Waynerm002
2500 Posts Club!
In my opinion, if KIA wanted to sell more of the 2.0T, they should have given it more power and make it quieter than the Optima that a lot of folks are cross shopping it against. Put it up to around 300/310 (hp/tq), showcase it as a sporty option, similar to the "N" cars, while making the V6 be the better, bigger brother. My guess is they didn't want to push the power higher with the issues the other 2.0T engines have been experiencing. They should do like what the Europeans typically do, launch the more powerful version for a full year first. The world knew of the 3.3T, they could have topped it out at $45k all in, like it should have been, they would be flying selling a lot more as people drive them and saw the value. Then come out with a tiered approach of adding a GT and GT1 version and introduce a less powerful, but fun to drive 2.0T, as a well equipped entry level version (sort of like they are doing now).
It should have went like this, year 1 Stinger GT AWD $45k, like it came to the US in 2018, plus taking out the LKA and heads up display. Year 2 add base GT and GT1, top model gets GT2 adding in the missing items and price it at $48k, GT1 was the old Stinger GT. Base GT is a properly tuned track car which you can flog at the track and use as your daily driver (Korean WRX). Year 3, GT1 and 2 get a Sport Package option for their adaptive dampers, lowering springs and better sway bars for $2500. For another $2500 you get an engine tune to mid 400 hp/tq, better sport tuning (Sport+), sportier seats with leg extensions on both sides as well as adjustable bolsters and uprated brakes. Year 4, the face lifted version, with the new engines, introduced at the Ring again but this time in a Stinger GTS trim, with tuning like a proper M car. Limited version, with more power than the standard car and spec to beat the RS5 Sportback and M4, not on paper but on the road and track. 5000 units available worldwide, $65k all in. GT2 tops out at $57k with a Sport + package. Oh and a 10year/100K warranty and VIP treatment for Stinger owners with 3 years free maintenance (7/70K on the GTS with free maintenance for 4 years).
Oh, the 2.5T is a "N" tuned model out the box, one trim with only options being an appearance package, with a slight power bump. All cars get express up/down on all windows, better sound deadening heads-up display, standard. That's how think it should have been.
It should have went like this, year 1 Stinger GT AWD $45k, like it came to the US in 2018, plus taking out the LKA and heads up display. Year 2 add base GT and GT1, top model gets GT2 adding in the missing items and price it at $48k, GT1 was the old Stinger GT. Base GT is a properly tuned track car which you can flog at the track and use as your daily driver (Korean WRX). Year 3, GT1 and 2 get a Sport Package option for their adaptive dampers, lowering springs and better sway bars for $2500. For another $2500 you get an engine tune to mid 400 hp/tq, better sport tuning (Sport+), sportier seats with leg extensions on both sides as well as adjustable bolsters and uprated brakes. Year 4, the face lifted version, with the new engines, introduced at the Ring again but this time in a Stinger GTS trim, with tuning like a proper M car. Limited version, with more power than the standard car and spec to beat the RS5 Sportback and M4, not on paper but on the road and track. 5000 units available worldwide, $65k all in. GT2 tops out at $57k with a Sport + package. Oh and a 10year/100K warranty and VIP treatment for Stinger owners with 3 years free maintenance (7/70K on the GTS with free maintenance for 4 years).
Oh, the 2.5T is a "N" tuned model out the box, one trim with only options being an appearance package, with a slight power bump. All cars get express up/down on all windows, better sound deadening heads-up display, standard. That's how think it should have been.
