Kia Presses Ahead with Updated Stinger
Despite gaining almost global acclaim from the worldwide motoring media when it was launched, it would be something of an understatement to say the sales figures of the Kia Stinger have been somewhat disappointing. While other automakers might have decided to cut and run after so little commercial success with a new model, Kia is pressing ahead with an updated version of the Stinger and full details have just been released.
The refreshed styling of the updated Stinger was revealed in early August, but now we have full details of what else Kia has done to the Stinger to try and get more of its army of admirers to actually part with their money to buy one. The main focus of the upgrades is on the latest driver-assist and safety features and a new interior that's said to offer more space and comfort that the current version of the Kia sports saloon.
Thomas Schemera, the Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group, says of the car: "The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style." Schemera went on to add: "The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world."
Although the engines stay the same, the most powerful 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 will now get a new variable exhaust valve for a raunchier, sportier exhaust note, which also provides the Stinger GT with an extra 3PS to take its total output to 373PS and 510Nm of torque.
The centre of the dash will now be dominated by a new widescreen infotainment system and digital driver displays. Depending on the particular market and the specification, buyers will now be able to have the upgraded Stinger with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display, and an advanced split-screen display function will allow users to control or monitor several different vehicle features all at the same time.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that already featured in the Stinger will be carried over to the new version, but new features and updates will also be included to provide even better protection for the driver, their passengers and other road users. New features include Safe Exit Warning, Kia's cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor technology, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist and Rear Occupant Alert
An exact release date for the new Stinger will be announced soon, but the company has confirmed that deliveries will commence during the third quarter of 2020.
