Kia has not only confirmed that the updated Stinger retains its likeable 3.3-litre V6, but also added to its output - albeit via a marginal 3hp thanks to a new exhaust. More important than the number is the claim of a more aggressive tone in Sport mode – something we’re hoping will lessen the need for the imitation V6 noises pumped through the speakers of the outgoing GT-S. It’s joined by a raft of other changes inside and out, as per facelift tradition.
The new exhaust system, which gets the bigger-bore tailpipes we were first shown two weeks back (in the story below), features a butterfly valve that, when closed in normal modes, quietens the engine. But when open Kia says the system produces “a more prominent, deeper exhaust note”, which is promising given the model's previous weak point.
While there’s a trace more power at the 6,000rpm peak, maximum torque remains 376lb ft as before, arriving from 1,300rpm to 4,500rpm. Kia makes no mention of changes to the car’s eight-speed automatic transmission, so we’re expecting the same long-legged GT performance, including a 4.7-second 0-62mph time and limited 168mph top speed. Numbers that comfortably rank the Stinger atop Kia’s performance pile and mean it’s competitive enough in a segment soon to receive a new BMW 440i Gran Coupe.
The V6 changes head a list of updates for the wider Stinger line-up, with small exterior tweaks, including a new rear diffuser and more prominent alloys, available in both 18- and 19-inch flavours. It remains a smart and a refreshingly light-of-grille design. Inside, the changes centre around a new infotainment system with a 10.25-inch widescreen and an optional TFT instrument cluster of 4.2-inch display. As with the exterior, it’s less screen, more traditional than rivals – and comes with a raft of other new tech, including a predictable plethora of driver assist features.
That’s it for now, because pricing and final UK specifications will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Until then, let’s just be happy that the V6 hasn't been deemed too emission heavy for European market - and is very likely to finally sound the part, too.
Original story: 12/08/2020
Kia has released the first images of its facelifted Stinger before the refreshed model reaches global markets in the third quarter of 2020, showing what to expect both inside and out, and leaving a few clues that make us confident that the twin-turbo V6 will be retained at the top of its line-up. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe rival gets several design tweaks, with altered LED headlights, darker taillights and a larger infotainment screen on the dash the most noticeable.
There are more in the details, though, like in the rear lights, which get ten individual LED units for each indicator, arranged in a grid pattern to “mimic the appearance of a chequered flag”. Racy. Same goes for the new, optionable wide-bore exhaust surrounds, which, with a tweaked rear diffuser and more prominent alloys (both 18- and 19-inch rims are available), add further sporting intent to the design. It remains handsome, with far less grille than you know what.
Kia’s also upped the level of customisation offered for its top model. Sportier variants get a new Dark Package that adds a gloss black diffuser surround and black wide-bore exhaust tips, while the Stinger emblem on the boot is also finished in black. The different badges on the pictured car are domestic market only, by the way, where a logo that emphasises the car’s rear-wheel drive layout has been used since the Stinger’s 2017 launch. Facelifted British-spec cars will retain the familiar Kia logo on their nose and wheels.
Inside, the five seater’s dashboard receives a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with new moodlighting that features 64 different colours to suit your every mood. Additionally, there’s a frameless rear-view mirror, and some of the interior materials have been upgraded. UK cabin options are yet to be confirmed, but in Korea there will be more variations of seat trim offered, with a Nappa leather option that can be finished in black, red or beige, with contrasting stitching. We’d expect similar, if not the same, for the UK.
As for the powerplants, Kia’s remained tight-lipped and kept this first announcement focussed on the design changes. But PH has its sources and they reckon that – despite ongoing speculation that the twin-turbo V6 would succumb to emissions limits – the GT-S will retain its 440i-rivalling 3.3-litre motor. While its 225g/km CO2 output is a little on the high side these days, sales are said to have been too strong for Kia to drop the V6 top dog. Plus, it really is rather good, and in the launch car it had 370hp, so we’d expect at least the same this time around.
Great news, we think you’ll all agree, for a car that remains an appealing leftfield choice in a sea of German alternatives. And now that the Bavarian option has such a divisive face, perhaps the Kia's appeal will grow even more. We’ll have a better idea when details of the facelifted Stinger’s oily bits are announced in the coming weeks.
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