Kia Stinger GTS Rant+Generic Rant

[Reven]

Hey all- haven't posted in a while because i was waiting to get a Stinger and was holding out for the GTS. However they have arrived and maybe i got to caught up in the hype and didn't read the documentation well enough. No i still do not own a Stinger- now that that is behind us-

In the early press photos/video from the announcements the interiors seemed to have all the GT2 features, Shift by wire, heated/cooled seats, and the larger Nav display, only missing the HUD.

Frankly did want a hud but the updated software on the AWD system and including an LSD on the AWD model was enough to make me over look that and maybe use a cheap-o after-market hud later down the line.

BUT The GTS HAS COME STATE SIDE---
They seem to have the base GT interior, at least from what I have seen at (online)dealers. I don't see and option-ability on the web site configur-ator to change that not to mention the 800 limited production number has been reached but I cannot confirm

Posted prices online also feel pretty high, there were some dealers marketing them at MSRP but there were several in the 60K range with dealer markup. I am sorry, I love the Stinger but it is hard enough to justify the current price and it competing with new 392-Chargers(485hpv8) and 1 year old CTS-Vsports(420HPv6) or 3 year old CTS-V(~530HPv8) which by nearly every metric would be faster and more comfortable- All which could be had for ~40K same as a slightly used GT2.

There are no 'twisties' where I live all my exuberant driving is on highways or interstates, where you may have to turn the wheel once ever 15 minutes, unless you are in the suburbs where going sideways is fun but light poles and curbs are unforgiving.

I love the Stinger, I loved how the engine is forged from the factory, I love more competition in the mid-large size sedan market. I love that its RWD, I love the looks and i really love the new Federation orange paint. I love the aftermarket support. I love the focus on 'fun' But the price makes it a hard sell, I have nearly zero interest in German cars. I found the 3 series to be far over hyped, crampt, slow, and generally unpleasant. I'm pretty sick of people trying to 'up-sell' the Stinger in such a way, maybe for the G70 but kia needs to focus on the market its in rather than the Generic Car guy #7 and how he wants a 3cyl kei car turbo with a 5 speed manual Wagon that is a eco friendly hybrid that eats audi's for breakfast and has a BMW badge. I am an American, I want a Fast-Boat of a sedan comfortable but comes to life and plays a tune to the command of my right foot.

That isn't the whole performance car market- GM chased that to hard which is why I jumped ship from them and I am still looking for a new home.

Anyway

Stinger GTS:
Upgraded Nav
No hud
Basic shifter
Base Gauge cluster
Heated-but not cooled Seats
MSRP 45-48K

So its priced slightly above a GT1 but below a GT2,

I live in the deep south so cooled seats are nearly a must but heated is mostly a waste.
With the smaller LCD in the gauge cluster it becomes more of an annoyance. I am only 25 and i find the font of the analog gauges difficult to read at a glance at least during my test dive, maybe one could get use to it. This rant was a tad everywhere but either I am lost with hopes and desires for a decent daily or the MFG's are out of touch with enthusiasts.

 

[itguy61]

Sounds to me like you are a GT-2 kind of guy. Is the lack of Orange in the GT-2 a deal killer? You can get a GT-2 now for the same or a lower price than the GTS.

Don't know where you get that the options you listed are more comfortable Why do you say that, my GT-2 is pretty comfortable and the interior and tech is nicer to me than the Charger and at least on a par with the CTS variants.

 

[Reven]

Sounds to me like you are a GT-2 kind of guy. Is the lack of Orange in the GT-2 a deal killer? You can get a GT-2 now for the same or a lower price than the GTS.

Don't know where you get that the options you listed are more comfortable Why do you say that, my GT-2 is pretty comfortable and the interior and tech is nicer to me than the Charger and at least on a par with the CTS variants.

I definitely like the GT-2 the color isn't a deal killer, the big factor for me on the GTS was the LSD with AWD and the upgraded software to disable the AWD on demand, they are marketing as a drift mode. I am finding used RWD GT-2s hard to find.

As far as comfort i was referring to ride quality, i found the Stinger good but a little rougher on degraded roads compared to the CTS or Charger. the CUE on the CTS isn't very good but its placement is nicer, i am not a huge fan of the position in the Stinger it looks to much like an after thought. The Charger's nav feels low and out of view not to mention the interior doesn't feel extremely drive focused.

Side note-- why is the gas peddle bottom hinged? (Gen 3 CTS is the same way) I am very use to top hinged peddles across the board its minor but does require some adjustment for me.

 

[robz32]

Agree, sounds like you need a GT2.
If drifting and LSD are you're main worries (as the GTS offered those) then get a RWD GT2, do the BMS brake bypass switch (very easy to do, despite the name) and have loads of fun burning rubber with only a flip of a switch.

 

[Bonsai]

The LSD was the only reason I was considering the "downgrade" to a GTS from my GT2 but like you said once I seen the interior was basically a GT with alcantera. I swayed me away. I was expecting to give up the cooling seats, and Napa leather, the HUD. But given I've gotten accustomed to the GT2 luxuries there's definitely no way I would give up everything that makes the GT2 up. Maybe in a couple years there will be something that will allow the current AWD GT2's something similar.

I am curious to know if the AWD system is the same between the GTS and other equipped Stingers, and the "drift" mode is being accomplished with software and the LSD. Possibly the LSD unit in the GTS can be inserted into other AWDs and then somehow software can be done to mimic the "Drift Mode". We're already seeing a ESC controller, granted its being released by the manufacturer that provides the suspension components for our cars, but get the idea. IF any of it is even possibly I would say it years down the road. And by that time I wont be worrying too much about the warranty to do something like that.

 

[Ucinn]

I find the regular shifter in the GTS over the shifter in the GT2 a plus. I wish I could have gotten a GT2 with the regular t-handle shifter.

 

[DaJackson]

There are no 'twisties' where I live all my exuberant driving is on highways or interstates, where you may have to turn the wheel once ever 15 minutes, unless you are in the suburbs where going sideways is fun but light poles and curbs are unforgiving.

But you care about drift mode?

 

[Reven]

But you care about drift mode?

Yeah it might sound dumb, but for just acting a fool it sounds fun which feels like the intent of the drift mode. I am unsure of practical application for it other than looking like an idiot but having a blast while doing it.

I wasn't aware of a brake bypass mentioned by Robz32, now that I am a RWD GT2 looks a lot more attractive. Though i am curious what the cost of swapping in an LSD on the AWD would be.

 

[Callum]

Though i am curious what the cost of swapping in an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on the AWD would be.

The cost would be the cost of the LSD. I've been looking into it. The other issue is wether or not the TCU/ECU car adapt.

Me thinks yes

 

[eflyguy]

There are no 'twisties' where I live all my exuberant driving is on highways or interstates, where you may have to turn the wheel once ever 15 minutes, unless you are in the suburbs where going sideways is fun but light poles and curbs are unforgiving.

I have no idea why you think the LSD would be of any benefit. I have plenty of "twisties" and enjoying them is part of why I bought the Stinger to begin with. Unless you plan on tracking it every couple of weeks, you're worrying about nothing.

 

[Callum]

I have no idea why you think the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) would be of any benefit. I have plenty of "twisties" and enjoying them is part of why I bought the Stinger to begin with. Unless you plan on tracking it every couple of weeks, you're worrying about nothing.

I've never had a "wish I had the LSD" moment on the streets with the AWD. I have had that thought many times on the track. Which, admittedly negligible % of miles my car sees.

 

[eflyguy]

Agreed ... which is also why I quoted him - no twisties, all highway. No mention of track.

 

[Bonsai]

Yeah it might sound dumb, but for just acting a fool it sounds fun which feels like the intent of the drift mode. I am unsure of practical application for it other than looking like an idiot but having a blast while doing it.

I wasn't aware of a brake bypass mentioned by Robz32, now that I am a RWD GT2 looks a lot more attractive. Though i am curious what the cost of swapping in an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on the AWD would be.

I have no idea why you think the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) would be of any benefit. I have plenty of "twisties" and enjoying them is part of why I bought the Stinger to begin with. Unless you plan on tracking it every couple of weeks, you're worrying about nothing.

I've never had a "wish I had the LSD (Limited Slip Differential)" moment on the streets with the AWD. I have had that thought many times on the track. Which, admittedly negligible % of miles my car sees.

Agreed ... which is also why I quoted him - no twisties, all highway. No mention of track.

Maybe I'm misinterpreting but I don't think him wishing for an LSD is for being able to enjoy driving through "twisties" or just for enjoying driving in general. I agree with you guys on that my AWD without the LSD does not leave me wanting when going on back roads through the forrest. But at 2 am when I'm at a big open intersection with no one around I think, man I wish I could "drift" this turn or smoke the tires through the turn, that's where I would want the LSD and "drift" mode. And I'm guessing those are the kind of situations that Raven is talking about. But maybe that's my mentality. I know some people wouldn't dream about doing this outside of a track so then goes back to what you guys are saying useless without being at the track consistently.

 

[P22Tyler]

Hey all- haven't posted in a while because i was waiting to get a Stinger and was holding out for the GTS. However they have arrived and maybe i got to caught up in the hype and didn't read the documentation well enough. No i still do not own a Stinger- now that that is behind us-

In the early press photos/video from the announcements the interiors seemed to have all the GT2 features, Shift by wire, heated/cooled seats, and the larger Nav display, only missing the HUD.

Frankly did want a hud but the updated software on the AWD system and including an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) on the AWD model was enough to make me over look that and maybe use a cheap-o after-market hud later down the line.

BUT The GTS HAS COME STATE SIDE---
They seem to have the base GT interior, at least from what I have seen at (online)dealers. I don't see and option-ability on the web site configur-ator to change that not to mention the 800 limited production number has been reached but I cannot confirm

Posted prices online also feel pretty high, there were some dealers marketing them at MSRP but there were several in the 60K range with dealer markup. I am sorry, I love the Stinger but it is hard enough to justify the current price and it competing with new 392-Chargers(485hpv8) and 1 year old CTS-Vsports(420HPv6) or 3 year old CTS-V(~530HPv8) which by nearly every metric would be faster and more comfortable- All which could be had for ~40K same as a slightly used GT2.

There are no 'twisties' where I live all my exuberant driving is on highways or interstates, where you may have to turn the wheel once ever 15 minutes, unless you are in the suburbs where going sideways is fun but light poles and curbs are unforgiving.

I love the Stinger, I loved how the engine is forged from the factory, I love more competition in the mid-large size sedan market. I love that its RWD, I love the looks and i really love the new Federation orange paint. I love the aftermarket support. I love the focus on 'fun' But the price makes it a hard sell, I have nearly zero interest in German cars. I found the 3 series to be far over hyped, crampt, slow, and generally unpleasant. I'm pretty sick of people trying to 'up-sell' the Stinger in such a way, maybe for the G70 but kia needs to focus on the market its in rather than the Generic Car guy #7 and how he wants a 3cyl kei car turbo with a 5 speed manual Wagon that is a eco friendly hybrid that eats audi's for breakfast and has a BMW badge. I am an American, I want a Fast-Boat of a sedan comfortable but comes to life and plays a tune to the command of my right foot.

That isn't the whole performance car market- GM chased that to hard which is why I jumped ship from them and I am still looking for a new home.

Anyway

Stinger GTS:
Upgraded Nav
No hud
Basic shifter
Base Gauge cluster
Heated-but not cooled Seats
MSRP 45-48K

So its priced slightly above a GT1 but below a GT2,

I live in the deep south so cooled seats are nearly a must but heated is mostly a waste.
With the smaller LCD in the gauge cluster it becomes more of an annoyance. I am only 25 and i find the font of the analog gauges difficult to read at a glance at least during my test dive, maybe one could get use to it. This rant was a tad everywhere but either I am lost with hopes and desires for a decent daily or the MFG's are out of touch with enthusiasts.

The trim level is disappointing, I'm not quite sure why they didn't offer it with all the features of a GT2, I'm sure they have their reasons (probably price) but it will be very hard for me to give up a few things I've wanted for a while and finally got in this car (cooled seats, HUD). But I love my car and have never been left disappointed after a drive, it always brings a smile to my face.

 

[Bonsai]

The trim level is disappointing, I'm not quite sure why they didn't offer it with all the features of a GT2, I'm sure they have their reasons (probably price) but it will be very hard for me to give up a few things I've wanted for a while and finally got in this car (cooled seats, HUD). But I love my car and have never been left disappointed after a drive, it always brings a smile to my face.

I agree. I contemplate it, thinking I could do without all the luxuries. I feel the GTS is more orientated to the people that one just the "performance" and gives them the CF trim and Alcantera and the option of the D-AWD. And I could possibly lower my payment so that would be nice.

But then I sit in my GT2 and I say, I can do without the a GTS lol.

 

[P22Tyler]

I agree. I contemplate it, thinking I could do without all the luxuries. I feel the GTS is more orientated to the people that one just the "performance" and gives them the CF trim and Alcantera and the option of the D-AWD. And I could possibly lower my payment so that would be nice.

But then I sit in my GT2 and I say, I can do without the a GTS lol.

The car is just so good, I never feel like I need more. Add in the luxuries and it's a tough sell to move down in trim level.

When I was shopping before ultimately settling on this car, I had given some thought to on track performance and either buying a different car or a different version of this car, but realized I'll use the cooled seats a lot more than I'll have it on the track. I totally understand for people that are going to the track a lot, but even if I want to I know I can't make it out there often enough to justify purchasing a car based on that.

Maybe the first time I've ever made a (somewhat) sensible decision when buying a car.

 

[Callum]

Maybe I'm misinterpreting but I don't think him wishing for an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) is for being able to enjoy driving through "twisties" or just for enjoying driving in general. I agree with you guys on that my AWD without the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) does not leave me wanting when going on back roads through the forrest. But at 2 am when I'm at a big open intersection with no one around I think, man I wish I could "drift" this turn or smoke the tires through the turn, that's where I would want the LSD (Limited Slip Differential) and "drift" mode. And I'm guessing those are the kind of situations that Raven is talking about. But maybe that's my mentality. I know some people wouldn't dream about doing this outside of a track so then goes back to what you guys are saying useless without being at the track consistently.

You have a solid point. There are times I want to just let the ass end out a little but I can't on public roads. I mean...you can but the amount of work and speed you need to do that with the AWD would land you in jail

 

[Jimmer]

I did the downgrade from GT2 to get the GTS. Like I said on a previous post, it might be in my head but the car just feels better when driving. Like it's more in tune with my inputs. It feels better in turns, it seems stronger, I dont know how to explain it. Yes, there are some features I.miss from the GT2 and I did love my GT2, but so far I am happy with my switch. The GT2 was the fanciest car I ever drove, the GTS is the 2nd fanciest. I imagine if I had the GT2 for more time, I wouldn't have been able to give up the stuff I lost, but it's been pretty easy.

 

[P22Tyler]

I did the downgrade from GT2 to get the GTS. Like I said on a previous post, it might be in my head but the car just feels better when driving. Like it's more in tune with my inputs. It feels better in turns, it seems stronger, I dont know how to explain it. Yes, there are some features I.miss from the GT2 and I did love my GT2, but so far I am happy with my switch. The GT2 was the fanciest car I ever drove, the GTS is the 2nd fanciest. I imagine if I had the GT2 for more time, I wouldn't have been able to give up the stuff I lost, but it's been pretty easy.

It's possible that they made some tweaks to the steering and suspension. I can't get a weight for some reason on the GTS maybe I'm being stupid, but it's also possible the GTS is a little lighter given that it's missing some of the tech, but I doubt it's enough to really feel in the handling.

 

[Ty Davis]

It's possible that they made some tweaks to the steering and suspension. I can't get a weight for some reason on the GTS maybe I'm being stupid, but it's also possible the GTS is a little lighter given that it's missing some of the tech, but I doubt it's enough to really feel in the handling.

Kia does mention retuning the GTS Electronic Power Steering. I wonder how significant that retuning is.
My dealer just got a GTS in, I might have to go see.

All of the GTS suspension parts are said to be the same as any other GT1 or GT2. It’s possible that the GT2 has its ECS suspension module recalibrated too, though this has not been mentioned.
With what little difference you actually get on the GTS, you’d think Kia would mention every change to differentiate the GTS from other Stingers. Since they didn’t say anything, they probably haven’t done anything there.