph).

Multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) seamlessly work together to enhance the driving experience. Yet another Kia first is the Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system which helps combat distracted or drowsy driving. Other advanced driver assist technologies include:

• Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)4 with pedestrian detection
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)

The Stinger is clearly not the kind of vehicle people normally associate with the Kia brand and must not only be seen but driven to truly appreciate. Call today to arrange a test drive and a full tour of your next sport sedan.