Handling question

pendragn

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Hello everyone! I am seriously considering a 2022 stinger, and I wanted to get your feedback on one aspect of this car. Although I do like straight line performance, I really am looking for a vehicle that handles well in the twisties.

My previous vehicle was a GT86, but my wife has vetoed a small car like that going forward. Do you have any feedback you can give me on how well this car handles? Thank you.
 
I'd say it handles quite nicely... for the size/weight of the car... Not as nimble as say a bmw m440i gc more comparable to a non m-sport gran coupe, but it'll hold it's own... A lot of fun in the twisties with the power/lsd but it's not a "canyon carver" like the gt86 or mx-5... got a thousand pounds too much for that..

I'm coming from heavy wagons and love throwing large cars around twisty roads so i'm a little skewed perspective wise and compared to our e39 wagons, the stinger is far more tossable and is a better handling car even with the stock suspension than the old bmw was with completely refreshed suspension but not quite as good as our 2nd wagon on coilovers..

So, my feedback would be, don't go into a test drive of this car with an expectation of it being anything like a gt86 in the turns... but I still suggest a drive to see if the other qualities can make up for it's weight!.. Lot of people here have taken that fatal test drive... ha. ;)
 
I had a 4-series GC. I had to do a lot of modification to that to get it to be acceptable.

I see the Stinger the same way if you are coming from an 86 and you are looking for something that handles well. The stinger is pretty floaty and lazy in stock configuration. I remember many people with the BMW that said the electronic adjustable suspension was a "must". If you are looking for handling, I would agree with this. I've gotten my stinger "acceptable" by installing sways and better (wider) tires, but this car is not very aggressive in the non-electronic suspension trim. It's more of a luxury floater/GT in that sense. I think people are sugar-coating it in this thread.

The new M440 is supposed to be a significant step up, compared to the old chassis.

Typically, the non-sport suspension versions of all these cars are intended to be more GT luxury cars.
 
I had a Voyager van, so, you can't take anything I say seriously. But seriously, I toss this car around plenty and it impresses the heck out of me after three and a half years (I also have Eibach sway bars, and that turned it into a beast in the corners). As already said, it is relative to the size-weight of the GT design. I would not want a smaller car; I value the hatchback cargo space and rear leg room, etc. To have all of that plus power and cornering prowess, well, what more does anyone need? (eye popping lines don't hurt either)
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Hey pendragn,

As a Southern California native, I understand the love for twisty roads and canyons.

I have built all of my previous cars to be able to tear through any of my favorite back roads.

That being said, the Stinger is a phenomenal option for a family vehicle, but it won't sweep corners like your GT86.

The Stinger, however, will be much quicker through straights, much more powerful, more luxurious, and more versatile.

If you end up with a Stinger, I would suggest upgrading the springs & sway bars to give you confidence around the corners.

(click HERE
to view suspension options on our website)
 
There is also the Mando ECS10 gadget for adjust the electronic suspension further. It will help with suspension adjustment. It's not a 100% cure-all, but it helps, along with sways and maybe springs. I've done 3 track days in the Stinger (had never done them before) and I'm doing ok, although I now see I would like less body roll. I have Whiteline sways and ECS 10 - I may need springs at some point.
 
springs and sways and she's really good. heading to the track in 3 weeks, can't wait. no other track experience so I won't have much to compare it too. but I expect it to be plenty fun.
 
Just sway bars and it handles very well. It got rid of the inside rear lifting in corners and the front end became much more direct when entering corners
 
If you enjoy twisty roads I recommend you upgrade the sway bars as they lift handling of a car this size to another level & IMO make it a true GT.
I’ve had mine done since Oct. 2018 & love it, best mod you can do.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Kia Stinger
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