Author: Sal Collaziano

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2022 KIA STINGER SCORPION SPECIAL EDITION ARRIVES

Limited-Run Sport Sedan Sure to Sell Out Quickly

IRVINE, Calif., June 1, 2021 – When Kia America unveiled the refreshed 2022 Stinger it teased something special: The Scorpion Special Edition. But little information about this vehicle was provided at the time. Now, just weeks later, the Scorpion is arriving in dealers. Offered in limited batches of just 250 units per month and built exclusively for the U.S. market. It is expected to sell out quickly and is available on the GT2 RWD and AWD variants in three colors – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, and Ceramic Silver.

“Stinger was a wake-up call to a segment long populated by European sport sedans when it debuted in 2017 (as a 2018 model). It redefined what enthusiast drivers thought about Kia and proved we could compete against the best vehicles in a hotly contested space,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “Since then, Stinger has built a loyal following of those looking for something unique and the Scorpion is set to continue that approach.”

  • The Scorpion Special Edition features exclusive blacked out fender garnish, side mirror caps, and darkened exhaust tips
  • Unique body-colored rear spoiler
  • Distinctive 19-inch black wheels
  • Exclusive carbon fiber-pattern trim inside the cockpit
  • Available with a Red Nappa Leather or Black Nappa Leather interior

Pricing for the Scorpion Special Edition is $52,585 for RWD and $54,785 for AWD, excluding $1,045 in destination charges.   

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2019 Kia Stinger Named a Top Safety Pick

2019 KIA STINGER NAMED A TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS BY INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

Kia’s Fastback Sedan Earns Top Safety Ratings

  • Stinger’s optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection system earned “Superior” rating in testing
  • Latest accolade means a total of 10 Kia models are now included in the 2019 Insurance Institute Safety Awards when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights

IRVINE, Calif., June 5, 2019 — The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded its best rating possible, Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), to the 2019 Kia Stinger fastback sedan when equipped with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist1 with Pedestrian Detection and LED headlights2. The Stinger’s TSP+ rating increases the total number of Kia vehicles with 2019 Top Safety Pick3 or Top Safety Pick Plus4 ratings to 10.

“No detail was too small to be obsessed over during the Stinger’s development process,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA. “Stinger was engineered to be the fastest and highest performing vehicle in Kia’s history, undergoing the company’s most intense R&D effort to date, but it also continues Kia’s tradition of offering advanced collision avoidance systems. Earning another TSP+ award is just one more piece of evidence demonstrating our commitment to ‘Give it Everything.’”

To qualify for a 2019 TSP+ award, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint – as well as an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for front crash prevention and a “Good” headlight rating. The Stinger earned “Good” ratings for all six crashworthiness tests, and a “Superior” rating for the optional front crash prevention system, which helped it avoid collisions in the IIHS’s 12-mph and 25-mph track tests. The “Good” rating for the headlights applies to the Stinger’s static LED projector headlights.

The Stinger was the first Kia to introduce two new available technologies to the Kia Drive Wise suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Driver Attention Warning5 and Lane Keeping Assist6. Driver Attention Warning is designed to help combat distracted or drowsy driving in certain conditions. The system monitors a number of inputs from the vehicle and will sound a warning chime and display a graphic in the instrument binnacle that it’s time to take a break from driving if it detects inattentive driving practices. Lane Keeping Assist is designed to detect and monitor the vehicle’s intended lane and in certain situations, alert the driver with an audible warning along with providing steering input to help maintain the vehicle’s position.

1 Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA) is standard on Stinger Premium, GT1, and GT2 trims. FCA is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects in front of vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

2 Applies to static LED headlights on Stinger Premium, GT and GT1 trims

3 2019 Rio sedan models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights; applies to sedans only. (FCA-A and LED headlights available on S trim); 2019 Rio 5-door models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights; applies to sedans only. (FCA-A and LED headlights available on S trim); 2019 Soul gasoline models with optional Autonomous Emergency Braking and HID headlights (AEB available on Plus trims. HID available on Plus and Exclaim trims); 2019 Cadenza models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights. (FCA-A and LED headlights standard on Limited and Technology trims).

4 2019 Forte sedan models when equipped with optional LED headlights (available on S and EX trims); 2019 Niro models with optional autonomous emergency braking and HID headlights (HIDs and AEB standard on Touring trim, AEB optional on LX and EX trims); 2019 Niro PHEV models with HID headlights (standard on EX trim); 2019 Optima gasoline models with LED headlights (standard on SX trims); 2019 Sorento models with optional Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights (FCA-A standard on EX trims and higher. LEDs available on SX V6 trims and standard on SX-Limited V6 trims).

5 Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all instances inattentive driving practices. Failure to pay attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation could result in loss of vehicle control. Always drive safely and use caution.

6 Lane Keeping Assist is not a substitute for safe driving and may not detect all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

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Special Edition Stinger GTS – Enthusiasts Rejoice

2020 kia stinger gts

Limited Edition Stinger GTS Breaks Cover In New York with Dynamic AWD Tech, Racier Looks

  • Newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system adds drift mode
  • Bright orange paint color and genuine carbon fiber parts enhance the GTS treatment
  • Limited production

NEW YORK, April 17, 2019 – 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 GTS1 punches up its on-road prowess with a newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system2 (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®3
  • Headliner blanketed in premium suede-like Chamude®4

Handsomely and Affordably Equipped
Value continues to be pillar for the Stinger GTS, with lots of tech, creature comforts and driver assistance systems5. As part of the GTS treatment, the limited edition fastback includes:

  • Sunroof
  • 720-watt Harman/Kardon6 premium audio system with QuantumLogic7 and Clari-Fi8 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 MSRP9 starting around $44,000 for RWD and around $46,500 for D-AWD.

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KIA Stinger Receives First-Ever JD Power Engineering Award for Highest Rated All-New Vehicle

2018 Kia Stinger GT

Award Focused on Excellence in Automotive Engineering Bestowed on the Highest Performing Vehicle in Kia’s History

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2019 — After ushering in a dynamic new era for Kia Motors, the 2018 Stinger sportback has been awarded the first-ever J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle. Based on combined consumer evaluations included in the J.D. Power Initial Quality SM and APEALSM Studies, Kia is the first OEM to be recognized by J.D. Power for delivering the highest-rated new entry into the market for a model year.

“The Stinger is the result of years of hard work and dedication from the industry’s top designers and engineers. We turned what was once considered a dream car into a startling and enthralling new reality,” said Michael Cole, chief operating officer & EVP, Kia Motors America. “Being the first auto manufacturer to receive this prestigious award from J.D. Power, an organization known for excellence in research, is a true testament to Kia’s ‘Give It Everything’ philosophy.”

The J.D. Power Engineering Award for Highest-Rated All-New Vehicle combines the results of two well-known J.D. Power studies, the Initial Quality Study (IQS) which measures new-vehicle quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) as reported by consumers during the first 90 days of ownership; and the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, which measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles within the first 90 days of ownership. Categories evaluated include exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.

“This is the first time J.D. Power has analyzed customer data in order to identify a remarkable achievement by a vehicle development team,” said Doug Betts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. “This is feedback on both the quality and the performance of the vehicle taken straight from the owners of the vehicle. What we are seeing is a team of designers, R&D engineers and a manufacturing team that are working very effectively together to launch something quite exceptional.”

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Kia Stinger vs Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Kia Stinger evolved directly from the South Korean automaker’s GT concept car debuting back in 2011. Unlike most production vehicles, the Stinger has stayed true to its concept – with a wonderfully sculpted design, fastback proportions and a comfortable, roomy interior. The engine is powerful and the drive is spirited. According to most automotive experts around the globe, the design team at Kia Motors did a superb job rolling out the perfect car to take on its European rivals. With refined power and a fine balance between design and comfort, the Stinger has an imposing presence and stands out from the crowd. The interior marries a combination of classic and contemporary styling, realizing the evolution of Gran Turismo and bringing it to the doors of more frugal buyers.

On the other hand, Alfa Romeo used to be the epitome of speed and style in the past. It won the first ever F1 Grand Prix in 1950. These Italian cars used to be drop dead gorgeous. However, things have gone downhill gradually. While there were several false dawns since the turn of the millennium, Alfa Romeo never managed to recapture the hearts of automobile enthusiasts the way it did in the past. However, the FCA owned company is starting things afresh – and the Giulia, being a power pumping sports sedan, is its best try in a long time… Continue reading Kia Stinger vs Alfa Romeo Giulia