Limited Edition Stinger GTS

[Kia Stinger News]

Since its debut nearly two years ago, the Kia Stinger has quickly become a crowd favorite, and at the New York International Auto Show, Kia Motors America gave driving purists yet another compelling reason to check out Kia’s highest performing sport sedan. Limited to just 800 units, the special edition Stinger GTS[SUP]1[/SUP] punches up its on-road prowess with a newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system[SUP]2 [/SUP](D-AWD) that inspires more spirited driving. With sport-inspired styling elements including genuine carbon fiber parts and a splashy new color that demands even more attention, the limited edition GTS is the one automotive enthusiasts will be lining up to drive.

Closing the Gap
During its short time on the market, the Stinger has established itself as a true competitor in the sport sedan segment with performance figures strong enough to embarrass its German rivals. Along the way, it has also redefined the Kia brand and consumer perception. But with all the praise and accolades the Stinger has received, Albert Biermann, head of research and development, strived for more. The result is a new version of the Stinger’s all-wheel-drive system peppered with rear-wheel drive DNA. Dubbed D-AWD, the system has been tweaked to close the gap in behavior between the AWD-equipped and RWD-equipped Stinger GT.

• Mechanical limited slip rear differential is added to the D-AWD system, which is designed to enhance traction and distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels when slip is detected
• Drive Mode Select amplifies rear-biased dynamics
  • Comfort mode sends 60 percent of power to the rear for feeling of stability
  • Sport mode sends 80 percent of power to the rear for more spirited driving
  • Drift mode sends up to 100 percent of power to the rear wheels and holds gears without upshifting
• New Control Logic
  • Slip Control and Counter Steer Detection
  • Transmission Shift Pattern
  • Stability Control

Available in either D-AWD or RWD, the Stinger GTS maintains the Stinger GT’s potent powertrain underneath the hood.

• 3.3-liter V6 twin turbo
  • 365 horsepower
  • 376 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission

The Hot Spot in the Stinger Lineup
Aside from what lies beneath, the GTS shows it’s not your average Stinger thanks to a number of exterior and interior enhancements tailored to make it look ready for time on the track or carving hairpin turns.

Exterior enhancements include:

• Exclusive “Federation” premium orange paint color
• Genuine carbon fiber parts that outline the signature tiger nose grille, side mirror caps and side vents
• GTS rear emblem
• Center Stinger emblem replaces the Kia logo on the trunk lid for more custom appearance

Inside, the Stinger GTS adds more premium materials befitting of a true driver’s car.

• Steering wheel and center console swathed in Alcantara[SUP]®3
  [/SUP]
• Headliner blanketed in premium suede-like Chamude[SUP]®4
  
  [/SUP]

Handsomely and Affordably Equipped
Value continues to be pillar for the Stinger GTS, with lots of tech, creature comforts and driver assistance systems[SUP]5[/SUP]. As part of the GTS treatment, the limited edition fastback includes:

• Sunroof
• 720-watt Harman/Kardon[SUP]6[/SUP] premium audio system with QuantumLogic[SUP]7[/SUP] and Clari-Fi[SUP]8 [/SUP]signal enhancing technology
• Wireless charger for compatible smartphones

Keeping it competitive, the Stinger GTS hits the sweet spot in terms of pricing. With a start of production planned for this spring, the limited edition GTS is expected to have an MSRP[SUP]9[/SUP] starting around $44,000 for RWD and around $46,500 for D-AWD.

[HR][/HR][SUP]1[/SUP] Stinger GTS is expected Spring 2019 with limited availability.

[SUP]2[/SUP] No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive safely

[SUP]3[/SUP] Alcantara is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A

[SUP]4[/SUP] Chamude is a registered trademark of Kolon Industries, Inc

[SUP]5[/SUP] Driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

[SUP]6[/SUP] Harman/Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

[SUP]7[/SUP] QuantumLogic is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

[SUP]8[/SUP] Clari-Fi is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

[SUP]9[/SUP] MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

 

[VegasStinger]

Interior looks beautiful

 

[Kale808]

Sad no horsepower bump.

 

[dvinell]

Horsepower bump is the last thing it needs.
But Orange-Only is a bit of a brave colour decision, and a bi-modal exhaust option would have been good.

Like the look of the D-AWD updates, LSD and the carbon bits, though.

 

[CKeeler]

Just saw this article on Autoblog. There’s your Stinger boys and girls. Just the way you want it

 

[Drabon74]

Lol @ the performance version with the same boat anchor heavy stock wheels. How hard would it have been to come up with something 5-7Lbs lighter per wheel? The aftermarket already has wheels 15lbs lighter at very reasonable prices.

 

[TimS]

Orange-only? Pass.

The rest sounds nice, though!

 

[spider55]

So basically, they added some carbon fiber, badging, alcantara and orange paint, 90% of us have a hell of a lot more then that car, minus the orange paint. That's weird how the MSRP on that car is 44,000 for the RWD and my cars MSRP was 46,000, I don't get it.

They should have changed the exhaust, wheels, engine power a long with the carbon fiber and other parts they put on the car.

 

[SpaceGhost]

They should put the LSD on all AWD models. My only complaint about this car is anytime a wheel loses traction it puts the brakes on. Not good for a 50K car

 

[BCKia]

If they're going to call this a GT "S" I would expect a lot more than this.