Upcoming Kia Lineup - Speculation on Mid-Cycle Updates for the Stinger

[Bamm1]

Couple of thoughts

• I like the "benchmark for ride and handling" goal.
• I am not sure about Jaguar actually being the target for the higher end Kia models. But if we get similar or better performance / fuel economy, at a much lower price point (2.0T / 3.3T Stinger vs. 25t / 35t XE) I think we might have a winner for Kia.
• Looks like the author believes that Kia will offer (in Audi speak) a "Black Optics"-like package that blacks out all the bright work, a carbon fiber trim package and a Hybrid model as future updates to the Stinger.
• Lastly, Kia seems to have some other promising new models and model updates. Looks like other models will have a GT "performance" trim like the Stinger. Hopefully this keeps the brand perception moving in a positive direction.

References

• http://oppositelock.kinja.com/upcoming-kia-lineup-1794778314
• https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/kia-wants-be-benchmark-ride-and-handling

 

[Brian Keenan]

I love the idea of the Black Optics "like" package. And I wonder what other Kia models will get a GT performance trim. The Forte is gone. There's really no other sporty Kias. Maybe they have plans for other rwd models.

 

[carlosfernandez]

Miss the Forte

 

[Bamm1]

I love the idea of the Black Optics "like" package. And I wonder what other Kia models will get a GT performance trim. The Forte is gone. There's really no other sporty Kias. Maybe they have plans for other rwd models.

Only the Forte Koup is gone. The sedan and hatchback (Forte5) will carry on.

It looks like Kia is trying to "sport up" their line up. So they are thinking GT versions (most of the models just seeing handling and visual tweaks, think Lexus F Type) of the Forte, Optima, Sportage and Stonic. Some models "may" see more power by adding a 1.6T or 2.0T to the line up.

 

[app_master]

Do you guys have this GT-Line on some models in USA too? Here it is on some top-spec models but is more additional luxury/features rather than performance enhancements.

The only other "GT" available here at the moment is the Optima Turbo, which is certainly the sporty version. Obvisouly the next one will be the Stinger GT.

More "GT" models would be welcome but they must be WORTHY! But I agreed, that this sounds like their plan.