The 2.0-liter turbo is an altogether common occurrence in the Kia model lineup. However, unlike your Optima 2.0T, the new Stinger puts the power down at the back.
The Stinger GT is undoubtedly the star of the show right now, with its 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering sports car performance. But they just launched a four-cylinder model in South Korea this week, and it's not that bad.
The engine produces 256 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque. Naturally, hot hatch outputs deliver hot hatch performance, as the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is dealt with in 6 seconds. But the top speed is a little disappointing: 232 km/h claimed, and only 225 km/h reached in this test.
The base model Stinger weighs 1,670 kilograms and uses 225/40 R19 front tires with 255/35 R19 ones at the back. With the cruise control set to 90 km/h, this Korean four-door coupe averages 7.9 km/l which is equivalent to just over 12 l/100km, which isn't that great.
If it's fuel economy you're after, Kia also makes a 2.2-liter diesel version of the car. But at 200 horsepower, you trade a lot of the performance, plus you're not going to be able to buy this version in America.
As a 2018 model year vehicle, the Stinger is still awaiting official pricing in the States. However, the base model with the 2-liter is expected to sticker at $30,000 while the V6 with all the performance goodies will go over $50,000.
The Stinger is Kia's first premium sports sedan. It competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, and its sister car, the Genesis G80 Sport. The V6-powered Stinger GT is the fastest accelerating Kia in production. We're not surprised that it's a good-looking machine. As you can see from the photo gallery we've attached, it's got the signature tiger-nose grille, bold intakes, and headlights. Our favorite feature is the Porsche Panamera-like cargo hatch.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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