Hi all!

[hughanis]

I've been researching on what new car to buy for months, and I've finally narrowed it down to a Stinger GT2, and needless to say, I'm excited.

Test driving one put a smile to my face. A year or so ago I had a 2008 Accord V6 6 speed coupe. That car was great for back-road driving, but it was not practical, so I switched to a 2008 Accord I4 auto sedan, and while the car was practical, and great on gas, it would literally put me to sleep. I feel the Stinger will give me the best of both worlds. I only wish it came with a 6 speed manual transmission.

I can't wait to get back to modding and being able to drive something that won't bore me to death.

 

[robz32]

Welcome aboard. Let us know once you pick it up.

The Stinger is far from boring, it is a great vehicle all around. Be ready to answer all sorts of questions form strangers and admirers, this car is definitely a head turner and more importantly a great performer.

Great decision.

 

[Kia Stinger]

I've been researching on what new car to buy for months, and I've finally narrowed it down to a Stinger GT2, and needless to say, I'm excited.

Test driving one put a smile to my face. A year or so ago I had a 2008 Accord V6 6 speed coupe. That car was great for back-road driving, but it was not practical, so I switched to a 2008 Accord I4 auto sedan, and while the car was practical, and great on gas, it would literally put me to sleep. I feel the Stinger will give me the best of both worlds. I only wish it came with a 6 speed manual transmission.

I can't wait to get back to modding and being able to drive something that won't bore me to death.

Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. You've come to the right place to learn all about the Kia Stinger. It sounds like you'll be doing some modifying as well. There's plenty to read around here! I'm glad you found us...

 

[MerlintheMad]

I can't wait to get back to modding and being able to drive something that won't bore me to death.

No mods for this boy. And the stock GT1 is not boring in the least, fifteen months later.

 

[hughanis]

I'm glad that I've found this place, it reminds me of car forums in the early 2000s, before forums started dying off. I also love that this is just a Stinger forum, not a Kia forum with a small Stinger subsection.

That said, I do have some general questions about the car.

First, are there any mods that stiffen the suspension in sport mode? I didn't notice much of a difference between Eco and Sport. Also, is there a manual mode for the transmission?

 

[MerlintheMad]

First, are there any mods that stiffen the suspension in sport mode? I didn't notice much of a difference between Eco and Sport. Also, is there a manual mode for the transmission?

Different trims have different manual shifting traits. I don't know how the base and premium Stingers (2.0L) vary in this regard. But the GT and GT1 have the "T" shifter that can be pressed to the left from "D" into the manual gate. From there the trans stays in the last gear manually selected (unless you simply let the trans downshift for you, and then shift up manually from there: that's how I drive, doing my own upshifting but as I slow down I just let the trans select the lower gear; I usually don't even look at it). The GT2 has "shift by wire" and there is no manual gate: in Sport mode the trans stays in the gear you selected and does the same downshifting as you slow down; and when you come to a complete stop it reenters "D" (this annoys some drivers).

Cruise control can take over manual shifting on a steep enough slope; the trans enters 5th gear to hold the car back and maintain speed. But this doesn't always happen. I wouldn't say it's buggy, but isn't consistent (although lately, for many months, mine has dropped into 5th to maintain speed without fail; I think the steeper grades overpower the cruise control taking over and the car runs away, requiring you to get out of cruise control and use the brakes if you want to keep your speed down).

The somewhat "floaty" rear end is buttoned down with aftermarket sway bar upgrades. And quite a few have aftermarket springs as well (to lower the car as much as improve handling). But there is no Sport mode specific aftermarket suspension. A stiffer Sport mode with a rear sway bar will stiffen all the other modes relatively.

 

[Manaz]

On the suspension - there are a couple of spring options that lower only a little and give a bit more firmness. Add a swaybar set (there are a few options here as well) and the car becomes much less "rolly" if that's what you're trying to address.

On the transmission - we only get one GT here in Australia, but I believe in the US that the GT1 and GT2 have different transmission selectors, so someone over there can answer that for you better than I.

EDIT: And Merlin beat me to it.

 

[hughanis]

I should have mentioned, I am looking into, and have test driven the GT2.

And my last questions, any ideas of when the 2020s are coming out? Should I wait? And what will be different in the 2020 year?

 

[Sabs]

We don't yet have definite answers on when the '20 models will be out or what will be different. We do have some hints, though. Last year, 19's were out in October. The Korean 2020 model doesn't appear to be different aside from some color changes. Doesn't seem likely there will be any major changes for the US market.

 

[hughanis]

I'm gonna bite the bullet and go ahead with a 19 then.

All of you, thanks for your answers, they were very helpful. We'll now see if I can close the deal by the end of this week.

 

[hughanis]

I did it. 42,650 and I got tints and wheel locks thrown in as well.

 

[Sabs]

Congratulations and enjoy!

Make sure to post up some pics when you get a chance!