Automotive

Kia Stinger ducks under the 5-second 0-62 mph mark

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The Kia Stinger is one of the focal points of Kia's Seoul Motor Show booth
Kia
The Kia Stinger is one of the focal points of Kia's Seoul Motor Show booth
Kia
Kia will offer the Stinger with several engine options, including a range-topping 365-hp twin-turbo V6
Kia
Kia says that the Stinger will do the 0-62 mph sprint in under 5 seconds
Kia
Kia Stinger
Kia
Kia showed this new treatment for the Stinger in Seoul, yellow paint and a bunch of exterior carbon fiber trim
Kia
Kia debuts the Stinger at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Scott Collie/New Atlas
Kia debuts the Stinger at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Scott Collie/New Atlas
Kia debuts the Stinger at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Scott Collie/New Atlas
We don't think the Stinger will have any problems keeping its mechanicals cool
Scott Collie/New Atlas
While the 2011 GT Concept planted the seed that grew into the Stinger, the Novo Concept debuted at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show added a little water
The Novo's influence can be seen in the Stinger's face and embellished vents behind the front wheels
The 2011 Stinger concept helped inspire a production car debuted more than five years later
The GT Concept debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
The pillar-less opening didn't make it over to production
2011 Kia GT Concept
2011 Kia GT Concept
2011 Kia GT Concept
2011 Kia GT Concept
View gallery - 18 images

One of the breakout stars of NAIAS 2017, the Kia Stinger will be sliding onto the market later this year, giving sports car buyers an aggressive new fastback sedan to think about. Since January, Kia's been doing the obligatory rounds, holding the Stinger's European debut at Geneva earlier this month and now its Asian debut at the Seoul Motor Show, which opened on Thursday. At its home show, Kia has revealed a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) that's quicker than originally estimated, noting that the Stinger will do the sprint in under 5 seconds.

The adjusted 0-62 mph figure is tucked into a mostly boilerplate press release about Kia's Seoul Motor Show presence. The Stinger with 365-hp, 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine will fire to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, two-tenths quicker than the 5.1 seconds Kia was estimating at the car's Detroit debut. Those figures make it the quickest, most powerful Kia production car ever.

Kia has also dressed the Stinger up special for Seoul, drenching it in a bright yellow paint that brings back memories of another Kia Stinger: the 2014 GT4 Stinger concept. It doesn't have bumblebee stripes, but the Seoul Stinger's carbon fiber-finished front grille, air intakes and hood louvres give it plenty of contrast black.

Kia showed this new treatment for the Stinger in Seoul, yellow paint and a bunch of exterior carbon fiber trim
Kia

You might take off style points for being a bit busy with the sundry grilles, vents and louvres cut all over its body, but we think the Stinger is destined to be one of the sexier cars of 2017 in the "sports car we can actually afford" category. Kia hasn't released pricing yet, but those that don't need a sub-5-second 0-62 or 365 hp can save some money by opting for one of the smaller engines. In the US, that will be a 2.0-liter turbo, while other markets will get a 2.2-liter turbodiesel. Buyers will also have the choice of all- or rear-wheel drive.

Another interesting tidbit about the Stinger's Asian debut: for the first time Kia is showing the all-new Stinger with the GT Concept that helped pave its path. Kia doesn't seem to have any photos of those two posing together just yet, but if we find 'em we'll add to the gallery. In the meantime, we've included separate photos of the 2018 Stinger and the 2011 GT Concept for your viewing and comparing pleasure.

The GT Concept debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Source: Kia

View gallery - 18 images
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2 comments
jayedwin98020
It looks like Kia had it right the fist time, with the "GT4 Stinger" concept car.
Bob
Is this 0-62mph time from a front wheel drive or all wheel drive???