Kia Stinger: On The Move In Extreme Mode

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Kia Stinger is the sporty flagship of the Koreans. Now the manufacturer has technically pepped up its sports car even further.

This car is probably one of the most famous strangers on German roads. Encountering the Kia Stinger in the wild takes patience. Because the Korean sister of Hyundai has sold just under 2000 copies of its fine sports sedan in the last 18 months. The five-door sweeps away a number of prices and is considered the showpiece of Kia par excellence, as it provided a completely new image for the company, which is otherwise known for rather dignified everyday models.

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The story of the Stinger began back in 2011 at the Frankfurt IAA. At that time Kia surprised with the study of a sporty sedan in the style of a classic Grand Turismo (GT). This abbreviation has always stood for quite spacious limousines for the “long journey”, but with high performance they could also cut a good figure on the racetrack.

A dream project for Schreyer

The then head of design Peter Schreyer remembers: “This car was a dream project for me and my colleagues because we got the chance to design a real GT, a car in which one can travel in style.” When the series Stinger then six Years later it actually hit the market. Above all, the Koreans wanted to prove: "Kia can do it". Nobody really thought the young company (first car 1975) could do it.

In any case, the numbers on paper prove that “Kia can do it”. 3.3-liter petrol engine with twin turbo, 366 hp, top 270 km / h, 5.5 seconds to 100 km / h and all-wheel drive.

And it is precisely the latter that is the reason to take a closer look at the Korean high-flyer: A mechanical limited-slip differential now intervenes on the rear axle when more grip is required in brisk corners. Completely new control electronics also make it possible to automatically distribute the engine power even more sensitively to the two axes.

ESP is switched off

The result: In the new Extreme Sport + mode, the front wheels are freed from any propulsion and the otherwise helpful ESP is switched off. We know that from powerhouses like the AMG models from Mercedes or Porsche. However, these "competitors" cost almost twice as much. The stinger update gives the bargain from Korea an ability that was previously largely denied it.

The Stinger can now "drift", ie slide across bends on smooth ground with the steering turned against the direction of travel and simultaneous acceleration.

Admittedly, this new property is not really needed. The previous customers of the strongest Kia, including many freelancers with a penchant for affordable specials, will probably rarely spend their free time on water-soaked surfaces with a smooth surface. But when you're whispering horsepower in a golf club or at a party, the license to drift is certainly a welcome topic of conversation. Anyway, Kia is at least thinking about offering organized sports and drift events for customers. True to the motto: “We are the stingers”, which by the way stands for “sting” in English.

Good equipment included

A sting in the fur of the established high-priced brands, especially from Germany? Above all, the pricing of the Kia makes a stab. For around 56,000 euros, you get great performance including all-wheel drive. Many other expensive delicacies are included in the price. Examples are nappa leather, a navigation system that is a bit dated, a head-up display, LED headlights, distance radar and an almost complete range of other assistance systems. The surcharge list only includes a sliding glass roof and two other types of leather.

The often praised, surprisingly superior driving characteristics of the Stinger have been retained in the update that is now being launched. A fun car that can also take a leisurely pace, in which five adults can go on a trip and let it rip. Everything packaged in a refreshing exterior from the pen of design icon Peter Schreyer. Actually, nothing stands in the way of the success of the Stinger if this type of car is on the wish list.

But: Drivers in this class usually use the means of transport paid for by the company for work; the models are usually determined by company policy. And a Kia is not the first choice in this country. (SP-X)