Stinger 2021 to get overhaul

[Stinger GT SS]

Interesting
Kia Stinger 2021 to get overhaul

 

[turboAWD]

If we those changes here, I just might NOT buy out the lease on my '19 GT1..

 

[app_master]

I think there is a bit of conjecture in that article... I'd rather see a more full-on performance edition prior to an overhaul. They have done some cosmetic type editions but something more might be enticing, maybe a limited run called a "GT+" or "GT-P" ... who knows? Like is said conjecture!

 

[robz32]

Hope they bring those changes/updates to the N.A market.

 

[Kamauxx]

If the 2021 Stinger was getting new engines the South Korean market would already have them.

 

[RVance]

Uh...other than the mildest assertion that there might be changes from Kia Australia, I don't read any specifics at all. But I would love to see real improvements. My worry is corner cutting in quality and features to make the Stinger more profitable.

 

[norinse]

If the 2021 Stinger was getting new engines the South Korean market would already have them.

Would they? I think the model years are just offset a bit. Like the 2020 arrived in Korea this summer, and they seem to get minor features first. for example, the current model year Stinger (whatever year they call it) has passenger seat controls on the upper part of the seat so the driver or rear passenger can move the seat, like on the Genesis g70.

Hyundai/Kia has the new ThetaIII engine coming on line to replace the aging ThetaII. There will be a 2.5L turbo version which likely become the new base engine in the Stinger and the Genesis G70. I think the engine debuts (in non-turbo form) in the new 2020 Hyundai Sonata as the base engine.

I think a 2021 "mild refresh" is likely for the Stinger, as Hyundai/Kia have followed this cycle for other models. For example, the Kia Niro EV/PHEV/Hybrid is getting a refresh for 2020, its fourth model year of production.

 

[robz32]

I think KIA may just increase the power output of the engine, while keeping it the same. Kind of like what Nissan is doing with the current VR38 on the GTR. At the same time it may do upgrades on the handling department.

 

[NS_Stinger]

This article is automotive fake news, nothing more than speculation and an automotive journalist writing a story for click bait. He took a quote from a KIA executive who would like to see something and flipped it as fact.

 

[norinse]

This article is automotive fake news, nothing more than speculation and an automotive journalist writing a story for click bait. He took a quote from a KIA executive who would like to see something and flipped it as fact.

True. Still fun to discuss and speculate on changes though.

 

[Devin]

It's going to get an "upgrades engine" eh? What a well-written piece.

 

[norinse]

It's going to get an "upgrades engine" eh? What a well-written piece.

There is a class of semi-professional bloggers who pose as automotive journalists; they lack the perks of journalism like fact-checkers, sources, or editors.

 

[antne]

"A source" , taking cues from The Washington (Com)Post

 

[Nasscar]

I think KIA may just increase the power output of the engine, while keeping it the same. Kind of like what Nissan is doing with the current VR38 on the GTR. At the same time it may do upgrades on the handling department.

I agree. The Stinger engine is brilliant and has only been in this car for 2 years. Can't imagine they would change it other than going hybrid/electric.

 

[norinse]

I agree. The Stinger engine is brilliant and has only been in this car for 2 years. Can't imagine they would change it other than going hybrid/electric.

Well I mean the new 3.5T is going to replace the 3.3T across all models eventually. It’s their new engine.

 

[Kamauxx]

I agree. The Stinger engine is brilliant and has only been in this car for 2 years. Can't imagine they would change it other than going hybrid/electric.

Model year 2020 is the 4th year for the Stinger. Before that the 3.3tt was used in the G80. In its current twin turbo format it's been around for more than 5 years. The 3.3L Lambda II has been used in a slew of Hyundais and Kias for a decade without the two turbos. Hyundai/Kia is smart to replace/upgrade it.

 

[Regs120]

To be honest the article reads as click bait. It disqualifies their own statement by stating other rumors like discontinuing the product line as well as not having any sources to its claims.

This is what the article is basing it on:

"Australia chief operating officer, Damien Meredith, said he would be happy for the car to live beyond a typical five-year lifecycle."

Which means absolutely nothing.

 

[RVance]

It's going to get an "upgrades engine" eh? What a well-written piece.

Maybe Aussie speak?

 

[Waynerm002]

KIA won't get their 2021 Stinger until next year. Seems like the engine development is what is holding up the launch new Genesis vehicles. The new 2.5T and 3.5T should debut on those cars, the new G80 and GV80 and GV70. Hyundai's Sonata N should have the NA 2.5T engine at some point. Hyundai did an advanced preview of the upcoming Sonata in the US, with the 1.6T and the 2.5 NA engines. It seems like they are making the 1.6T the top engine until the N version comes out. I suspect the Optima will get the same. Here is a video on it. Notice how they didn't show the engine designation on the car.

There are a lot of spy shots and information on Genesis cars, H/K did a tech event in Korea and showed both the 2.5T and 3.5T so we know they are coming. We haven't seen anything on a mid cycle Stinger refresh or testing but it doesn't mean it isn't happening. I believe we will see and hear more in the coming months.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

From the article:
{One of the reasons for the modest sales is Kia Australia’s decision to focus on the private market, and deliberately avoid potentially greater sales through fleet operators.

“What we’ve done is, apart from police, we’ve limited fleet business,” Meredith explained. “We’ve done that on purpose because we want it to remain a halo car.”}​

FWIW if they worked with rental companies to offer the Stinger GT2/3.3 GT Limited/$equivalentNameInWhatEverMarket as the luxury or a performance option in their rental fleets and not a stripped down Stinger, it would give more people an opportunity to give people a real experience of the car.

Also, when they hold back features from some markets in light of online reviews being available globally, they're killing their sales. For example, I'm holding off unless I can get all the UVO Intelligence/link features, either from Kia or emulated via DroneMobile, and the 3D gauges and rear LSD diff that SK are already getting in the G70 sibling would be a nice plus as well.

Kia/Hyundai, keep online reviews in mind before you consider holding back features from the market you originally designed the car for (USA). We see you holding back on us!