Here it is, the facelift.

Official communication from KIA Global News Room which bring some more precisions. My new take aways:
  • Facelift is said to be available in many market world wild this year... (contradicting Car&Driver / Motor Trend etc. ) and contradicting KIA US web site " Stating:
    • All 21MY Stinger
      • Carryover from 20MY
      • Add red interior to V6 Panthera Gray models
  • 8" screen with still be available on lower trims replacing the 7" screen
  • Blind Spot Monitor will be available on trims with 360 camera and 7" supervision dashscreen
  • Variable Exhaust will be standard on the 3.3t (except Europe). 3 more HP is because of the exhaust.
  • Wireless carplay / android auto to be available when paired with 10.25" display

-----------------------

  • New design packages for Kia’s gran turismo fastback sports sedan
  • New ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi launched for Korea, U.S. and Mexico
  • New variable exhaust valve for improved 3.3-liter T-GDi exhaust tone in several markets
  • Updated technologies with ‘connected’ 10.25-inch infotainment system
  • Enhanced safety features include new Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Upgraded model on-sale globally starting from the third quarter of 2020
The updated Kia Stinger is revealed in full detail for the first time today, with the high-performance fastback sports sedan boasting a range of upgrades to amplify its gran turismo character.

In addition to its refreshed design, revealed earlier this month, the enhanced Kia Stinger includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort. For North America, the upgraded model is also now offered with a powerful new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

“The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world.”

The new Kia Stinger will go on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales due to commence in many of Kia’s global markets later in the year.

New 2.5-liter T-GDi added to high-performance powertrain line-up

The upgraded Stinger offers a revised range of three powerful turbocharged gasoline engines, in line with its reputation as the most performance-focused car that Kia makes. Each engine offers swift acceleration and rapid responses to driver input, while offering a refined grand touring experience for steady cruises.

A new engine has been added to the Stinger line-up exclusively for North American customers. The new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine sits directly between the two existing gasoline powertrains, producing 304 ps at 5,800 rpm. The maximum torque of the new four-cylinder engine, 422 Nm, is accessible from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, making it easy for drivers to build and maintain speed in all conditions.

The most powerful engine in the Stinger line-up, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter T-GDi V6 from Kia’s ‘Lambda’ engine family, remains unchanged, save for a new Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system*. This features a small butterfly valve in the exhaust which opens and closes, producing a more prominent, deeper exhaust note in Sport driving modes, or a quieter, more subdued exhaust note in Eco or Comfort mode. As well as enhancing the sound quality, the revised exhaust flow path helps to liberate an extra 3 ps from the engine (for a total of 373 ps at 6,000 rpm). Its 510 Nm torque is accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, giving the Stinger effortless performance everywhere.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Theta’ engine, also available since the car’s launch in 2017, is unchanged, producing 255 ps at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.

All three engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, matching the car’s long-legged gran turismo personality.

New widescreen infotainment systems and digital driver displays

At the center of the Stinger’s upgraded cabin is an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, providing new functionality to meet customers’ changing expectations of in-car technology.

Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth multi-connection enables users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. Its advanced split-screen display lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of different widgets. The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Drivers have a choice of two instrument cluster displays, based on vehicle specification. The standard 3.5-inch mono-TFT cluster is now replaced with a larger 4.2-inch color-TFT LCD cluster, delivering improved visibility and displaying a wider range of information to the driver. In addition, a fully-digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is available – a full-color display with vivid graphics for different driving modes, delivering crystal-clear information to the driver.

Technologies to improve everyday usability

The upgraded Stinger features a series of new ‘connected car’ features to improve convenience for owners in many countries. Depending on market and vehicle specification, among these technologies is a Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key.

In certain markets, Kia’s UVO App can be used to pre-activate the Stinger’s seat heating and ventilation functions remotely, creating a comfortable temperature before entering the car and avoiding the inconvenience of sitting on a hot or cold seat.

New ADAS technologies to assist drivers and protect passengers

The upgraded Kia Stinger carries over the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that it offered previously, as well as a series of new features and updates to provide even better protection for the driver, their passengers and other road users.

Depending on market and vehicle specification, the ADAS range in the Stinger is comprehensive, with many of the existing systems newly updated:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) now offers protection when turning across the road into a junction by identifying oncoming traffic on the other side of the road. Furthermore, it offers increased activation range when detecting a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) is now able to detect the edge of a road, as well as the lines in the road, providing steering assistance to prevent the driver leaving their lane without signaling
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) provides an enhancement over the existing Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). Instead of simply warning drivers of cars in adjacent lanes on the highway, BCA helps drivers avoid a potential collision by applying differential braking
  • For Europe, the upgraded Stinger now features Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) based on traffic sign recognition
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW) now has an increased operating speed of up to 210 kph, and also alerts drivers if they fail to notice the car in front move off from a stop
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) helps drive around curved sections of a highway, automatically reducing the vehicle’s speed to an appropriate level before entering the curve. It reverts to the original speed as the vehicle leaves the curve
  • A similar updated has been made for reversing out of parking bays, with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) now helping to prevent collisions with crossing vehicles while reversing (previously the system only warned the driver)
The following new ADAS technologies and convenience features have been added to the Stinger for the first time:

  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW) detects vehicles coming up from behind on either side of the Stinger when parked and stopped, alerting occupants with a sound and visual warning if they attempt to open the door into oncoming traffic
  • Kia’s cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) technology acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by eliminating a driver’s left- and right-side blind spots. It displays a high-resolution video feed within the ‘Supervision’ digital instrument cluster if the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle in their blind spot. The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle lenses hidden beneath the door mirror housings, giving drivers a wider viewing angle of their blind spots
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps the vehicle stay in the center of its lane
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA) helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front on the highway, and keep the car in the center of its lane, even on a curved road
  • Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) provides a warning to the driver if they leave behind any pets or children when they exit the car


*Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve fitted as standard to all 3.3-liter T-GDi models except those sold in Europe and Russia (which produce 370 ps at 6,000 rpm, and 510 Nm across 1,300-4,500 rpm)
 
Official communication from KIA Global News Room which bring some more precisions. My new take aways:
  • Facelift is said to be available in many market world wild this year... (contradicting Car&Driver / Motor Trend etc. ) and contradicting KIA US web site " Stating:
    • All 21MY Stinger
      • Carryover from 20MY
      • Add red interior to V6 Panthera Gray models
  • 8" screen with still be available on lower trims replacing the 7" screen
  • Blind Spot Monitor will be available on trims with 360 camera and 7" supervision dashscreen
  • Variable Exhaust will be standard on the 3.3t (except Europe). 3 more HP is because of the exhaust.
  • Wireless carplay / android auto to be available when paired with 10.25" display

-----------------------

  • New design packages for Kia’s gran turismo fastback sports sedan
  • New ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi launched for Korea, U.S. and Mexico
  • New variable exhaust valve for improved 3.3-liter T-GDi exhaust tone in several markets
  • Updated technologies with ‘connected’ 10.25-inch infotainment system
  • Enhanced safety features include new Blind-Spot View Monitor
  • Upgraded model on-sale globally starting from the third quarter of 2020
The updated Kia Stinger is revealed in full detail for the first time today, with the high-performance fastback sports sedan boasting a range of upgrades to amplify its gran turismo character.

In addition to its refreshed design, revealed earlier this month, the enhanced Kia Stinger includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort. For North America, the upgraded model is also now offered with a powerful new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

“The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world.”

The new Kia Stinger will go on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales due to commence in many of Kia’s global markets later in the year.

New 2.5-liter T-GDi added to high-performance powertrain line-up

The upgraded Stinger offers a revised range of three powerful turbocharged gasoline engines, in line with its reputation as the most performance-focused car that Kia makes. Each engine offers swift acceleration and rapid responses to driver input, while offering a refined grand touring experience for steady cruises.

A new engine has been added to the Stinger line-up exclusively for North American customers. The new ‘Smartstream’ 2.5-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine sits directly between the two existing gasoline powertrains, producing 304 ps at 5,800 rpm. The maximum torque of the new four-cylinder engine, 422 Nm, is accessible from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm, making it easy for drivers to build and maintain speed in all conditions.

The most powerful engine in the Stinger line-up, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter T-GDi V6 from Kia’s ‘Lambda’ engine family, remains unchanged, save for a new Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve system*. This features a small butterfly valve in the exhaust which opens and closes, producing a more prominent, deeper exhaust note in Sport driving modes, or a quieter, more subdued exhaust note in Eco or Comfort mode. As well as enhancing the sound quality, the revised exhaust flow path helps to liberate an extra 3 ps from the engine (for a total of 373 ps at 6,000 rpm). Its 510 Nm torque is accessible from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, giving the Stinger effortless performance everywhere.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder ‘Theta’ engine, also available since the car’s launch in 2017, is unchanged, producing 255 ps at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm.

All three engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, matching the car’s long-legged gran turismo personality.

New widescreen infotainment systems and digital driver displays

At the center of the Stinger’s upgraded cabin is an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, providing new functionality to meet customers’ changing expectations of in-car technology.

Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Bluetooth multi-connection enables users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. Its advanced split-screen display lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of different widgets. The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Drivers have a choice of two instrument cluster displays, based on vehicle specification. The standard 3.5-inch mono-TFT cluster is now replaced with a larger 4.2-inch color-TFT LCD cluster, delivering improved visibility and displaying a wider range of information to the driver. In addition, a fully-digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is available – a full-color display with vivid graphics for different driving modes, delivering crystal-clear information to the driver.

Technologies to improve everyday usability

The upgraded Stinger features a series of new ‘connected car’ features to improve convenience for owners in many countries. Depending on market and vehicle specification, among these technologies is a Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key.

In certain markets, Kia’s UVO App can be used to pre-activate the Stinger’s seat heating and ventilation functions remotely, creating a comfortable temperature before entering the car and avoiding the inconvenience of sitting on a hot or cold seat.

New ADAS technologies to assist drivers and protect passengers

The upgraded Kia Stinger carries over the same Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that it offered previously, as well as a series of new features and updates to provide even better protection for the driver, their passengers and other road users.

Depending on market and vehicle specification, the ADAS range in the Stinger is comprehensive, with many of the existing systems newly updated:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist)) now offers protection when turning across the road into a junction by identifying oncoming traffic on the other side of the road. Furthermore, it offers increased activation range when detecting a vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA (Lane Keep Assist)) is now able to detect the edge of a road, as well as the lines in the road, providing steering assistance to prevent the driver leaving their lane without signaling
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) provides an enhancement over the existing Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW). Instead of simply warning drivers of cars in adjacent lanes on the highway, BCA helps drivers avoid a potential collision by applying differential braking
  • For Europe, the upgraded Stinger now features Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) based on traffic sign recognition
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW (Drive Attention Warning)) now has an increased operating speed of up to 210 kph, and also alerts drivers if they fail to notice the car in front move off from a stop
  • Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) helps drive around curved sections of a highway, automatically reducing the vehicle’s speed to an appropriate level before entering the curve. It reverts to the original speed as the vehicle leaves the curve
  • A similar updated has been made for reversing out of parking bays, with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) now helping to prevent collisions with crossing vehicles while reversing (previously the system only warned the driver)
The following new ADAS technologies and convenience features have been added to the Stinger for the first time:

  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW) detects vehicles coming up from behind on either side of the Stinger when parked and stopped, alerting occupants with a sound and visual warning if they attempt to open the door into oncoming traffic
  • Kia’s cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) technology acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers by eliminating a driver’s left- and right-side blind spots. It displays a high-resolution video feed within the ‘Supervision’ digital instrument cluster if the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle in their blind spot. The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle lenses hidden beneath the door mirror housings, giving drivers a wider viewing angle of their blind spots
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps the vehicle stay in the center of its lane
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA) helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front on the highway, and keep the car in the center of its lane, even on a curved road
  • Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) provides a warning to the driver if they leave behind any pets or children when they exit the car


*Electronic Variable Exhaust Valve fitted as standard to all 3.3-liter T-GDi models except those sold in Europe and Russia (which produce 370 ps at 6,000 rpm, and 510 Nm across 1,300-4,500 rpm)
Thanks for the info, very informative. Still love the taillights.
 
The 10.25-inch system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

So the smaller screen gets wireless Android Auto and CarPlay but the bigger screen doesn't? That's odd. :cautious:

A question for our USA members: if you don't have a smartphone connected using a cable, does your voice command button on the steering wheel do anything?
 
______________________________
Apart from exotics and high-end Audi/BMW/Mercedes I can't think of many cars available in Australia with quilted leather in any colour other than black. Certainly not for < A$100,000.

Does Kia sell the Optima in Australia? It's had multiple colors of quilted Nappa leather available since 2015 for under $35k usd.
 
Last edited:
Does Kia sell the Optima in Australia? It's had multiple colors of quilted Nappa leather available since 2015 for under $35k usd.

They did (not anymore) but they didn't get quilted leather either. :confused:
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
So the smaller screen gets wireless Android Auto and CarPlay but the bigger screen doesn't? That's odd. :cautious:

A question for our USA members: if you don't have a smartphone connected using a cable, does your voice command button on the steering wheel do anything?

The phone is synced up via bluetooth you don't need to have it actually connected with a cable. Voice commands work great. Much better than in our Jeep Grand Cherokee
 
I wonder how easy it might be to retrofit the 10” screen to our cars. Would likely have to replace the entire dash due to the size difference? Unless they’re using the same cutout design that’s in the current dash?
 
Are are sound clips kicking around yet of that new variable oem exhaust?
 
I wonder how easy it might be to retrofit the 10” screen to our cars. Would likely have to replace the entire dash due to the size difference? Unless they’re using the same cutout design that’s in the current dash?
I would think it would be in Kia's interest to keep everything the same aside from the screen size. That would minimize their production costs. I think the biggest concern is the software. Will Kia allow for the older models to be flashed to the new UI? Seems like the bigger screen would be pointless with the older UI.
 
______________________________
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Meh, they need to study what BMW did with the variable Msport exhaust on the m340i.


Valves open at :13
 
I would think it would be in Kia's interest to keep everything the same aside from the screen size. That would minimize their production costs. I think the biggest concern is the software. Will Kia allow for the older models to be flashed to the new UI? Seems like the bigger screen would be pointless with the older UI.

Agreed. Who knows though. I’ve seen some pretty wild retrofits in the past with other cars.

I was a little concerned that I bought my 2020 too late and should have waited for a 2021. Some cool upgrades for sure, but not enough to feel disappointed.
 
I would think it would be in Kia's interest to keep everything the same aside from the screen size. That would minimize their production costs. I think the biggest concern is the software. Will Kia allow for the older models to be flashed to the new UI? Seems like the bigger screen would be pointless with the older UI.

Changing the screen is often not as easy as it seems because you need the screen, the section of the dash that hold the screen, a full head unit, potentially new harness, sometime the head united need to be coded to the car since it communicate with other function of the car such as head-up display, cluster etc....

It did this kind of update on my BMW 535I but it was well documented and the company that sold me the screen and head-unit did the coding to my VIN for me. I sourced the GPS antenna on ebay and some harness. They also activited many feature like iphone integration, video in motion etc. In BMW world there is a lot of people doing those things but is less common for KIAs...

I am sure some will try it!
 
I'm surprised that the 2.5 is an additional engine rather then a 2.0 replacement. It doesn't seem like it fits the current price model well, i wonder if the 3.3 goes way up in price.
 
Even if they don't make it over to NA, the quilted seats look more premium than the ones for the G70 (where the diamond quilted sections are too flat), but not quite as nice as the ones in the GV80 (which is understandable).
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
I'm surprised that the 2.5 is an additional engine rather then a 2.0 replacement. It doesn't seem like it fits the current price model well, i wonder if the 3.3 goes way up in price.

Same here. I didn't think the 2.0T would stick around, especially in North America. It's decent, but not as good as some other 2.0T motors, including the Honda Accord's. But Kia isn't alone in offering four-cylinder turbos with different displacements. Cadillac uses both a 2.0T and 2.7T in the ATS, for example.

I can't wait to try the Stinger with the 2.5T. I loved the 2.0T with AWD, but wanted more safety tech and a better engine, so the 2021 with the 2.5T might do the trick.
 
______________________________
Same here. I didn't think the 2.0T would stick around, especially in North America. It's decent, but not as good as some other 2.0T motors, including the Honda Accord's. But Kia isn't alone in offering four-cylinder turbos with different displacements. Cadillac uses both a 2.0T and 2.7T in the ATS, for example.

I can't wait to try the Stinger with the 2.5T. I loved the 2.0T with AWD, but wanted more safety tech and a better engine, so the 2021 with the 2.5T might do the trick.

Yea i may go get the 2.5T the only question is the price. If it's to high, then id feel crazy not getting the 3.3T.
 
Looks like the MY 21's are in enroute and it seems there maybe a price drop? 2 MY 2021 GT's (3.3) for sale at Union County Kia (Charlotte, NC) for $29K (black, AWD) and $32K (panthera metal, AWD). Those prices seem

If you pull up the sticker they both looks like rwd gtlines.

Kia dot com/us/services/en/windowsticker/load/
KNAE15LA7M6087562
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
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