Kia Stinger in the USA

[hereward]

One would find it rather odd that there is a relative abundance of information on Kia Stinger in the smaller markets of the Antipodes, but not in the US. There was just one report of one US Forum members seeing a GT at a dealer (presumably in Florida?). Just about no other information on option bundles, prices, or dates of availability is seen.

The Kia dealers I spoke with in the Southwest say that all they know is that they've heard of the model and that it is expected to reach the showrooms in October-November. One dealer said he is mystified about the Stinger rollout because Kia generally begins prepping the dealers about six months before releasing a new model. That is not happening with the Stinger.

Pure speculation, but is it likely that: Kia is using the Australian market as a kind of test bed, and use the knowledge gained to tweak the models for tuning setting and pricing and option bundles before introducing the Stinger into the enormously larger US market? Is it likely that Kia hasn't yet finalized the presentation of the Stinger in the US in terms of suspension settings and pricing strategy? If this were true, its introduction in the US may go into December 2017 or even January 2018.

My dealer visits unfortunately also showed a regrettable awareness among the sales people of the importance of a RWD Kia as an alternative to a BMW, and its potential as a game changer. May be Kia will educate the dealers more effectively before the introduction of Stinger. Meanwhile, I left one dealer rather amused by the salesman's offer of a Kia Cadenza as an excellent RWD car.

 

[psybj]

Maybe dlrs aren't informed yet because the Stinger will not be here until later than we want.

Consumer Reports predicted arrival in Dec.

 

[carlosfernandez]

Here in Puerto Rico there no news in dealers saleman over that model no one knows!!

 

[hereward]

"My dealer visits unfortunately also showed a regrettable awareness--"

Sorry, it should have been "A regrettable unawareness--"

 

[Kia Stinger]

Definitely interesting and something to ponder - for sure... I wonder if they're behind schedule - and if so - why - with the debut of the Stinger in North America...

 

[David]

A dealer in Long Island NY had a stinger as a promotion. Another dealer in California had one to bring to a cars and coffee. A lot of compelling cars are coming out during the summer that are in line with the stinger. Kia needs to get together and release it asap.

 

[carlosfernandez]

Agreed

 

[eljay]

Yes, they need to speed this up. When I talked by phone with Kia customer care a couple of weeks ago, as I've said on another strand, all I could find out was that the U.S. versions were still "in development," and that my concern would be forwarded to the team.
And yes, the competition is on their heels. I'm getting frequent emails from Buick about the upcoming 2018 Regal (Opel Insignia), and from Volkswagen about the Arteon, both liftbacks, which might pose competition to the 4-cyl. Stinger on the basis of their being liftbacks. I've heard varying release dates, but some say they will be here by late summer.

 

[hej]

9 times out of ten, dealership folk don't know anything that's not in the brochures. And they probably don't have any brochures yet. Fear not, this forum had compiled plenty of information applicable to the US market. Price, equipment/options, colors, release date, specifications... just use the search function here or otherwise go back to older posts.

 

[app_master]

9 times out of ten, dealership folk don't know anything that's not in the brochures. And they probably don't have any brochures yet. Fear not, this forum had compiled plenty of information applicable to the US market. Price, equipment/options, colors, release date, specifications... just use the search function here or otherwise go back to older posts.

Too right. That's why we are considered "enthusiasts" while they are the just a salesperson. No disrespect intended.
That's just how it is when you're passionate about something. So here is by far the best place for information thus far...

 

[hereward]

I called on the local Kia dealer in Arizona today. They absolutely have no information except an informal statement from a visiting Kia USA rep that the Stinger will be in the showrooms late November.

 

[app_master]

Ask this guy, he's all over it...

 

[hereward]

Ask this guy, he's all over it...

All over it, as you say, app-master, but no specifics. No details and inexact nonsense the sales people are famous in the US for spouting. "may be be a little bit bigger than BMW 4-series", "end of the year ". I don't think this guy has studied the specs. This is the typical spiel we get at the dealers in the US. May be you guys have better Kia reps?

Note , if it is the US version, that the cup holders have no cover.

Do you know whether the Stinger's rear windows can be lowered?

 

[Gilgamesh]

I'm hearing 395 hp.. Am I wrong and if not that's even better than the original 365-370 we originally thought although I wouldn't be surprised if it was a mistake on his part.

 

[hereward]

Also note the st

I'm hearing 395 hp.. Am I wrong and if not that's even better than the original 365-370 we originally thought although I wouldn't be surprised if it was a mistake on his part.

Very possibly wrong number, quite in keeping with the off the cuff, unscripted description he gave. Very much par for the course for these guys.

 

[Gilgamesh]

I wish we could get more concrete information about this car in the US. I know it's still months away from release, but I find it a bit sad that dealers know almost nothing about it.. Like they should IMO know at the very least what we do, but that's not the case.

I can understand that possibly they don't want to release to much information because they want people to be curious about it, but at the same time you have to release enough information so that people can clearly see the appeal/selling points of the car. You gotta hype it up a lot more than what they are now if they want it to have the best chance at success.

 

[David]

Yeah I agree, with so many alternatives I don't know if people will wait until November to get this car in th US.

 

[hereward]

It is irritating that Kia apparently has given little substantive information to the dealers. I for one will be looking at another BMW, as my lease on the 328d has just expired. Waiting into November means renting a car for five months.

I have a further fear that the Stinger introduction will go into first quarter 2018. Will Kia be able to train the dealers, the mechanics, and the marketing people in five months to get it into the showrooms in November 2017? Not impossible ,but not likely.

 

[eljay]

Did the rest of you USA members receive the promotional email Kia sent out a few minutes ago? Just a short video--which I think I'd already seen--and info we already knew, but at least they're trying to keep our interest. But this has to be the worst subhead I've ever seen in a car ad: "LEAVES SKIDMARKS ON YOUR HEART." In red font, nonetheless. Reminds me of the last accident I saw on the freeway.

 

[davebo]

I did a double-take when he said 395hp. I'm guessing that was a mistake but if it's not I'm both excited for a new 0-60 time and fearful how horrible the fuel economy is gonna be.

I stopped by my dealer last week and they didn't know a damn thing. Said Kia usually comes by and trains everyone before a new car launch but nothing yet, and everything they know is on Kia's website.