Hi I am Rick, I am a New Kia Stinger Owner ,So far I love the car!!

[YEH]

First off, welcome!

I don't have an end goal yet as far as horsepower. The Stinger being a new platform, so I am not sure how much aftermarket support there is at the moment.

Know that the Stinger is underpinned by a new platform (which is shared, in shortened form w/ the G70), but it isn't known to be a particularly light one.

Considering that the platform underpinning the next Genesis G80 and GV80 (and next G90, in extended form) is supposed to have incorporated weight-reducing measures (such as use of lighter materials), is the current Stinger/G70 platform going to be relegated to a single life-cycle (auto-makers usually like to get 2 generations of vehicles worth from a platform) or can the same weight-saving measures be taken w/ the current platform.

I will give you some inside information without getting myself in trouble. Kia actually developed a R-Spec version of the Kia Stinger GT, which is pretty much a Kia Stinger GT that is more track oriented. It had upgraded suspension components for better handling and increased horsepower. This performance package is still in the works and has a high chance of being released for the 2020-2021 Kia Stinger GT models. Now I can't get into specific details of course, but Kia is going to be very aggressive in competing with the German cars as far as performance goes.

Great to hear.

Will that increased HP come by the way of the new 3.5T or will it be from increasing the boost on the 3.3T? (Just as the Theta III 2.5T will be the replacing the ancient 2.0T mill.)

And how excited are you that Biermann is now leading R&D from the ground up (platforms, engines, transmissions, etc.)?

Totally understand, if there are things you can't comment on.

 

[robz32]

I am impressed they been able to crack the ecu considering the Stinger is a new vehicle, and has not been on the market for long. The Stinger ECU is extremely complex. Without the proper resources and knowledge it will be very difficult for smaller tuning companies to maximize the ecu tunes. Not saying they wont be able, but it will take time and a lot of R&D. I suspect that most of the ecu tunes are changing basic parameters like boost, timing and AFR to make more power. I will take an educated guess that no one has developed any TCU tuning for the transmission yet.

Correct on all counts

 

[CHUPAPI]

First off, welcome!



Know that the Stinger is underpinned by a new platform (which is shared, in shortened form w/ the G70), but it isn't known to be a particularly light one.

Considering that the platform underpinning the next Genesis G80 and GV80 (and next G90, in extended form) is supposed to have incorporated weight-reducing measures (such as use of lighter materials), is the current Stinger/G70 platform going to be relegated to a single life-cycle (auto-makers usually like to get 2 generations of vehicles worth from a platform) or can the same weight-saving measures be taken w/ the current platform.




Great to hear.

Will that increased HP come by the way of the new 3.5T or will it be from increasing the boost on the 3.3T? (Just as the Theta III 2.5T will be the replacing the ancient 2.0T mill.)

And how excited are you that Biermann is now leading R&D from the ground up (platforms, engines, transmissions, etc.)?

Totally understand, if there are things you can't comment on.

Thank you.

I will share some comments. First off yes I am extremely exited that Biermann is part of the Kia family, and I actually had the honor of meeting him.

As far as weight savings that is on the works for the Stinger plataform, you probably won’t see the weight savings on all stinger models but most defenetely you will see it if/when they release the R-Spec version. This will be a main focus on the development side is to reduce weight. Now there are a lot of other things that can be done to improve handling, without having to reduce the weight. The GTR is a heavy car but if you drive it on the track you will be surprised of it's handling capabilities. Now granted the stinger is a grand touring car, so that is why the focus will be in developing the R spec version.

The 3.3T is an amazing engine well capable of a lot more HP. Kia was just extremely conservative on the HP outputs for reliability/longevity purposes. The increased HP will be a combination of upgraded performance parts. Can’t get to specifics, but can give you some hints. Improved intake system, exhaust, ecu tune , and very possible to get upgraded turbos.

 

[eflyguy]

Just curious have you been able to dyno the car? Have you had a chance to do any track events(Circuit ,Drag racing)? Do you know what the 1/4 time is on the car now with the tune? Since having the tune any issues?

My personal vehicle has not been on a dyno, but one with the same tune has - it's in the blog, 459hp and 522'/lb estimated.

I did an autocross last weekend but the numbers are meaningless. I put same-day as tune (ECU had only cycled once) results in my review- 12.47 - but have not had a chance to run again since then, back in October.

Zero issues. I bought primarily to enjoy in the mountains of North GA/TN/NC, and the extra straight-line performance is secondary.

 

[TwistedOrca]

The Kia Stinger GT will be Kia flagship car, similar to how the GTR is with Nissan. Now I am not implying that the Stinger will be at a super-car level, but it will be able to compete with the BMW M performance, Audi S performance and Mercedes AMG performance German vehicles for a fraction of the price. I own a GTR and I will tell you this much, the GTR is an engineering masterpiece. Kia has seen all the positive feedback on the Stinger from consumers, and the market has responded well to the Stinger. The good news is that Kia Racing department will be pushing/developing the Stinger platform.

GTR still my "dream car"....

 

[NS_Stinger]

Welcome to the forum! This is one of the more interesting threads I've read on here. From reading your posts and seeing what you keep in you garage I can tell you're a real car enthusiast.

Amazing news about the possibility of an R model, I'd love to see Biermann at the helm of a KIA performance division, who better than the guy that had a hand in building some of the greatest M models ever made.

The aftermarket support for the Stinger is fantastic and continues to grow daily, it's not uncommon to see a new bolt on available weekly on here.

If you're looking for some sites that are a bit of a catch all for what's available check out the k8stingerstore.com and khartunerz.com, also a lot of guys are getting great results from running the JB4 piggyback at burgertuning.com.

The Stinger is my first KIA too, I got an AWD GT and its been an absolute blast so far. I highly recommend the upgraded eibach sway bars if you really want to tame the bodyroll.

 

[GenesisG70]

I think that the Stinger was conceived as a Sporty Gran tourer, what I really want is Kia to make a smaller 2 door sports car with insane HP. I will go and throw them my money. For me the Sting is a awesome elegant, quiet and powerful commuter with awesome looks.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I think that the Stinger was conceived as a Sporty Gran tourer, what I really want is Kia to make a smaller 2 door sports car with insane HP. I will go and throw them my money. For me the Sting is a awesome elegant, quiet and powerful commuter with awesome looks.

Already plenty of those coupes, or even small four doors with crap room in the back. I'd never have given the Stinger a second look if the practicality/roominess had not been designed into it.

 

[Waynerm002]

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum! It's good to hear about the possible upcoming changes to the Stinger. I'd like to add in a comment/wish as someone that daily commutes this car and like to carve corners from time to time. My wish is for a tuning or package to make the car be sporty/tighter but not punishing in Sport mode and less float/bounce in comfort. Some folks will love a M3 Killer and some want to have a practical car that will last a long time, I like the reliability of KIA vehicles and if that can be accomplished in a R Spec version at a great price, KIA will have an even bigger it on their hands.

 

[GenesisG70]

Yes I wish Hyundai N division engineers put some of their work on the future Kia Stinger for even more performance.

 

[DarthVaderIX]

Thank you.

I will share some comments. First off yes I am extremely exited that Biermann is part of the Kia family, and I actually had the honor of meeting him.

As far as weight savings that is on the works for the Stinger plataform, you probably won’t see the weight savings on all stinger models but most defenetely you will see it if/when they release the R-Spec version. This will be a main focus on the development side is to reduce weight. Now there are a lot of other things that can be done to improve handling, without having to reduce the weight. The GTR is a heavy car but if you drive it on the track you will be surprised of it's handling capabilities. Now granted the stinger is a grand touring car, so that is why the focus will be in developing the R spec version.

The 3.3T is an amazing engine well capable of a lot more HP. Kia was just extremely conservative on the HP outputs for reliability/longevity purposes. The increased HP will be a combination of upgraded performance parts. Can’t get to specifics, but can give you some hints. Improved intake system, exhaust, ecu tune , and very possible to get upgraded turbos.

Thanks for the information, so that’s good news about the motor. But the transmission..how is that? Is it overbuilt as well? Since it is the same one in the 2.0t I’m leaning towards no. Any insight on that?

 

[POS VETT]

Welcome to the forum, Rick!

Could you get me a job there with my mechanical engineering degrees and car enthusiast tendency?

 

[YEH]

Thank you.

I will share some comments. First off yes I am extremely exited that Biermann is part of the Kia family, and I actually had the honor of meeting him.

As far as weight savings that is on the works for the Stinger plataform, you probably won’t see the weight savings on all stinger models but most defenetely you will see it if/when they release the R-Spec version. This will be a main focus on the development side is to reduce weight. Now there are a lot of other things that can be done to improve handling, without having to reduce the weight. The GTR is a heavy car but if you drive it on the track you will be surprised of it's handling capabilities. Now granted the stinger is a grand touring car, so that is why the focus will be in developing the R spec version.

1st off, thanks for your response.

As expected, guess we won't be seeing a lighter weight Stinger (that's not a specialty version) til the next gen model

Does the R-Spec cut some weight by going aluminum w/ the hood and/or liftgate? (That's something they should do w/ the next gen model).

The 3.3T is an amazing engine well capable of a lot more HP. Kia was just extremely conservative on the HP outputs for reliability/longevity purposes. The increased HP will be a combination of upgraded performance parts. Can’t get to specifics, but can give you some hints. Improved intake system, exhaust, ecu tune , and very possible to get upgraded turbos.

So based on this, if we see the R-Spec make it to production, will be before the facelift for the Stinger (which is when we should be seeing the new 3.5T mill).

Yes I wish Hyundai N division engineers put some of their work on the future Kia Stinger for even more performance.

Biermamn's squad already works on the Stinger and other models (like for Genesis), and now will be working on the ground floor (helping to develop platforms and powertrains at the start).

Genesis doesn't have a performance division, so wouldn't expect any RWD Kia models to outdo Genesis.

As of now, Kia's top trim is the GT - which equates w/ Hyundai's N-Line and not full-fledge N variants (but this has more to do w/ Kia's mainstream FWD models).

 

[CHUPAPI]

GTR still my "dream car"....

It was once my dream car. Now is my daily driver. You can get one, there actually not that expensive when used. The expensive part is the maintenance, but there very reliable cars.

 

[CHUPAPI]

Thanks for the information, so that’s good news about the motor. But the transmission..how is that? Is it overbuilt as well? Since it is the same one in the 2.0t I’m leaning towards no. Any insight on that?

It depends how you define overbuilt? The transmission should be able to hold around 500 whp. The real question is for how long. What kills the trans is torque and aggressive driving.

 

[GenesisG70]

It depends how you define overbuilt? The transmission should be able to hold around 500 whp. The real question is for how long. What kills the trans is torque and aggressive driving.

Hey Rick can you tell us if there is going to be a completely new second generation Stinger? Probably too early to know but you have any insider's info? Thank you

 

[CHUPAPI]

Hey Rick can you tell us if there is going to be a completely new second generation Stinger? Probably too early to know but you have any insider's info? Thank you

To soon to say for sure. Yes I am certain there will be a second generation Stinger but won’t be for another 4-5 years. Right now what is on the works is the R Spec version.

 

[Peeso33]

It was once my dream car. Now is my daily driver. You can get one, there actually not that expensive when used. The expensive part is the maintenance, but there very reliable cars.

Any reason the Stinger is not/won't be your daily? I would love to see another Stinger zooming down Jamboree. I live right around the corner, and literally drive past the Kia HQ twice daily. Strange that I actually saw Stingers more frequently last year than this year so far.

 

[CHUPAPI]

Any reason the Stinger is not/won't be your daily? I would love to see another Stinger zooming down Jamboree. I live right around the corner, and literally drive past the Kia HQ twice daily. Strange that I actually saw Stingers more frequently last year than this year so far.

The Stinger is my daily as well. I drive the GTR and the Stinger about the same amount of time during the year. I currently split the the daily driver duty 50/50 between the GTR and the Stinger. Once I start modding the Stinger, I am sure I will start enjoying it more.