Let's run some numbers. Under the long bonnet lives a 3.3 litre twin turbocharged V6 good for 272kW and 510Nm. It is made for the traditionalist so that torque is sent exclusively to the rear wheels, albeit via an 8-speed automatic transmission. That qualifies it (for what its worth) as the fastest production KIA yet with a zero to hundred sprint time of just 4.9 seconds.
Look, it's not going to frighten the Germanic trio just yet, I refer to the BMW M4/M3, AMG C63 or Audi RS4 just yet, but in two weeks or so we'll be able to measure its value when KIA South Africa release official pricing. We'd guesstimate it at around R900k which would make it a performance bargain along the aformentioned stalwarts but only time will tell. Personally, I'd love the opportunity to test the broad chested Stinger GT on an empty racetrack with oversteer opportunities aplenty.
“Unlike any KIA that has come before it, the Stinger is the embodiment of an everyday dream car,” says Gary Scott, CEO of KIA Motors South Africa. And they mean it, thanks to extensive development at the Nurburgring.
You can find out more by visiting the kiastinger.co.za portal, such as information on the Harman/Kardon sound system, Nappa leather appointments and such. There's no talk of hybridisation or self-driving antics - this is KIA doing a real drivers car which in 2018 is almost a revelation (again).
Expect the car on our shores as soon as August 2018, pulling off lairy powerslides and rolling burnouts if we have anything to do about it.
KIA Stinger GT Specs:
| Price | n/a |
Engine
| 3.3litre twin-turbo petrol V6 |
| Power | 272kW |
| Torque | 510Nm |
| 0-100kph | 4.9sec |
