Dennis
Active Member
Another for the contribution.
After just one standing-start acceleration blast through the gears, I almost wanted to get out and check the badge on the nose. This thing is a Kia? Why, yes, it sure is—says so right there. That said, in a side-by-side proficiency run, this newcomer would leave a V-8-powered Dodge Charger Daytona sucking its exhaust fumes.
Kia showed off the racy GT Concept seven years ago at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. And now comes the new-for-2018 production Stinger GT—looking almost exactly like the concept car and boasting a thunderous, 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 behind its dramatic prow.
Kia claims a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds but to me, the GT feels even quicker than that. Top speed is an electronically limited 167 mph—which is to say, this new Kia is ready to eat BMWs, Audis, and Benzes for lunch—and then gulp down that Charger Daytona for dessert.
Though the Stinger GT is available with optional all-wheel drive ($2,200), my tester was a rear-driver. And it packed plenty of standard good stuff with its $39,250 base sticker: Brembo brakes front and rear, heated front seats, 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, keyless pushbutton start, and much more.
My test car also included the optional ADAS driver-assistance package ($2,000), which adds such safety features as blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning and avoidance. So for just $41,250 you’re out the door with a dashing, leather-lined, luxuries-abounding four-door hatch that also happens to run like it owes somebody money.
The cabin is an attractive and roomy space, though you’d never say it boasts the richness or artful flair of just about any Audi cockpit. (And it’s worth noting: You can option a Stinger GT well past $50K.) That said, it works just fine. The controls—both hard buttons and the center touchscreen—are laid out intelligently and work splendidly. No searching for some hard-to-find switch; no fuss whatsoever. As for room, I drove with three passengers along on several occasions and nobody ever complained about the accommodations. The rear seat is generously sized and under the rear hatch lies enough space to stash a ton of cargo. I filled it with six bags of groceries and had lots of room to spare. 2018 Kia Stinger GT 3.3T RWD One Week Review | Automobile Magazine
After just one standing-start acceleration blast through the gears, I almost wanted to get out and check the badge on the nose. This thing is a Kia? Why, yes, it sure is—says so right there. That said, in a side-by-side proficiency run, this newcomer would leave a V-8-powered Dodge Charger Daytona sucking its exhaust fumes.
Kia showed off the racy GT Concept seven years ago at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. And now comes the new-for-2018 production Stinger GT—looking almost exactly like the concept car and boasting a thunderous, 365-hp twin-turbo V-6 behind its dramatic prow.
Kia claims a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.7 seconds but to me, the GT feels even quicker than that. Top speed is an electronically limited 167 mph—which is to say, this new Kia is ready to eat BMWs, Audis, and Benzes for lunch—and then gulp down that Charger Daytona for dessert.
Though the Stinger GT is available with optional all-wheel drive ($2,200), my tester was a rear-driver. And it packed plenty of standard good stuff with its $39,250 base sticker: Brembo brakes front and rear, heated front seats, 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, keyless pushbutton start, and much more.
My test car also included the optional ADAS driver-assistance package ($2,000), which adds such safety features as blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning and avoidance. So for just $41,250 you’re out the door with a dashing, leather-lined, luxuries-abounding four-door hatch that also happens to run like it owes somebody money.
The cabin is an attractive and roomy space, though you’d never say it boasts the richness or artful flair of just about any Audi cockpit. (And it’s worth noting: You can option a Stinger GT well past $50K.) That said, it works just fine. The controls—both hard buttons and the center touchscreen—are laid out intelligently and work splendidly. No searching for some hard-to-find switch; no fuss whatsoever. As for room, I drove with three passengers along on several occasions and nobody ever complained about the accommodations. The rear seat is generously sized and under the rear hatch lies enough space to stash a ton of cargo. I filled it with six bags of groceries and had lots of room to spare. 2018 Kia Stinger GT 3.3T RWD One Week Review | Automobile Magazine
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But seriously, he makes his points without a sneer...
