After a flurry of news on electric vehicles this week, we return to coverage of the traditional combustion powertrain. Kia Motors in the USA has just released information on the updated Stinger sports sedan, six months after its initial unveiling in South Korea.
The highlight of the updated model is the new four-cylinder engine, now displacing 2.5 litres. Codename G4K3, the turbocharged engine pushes out 300 hp and 422 Nm of torque, which are a significant 45 hp and 69 Nm increase over the ‘Theta II’ 2.0-litre mill.
Sprinting from naught to 96 km/h (60 mph) is now 0.8 seconds quicker, registering 5.2 seconds on the stopwatch, with top speed electronically governed at 209 km/h (130 mph).
The head-lining twin-turbocharged ‘Lambda II’ 3.3-litre V6 maintains its peak outputs of 368 hp and 510 Nm of torque. Kia however promises a more visceral six-cylinder soundtrack from the newly designed exhaust outlets thanks to an electronically-control variable valve in the exhaust system.
Both engines are still paired with Kia’s own eight-speed automatic transmission, and customers can select to have either rear- or all-wheel drive traction.
The new 2.5-litre engine is only available with the GT-Line trim levels, as such, it is meeting expectations of a regular D-segment sedan rather than a sports sedan. Standard features include LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels with equal-sized tyres, large quad-exhaust outlets, high-performance dampers, the new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless phone charger and the full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
The 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged engine can be had in the similarly equipped GT-Line with additional performance-focused items such as a launch control system, mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), variable gear ratio steering rack, larger red-painted Brembo braking system and 19-inch wheels with staggered tyre sizing.
Additional niceties such as nappa leather seats with ventilation and multi-way power adjustment, head-up display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, larger 7-inch driver’s display with performance-oriented content and electronically-controlled dampers are available as an upgrade package in the 3.3-litre variant.
In the updated Kia Stinger, revisions were made to the front and rear lights, with the new rear lights now spanning across the width of the car. The new Stinger also wears the updated Kia emblems that was recently launched as part of a new corporate identity.
To celebrate the 2022 Model Year introduction, Kia Motors America is also introducing the Scorpion Edition that applies gloss black on the wheels, fender garnish, side mirrors and exhaust tips, a rear spoiler and carbon fibre pattern in the interior panels.
As of today, there are still no updates on the transfer of ownership of the Kia distributorship in Malaysia which was held by Naza Group. In early October last year, Bermaz Auto was rumoured to be the frontrunner to continue Kia’s presence in Malaysia. The latest model to be launched by Naza Kia is the Kia Seltos.
Bermaz Auto announced in December 2020 that the company, together with Berjaya Corporation formed a joint venture company to take over the distribution of Peugeot vehicles from Naza Group. The Malaysian conglomerate has reduced its automotive presence by ceasing control of mid-market segments and instead focussing on niche, luxury and exclusive brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati and Mercedes-Benz.
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