New GTS at Ourisman KIA NOVA

[BertBert2019GT]

Is it weird to anyone else that the lower grill trim is still black chrome instead of carbon fiber - same goes goes the black chrome strip the extends above the door windows. I also expected it to have the electric shift selector

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

Nice... But I like the GT2 better...

 

[turboAWD]

If it had cooled seats, I'd be more interested. And if it DIDN'T have that market adjustment.

Really wondering if the LSD can be retrofitted..

 

[xot1]

If it has more HP or a carbon roof, why not.
Nothing special with this GTS except the color.

 

[turboAWD]

If it has more HP or a carbon roof, why not.
Nothing special with this GTS except the color.

Except for D-AWD. I was hoping to wait for that, but my Subaru gave out a little sooner than I'd hoped. Not that I can fault it - I drove it like I stole it for almost 15 years

 

[TwiceStung]

They’ll be sitting on this one for a while with a price of $57,725 on it. That is effing ridiculous!!

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

They’ll be sitting on this one for a while with a price of $57,725 on it. That is effing ridiculous!!

Funny... that's what the addendum sticker on my car said... $57k. Not only did I pay nowhere near that but I got more for my trade than it was worth... Wouldn't pay that for a GTS either...

 

[SKStinger]

Is it weird to anyone else that the lower grill trim is still black chrome instead of carbon fiber - same goes goes the black chrome strip the extends above the door windows. I also expected it to have the electric shift selector

I also think it looks odd that the lower grille trim isn’t carbon.

I anticipated carbon interior trim as well but not to be. Those are odd omissions IMO. Same as the lack of sport gauges and smaller instrument cluster.

 

[Johnman]

Insane. Kia thinks putting out a puke-orange "drift" version of a car that doesn't sell in the first place and let dealers mark up the price will help things? This is how car models die, folks.

 

[BertBert2019GT]

I’ve got a base model GT with LSD. If I wrap it in orange it’s essentially this thing with it’s drift mode engaged sub sunroof (rattle factory) and less than half the trim converted to CF

I’m pretty sure I can get an orange wrap and ALL CF trim pieces for <$27k. Keep the AWD

 

[Ty Davis]

Is it weird to anyone else that the lower grill trim is still black chrome instead of carbon fiber - same goes goes the black chrome strip the extends above the door windows. I also expected it to have the electric shift selector

Be aware that the mechanical shift lever has more functionality than its electronic counterpart.
The mechanical lever has the addition of a dedicated +/- shift gate for manual shifting.
In addition, the mechanical shifter has a very satisfying smooth/notchy feel while moving the gear selector to and from various positions... The feel is reminiscent of moving the shift lever in a manual transmission car.
In contrast, the electronic shifter feels very toylike while moving the shifter. Low feel, low effort, and lack of tactile enjoyment are its hallmarks. I do think the electronic shifter looks better than the mechanical shifters dated “T-style” handle.

As shown here on the forums, you can upgrade the mechanical shifter to the knob style shifter of other Hyundai/Kia. There’s a guy here that has swapped in a Veloster N shifter. It looks fantastic. I’d take the mechanical shifter with upgraded Veloster knob over my electronic GT2 shifter any day.

That being said, the shape of the GT2 shifter makes it feel better than most other electronic shifters, including the ones in my past BMW models.

 

[Ty Davis]

Insane. Kia thinks putting out a puke-orange "drift" version of a car that doesn't sell in the first place and let dealers mark up the price will help things? This is how car models die, folks.

I too am disappointed in Kia. I was hoping for more substantial upgrades for 2020.
I specifically wanted to see a retuned ECS suspension computer that would eliminate the Stingers horrible bounce over less than smooth pavement. Some new interior colors/themes would have been nice too. How about addressing the vibrating/pulsating brakes that far too many experience? Added sound deadening would have been appreciated as well. And last but not least, the big screen and upgraded infotainment from the new Telluride needs to be installed ASAP.

The Stinger is a wonderful product. But there is a distinct presence of cost cutting and/or lack of overall polish that shows its face in various aspects of the car.

Kia is aware of the Stingers bouncy ride quality and the skittish rear ending on bumpy turns, yet they did nothing to address these things. A pity.

The GTS does nothing to further the Stinger nameplate, in my opinion. Orange paint, carbon fiber, and alcantara are not significant upgrades. I do think the AWD guys will appreciate the new D-AWD system. So that’s a plus, for them.
But as it stands, the only part of the 2020 GTS that interests me is the recalibrated Electronic Power Steering Computer. I will take a drive in one to experience that, but I expect the difference to rather subtle if I know Kia like I think I do.

One more thing... Why not bother to even give the GTS it’s own wheel design? Foolish.
I’d like to see what the Stinger becomes two or three generations from now, but it will never make it that far if Kia doesn’t make some real investments in the platform. Low sales will eventually kill it. The Stinger looks awesome, minimal work is needed there. However, investments in infotainment, NVH, and refinement can’t come quick enough.

Note to Kia: If you need someone to guide you to low cost but significant upgrades that would actually make the Stinger exponentially better, inbox me, I’m available.

 

[Ty Davis]

Except for D-AWD. I was hoping to wait for that, but my Subaru gave out a little sooner than I'd hoped. Not that I can fault it - I drove it like I stole it for almost 15 years

What happened to the Subie?
Do you live in cold climate or do you just prefer AWD regardless?

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

And... I disagree. To each his own. I think the GT2 control is better. If I'm manually shifting I'm in Sport mode anyway and I don't need a dedicated shift gate.

 

[Ty Davis]

And... I disagree. To each his own. I think the GT2 control is better. If I'm manually shifting I'm in Sport mode anyway and I don't need a dedicated shift gate.

Yeah, personal preference will sway each person on this...

What is it that makes you favor the GT2 shifter?

I love the look of my GT2 shifter, I just wish it had the feel of the regular shifter.
Something else comes to mind as well. The GT2 reverts back to D every time you come to a stop. Even in Sport mode, even in manual mode. This is quite annoying in the city, though I do seem to have gotten used to it.
The mechanical shifter will stay in manual mode even when you stop.

I am just saying that the mechanical shifter has more features. That is undeniable.
But I’d be happy for the most part if the electronic shifter had the feel of the mechanical unit.

About the manual shift gate... shifting with the paddles is fine, but on curvy terrain or tight city corners it can be a bit awkward at times to reach and/or find the paddles without looking when the steering wheel is rotated a bit.
The manual shift gate is always in the same place and is not effected by steering wheel position.
It would be cool if we could specify electronic or mechanical when we order our Stingers, because you are right, some will prefer one over the other, while both get the job done.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

1. It looks better.
2. It's quick.
3. It looks better.
4. I rarely have to operate it and when I do, it just a tap to go back to drive if underway.
5. It looks better.
6. Paddles, paddles, paddles.
7. It looks better.
8. 2nd gear starts.
9. It looks better.

 

[Ty Davis]

1. It looks better.
2. It's quick.
3. It looks better.
4. I rarely have to operate it and when I do, it just a tap to go back to drive if underway.
5. It looks better.
6. Paddles, paddles, paddles.
7. It looks better.
8. 2nd gear starts.
9. It looks better.

Lol! Yes, it does look better than the GT1 T bar shifter. The worst part about the GT1 shifter is it’s hideous design.
Do you still prefer the looks of our GT2 shifter to that of the GT1 shifter modified with the Veloster N knob like I pictured in my original post? I wouldn’t allow the stock GT1 handle anywhere near my car, that alone is worth the upgrade to GT2 trim. But now seeing that forum members are changing their GT1 knob to a better design makes me wish I could do it to my GT2 as well.

 

[turboAWD]

What happened to the Subie?
Do you live in cold climate or do you just prefer AWD regardless?

Something went "crunch" in the driveline. Lots of grinding. Not worth the $$ to fix it at this point - it's going to be minimum $1k to just open it up.

It's kinda funny - I lived in Canada for 25 years, and in 14 years of owning cars, they were all FWD. Then, moved to Silicon Valley, and I've only owned AWD I bought the Subaru because in 2005, it was one of only a few cars that had some space (it was our only car for a bit) and power (250 hp in 2005 was significant!), and I didn't mind AWD - and at that point, wasn't going to do another VW, no way no how. Since then, AWD's really grown on me for not spinning tires under power on bad roads. Even in the pouring rain I had trouble spinning tires, even with an upgraded turbo, 300+ hp, etc.. We do go to Tahoe (mountains) a few times, but usually in the summer. I'm just not interested in spinning tires / drifting at all..

 

[MerlintheMad]

The lighting makes this "orange" look like fry sauce. Bleh. I don't even know what shade the GTS orange is; too many variables. Only seen "in the flesh" will do.

What kind of ridiculous "market adj" is that!!?? I predict that in order to move this car, the dealer is going to have to adjust the MSRP DOWN by a similar amount. Heh!

 

[Ty Davis]

The lighting makes this "orange" look like fry sauce. Bleh. I don't even know what shade the GTS orange is; too many variables. Only seen "in the flesh" will do.

What kind of ridiculous "market adj" is that!!?? I predict that in order to move this car, the dealer is going to have to adjust the MSRP DOWN by a similar amount. Heh!

I agree, wholeheartedly.