Kia undecided on 2nd Generation Stinger

[RVance]

Oh. Here I've been thinking that I read somewhere that the top trim (SX?) of the Optima had a 6cyl engine and turbos: and when I saw an Optima with twin exhaust pipes I was seeing one of those up-engined Optimas. (The sins of a "not a car guy" ) But, having admitted that: what is the difference between single and double exhaust pipes on the Optima trims? An Optima S, for instance, usually shows twin exhaust pipes; but some have only a single pipe. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...i1SmG5-a6dtlYx3UUYDdC7Vif0Ta4_AozAQ4URN5g2cAQ

According to the Kia site, there are four 2019 Optima trim levels in ascending order: LX, S, EX, SX. The LX and S get the standard unblown 2.4, but the S gets dual exhaust, which makes no sense unless one side is just for show (or else there should be a HP bump for the dual, which is not indicated). There is no indication that the S has a turbo option. The EX and SX models get the 1.6T and 2.0T, respectively, which also get dual exhaust, which I assume is a true DE system since these are the "performance" option engines. It took me a lot of time to figure this out, so you owe me your eternal gratitude.

 

[treston_cal]

According to the Kia site, there are four 2019 Optima trim levels in ascending order: LX, S, EX, SX. The LX and S get the standard unblown 2.4, but the S gets dual exhaust, which makes no sense unless one side is just for show (or else there should be a HP bump for the dual, which is not indicated). There is no indication that the S has a turbo option. The EX and SX models get the 1.6T and 2.0T, respectively, which also get dual exhaust, which I assume is a true DE system since these are the "performance" option engines. It took me a lot of time to figure this out, so you owe me your eternal gratitude.

There is the SX - Limited or SXL. It is an SX trim level with Limited Edition packages (mostly just a paint upgrade and interior upgrade)

 

[Stinger GT SS]

This would be nice as the 2nd Generation.

 

[StingerLover]

Beautiful, but needs more faux vents.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Beautiful, but needs more faux vents.

Not sure, but I’d have this bonnet (hood).

 

[Stinger GT SS]

 

[MerlintheMad]

According to the Kia site, there are four 2019 Optima trim levels in ascending order: LX, S, EX, SX. The LX and S get the standard unblown 2.4, but the S gets dual exhaust, which makes no sense unless one side is just for show (or else there should be a HP bump for the dual, which is not indicated). There is no indication that the S has a turbo option. The EX and SX models get the 1.6T and 2.0T, respectively, which also get dual exhaust, which I assume is a true DE system since these are the "performance" option engines. It took me a lot of time to figure this out, so you owe me your eternal gratitude.

People like you make the Internet worthwhile.

 

[Waynerm002]

This would be nice as the 2nd Generation.
View attachment 31693

For an electric version, that works. Like how the grill is fully closed off as no airflow needed there. Side vents for aero and brake cooling, nice lowered stance and some beefy wheel/tire setup. I would take one. The new 2.5T tuned to 300hp/tq and electric motors to bring it to 400+, makes for a nice daily driver/commuter vehicle and a corner carver if done right. I'm know one of the few that would prefer a hybrid version and would want something that looks like this oen.

 

[Kamauxx]

This would be nice as the 2nd Generation.
View attachment 31693

The grille looks strange. It looks like a current Stinger that's been sucking on a lemon.

 

[westcoastGT]

on the issue of Halo car ................... This Forum is a testament to the degree of involvement that the Stinger has generated and the passion it has created . While the Stinger may not be even close to the sales volume generated by the new Telluride I can attest to the degree of enthusiasm this Forum displays vs the Telluride Forum . I have been following the Telluride since it was announced and its on my short list to replace my current SUV . I was a "Founding Member" of Sals Telluride Forum .................2 weeks ago I signed out , there is no where near the degree of excitement or involvement and certainly very little passion amongst the members there .
The Stinger has created true enthusiasts .....................it has done a great job for moving the needle in a positive way , that will translate to future brand involvement

 

[StingerLover]

on the issue of Halo car ................... This Forum is a testament to the degree of involvement that the Stinger has generated and the passion it has created . While the Stinger may not be even close to the sales volume generated by the new Telluride I can attest to the degree of enthusiasm this Forum displays vs the Telluride Forum . I have been following the Telluride since it was announced and its on my short list to replace my current SUV . I was a "Founding Member" of Sals Telluride Forum .................2 weeks ago I signed out , there is no where near the degree of excitement or involvement and certainly very little passion amongst the members there .
The Stinger has created true enthusiasts .....................it has done a great job for moving the needle in a positive way , that will translate to future brand involvement

A year and a half later, I am still encountering strangers looking hard from afar, asking/commenting about it, and even taking pictures! The problem would seem to be more Kia than the car.

 

[Jay Tea]

Regarding a Wish List for a next-gen model:
* NO faux front vents or grills - these do nothing for aerodynamics or performance, yet are un-cleanable bug catchers
* NO electric - until a single charge can travel ~800+ miles
* Better suspension to match pork weight - existing is soft in real world high-speed twisties
* More consistent brakes - existing electric-assist sucks when strafing serious mountain roads

Other than minor niggles, the first-gen meets my expectations for an affordable, out-of-the-box, Gran Turismo (long distance comfort, quiet, smooth, powerful, road-capable).

Of course, no one knows if anyone at KIA reads these forums ... ?

 

[westcoastGT]

A year and a half later, I am still encountering strangers looking hard from afar, asking/commenting about it, and even taking pictures! The problem would seem to be more Kia than the car.

.............I agree but the segment is also in steep decline so it is a bit of an uphill battle , I too get very positive comments and looks but you wont find KIA on my car anywhere ( except etched into the glass )

 

[MerlintheMad]

A year and a half later, I am still encountering strangers looking hard from afar, asking/commenting about it, and even taking pictures! The problem would seem to be more Kia than the car.

I think that Kia is aware, and savvy. They launched this car and it has a life of its own which translates into free advertising. Our observations about "crap marketing" (little advertising) are only comparative: we see ads for other models and wonder where the advertisements for the Stinger are. But Kia won't spend money on redundancy. The Stinger is already gaining daily in the public awareness, because of us.

 

[MerlintheMad]

NO faux front vents or grills - these do nothing for aerodynamics or performance, yet are un-cleanable bug catchers

What fake front vents/grills? There are four fake vents in the GT trims: hood and behind the rear wheel wells.

 

[Devin]

I don't understand the sales volume concerns. My interpretation of "halo car" is a low volume, upmarket car that gets people into the showroom. We're they expecting much higher numbers? If so is it really a halo car, or is it just a high performance Kia?

 

[Kamauxx]

The Stinger isn't a halo car. I can't think of a car company producing a "halo" car that starts at $32k.

The K900 ( ) is a halo car.

 

[StingerLover]

The Stinger isn't a halo car.

The K900 ( ) is a halo car.

Say halo to my little friend!

 

[Devin]

The Stinger isn't a halo car. I can't think of a car company producing a "halo" car that starts at $32k.

The K900 ( ) is a halo car.

According to Mr. Guillaume it is.

 

[MerlintheMad]

The Stinger isn't a halo car. I can't think of a car company producing a "halo" car that starts at $32k.

The K900 ( ) is a halo car.

"Here’s what Gregory Guillaume, vice president and senior chief designer of Kia’s styling studio in Germany, told CarAdvice.com at the Frankfurt Auto Show: “At the moment I’m not sure it’s doing as good as we hoped.” We never really expected to do massive volumes. It was a halo car."
Kia Stinger Might not Come Back, Company Hints