2018 Kia Stinger: Everything You Need To Know

Jenny Wang

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Here's an article I found on U.S. News and World Report:

The Stinger is a sporty large hatchback in the mold of the Audi A7 or the Tesla Model S (though the non-electric Stinger runs with gas in its veins). Kia calls it a grand tourer, though this big hatchback has four doors and a comfortable back seat. Traditional grand touring cars have been big, comfortable coupes.

Bigger than Kia’s midsized Optima, yet smaller than the full-sized K900, the Stinger aims to beat European carmakers at their own game, with lots of power and great handling – at significantly less than the $70,000-plus that Audi charges for the A7 or BMW for the 5 Series GT. Its sleek and aggressive styling is based on the GT concept shown in Europe in 2011, which received rousing reviews.

Styling
The Stinger looks like a more grown up, aggressive version of the original Optima – a chrome-accented roof-line that sweeps well past the rear wheels before hitting the rear deck. The rear side windows kick up abruptly and get cut off by the chrome arch. Its menacing long, low hood gives it a crocodile insouciance.

Kia says that the scoops behind the front wheels and the deep air dam are functional aerodynamic aids.

The quad exhaust pipes let everybody you pass know you’ve got lots of power under the hood.

How Big?
The Stinger looks big sitting on the road. It’s a smidge shorter than the Audi A7, but almost identical in wheelbase. It’s a little bigger than Kia’s midsized Optima sedan, and a little smaller than the company’s K900 luxury sedan.

If this is a grand touring car, then it’s one with plenty of room to go grand touring with three friends. (It will seat five, but we wouldn’t recommend making long trips that way.)

It's a pretty big article and you can read the full transcript here:
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2018_kia_stinger/

Did you learn anything new? I see it has an adjustable suspension. Did I already know that and just forgot? You can get an optional 720 watt Harman/Kardon stereo with 15 speakers! That's going to be awesome! The front seats each have subwoofers beneath them so you can feel the bass. :) The car can detect when you appear to be tired and suggest you get some rest. That's pretty cool.
 
Did I learn anything new? No, not really :) Most of it read more like an advertisement than an analysis. They didn't specify how wide the wheel track is (that would have been "learning something new"), but it's interesting that they at least claim it to be wider than most cars. And I suppose their estimation that a loaded example will clear the $50k mark is a surprise to me, as I think the car will stop just short of $50k.
 
Thank you for posting the article. Yes, that's width mention is interesting. I wonder how much wider as well. Apparently handling is important to Kia for this car. I think the suspension is the only unsure piece of the puzzle at this point. But it's sounding better and better as we learn more. Over $50k? I hope not. Start low and move high later. Let's get this car on the road for now. Over $50k isn't going to fair well media-wise.
 
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Over $50k? I hope not. Start low and move high later. Let's get this car on the road for now. Over $50k isn't going to fair well media-wise.

This is exactly why I think it will run right up to $50k w/o going over.
 
This is exactly why I think it will run right up to $50k w/o going over.
yes. the stinger still needs to be a good deal and a bargain for the respect of the car mags. it's important to have them on your side because they mold people's opinions. "under $50,000" will be a huge plus for the stinger. even if it's $1 less. pricing it over will give too many people a reason to say "why not just buy this or that". even if the kia is still the better deal.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
You guys knew about the stereo system? Damn, I must have known about it as well and forgotten. I'm afraid to go look at the press release. It's probably in there. :confused:
 
You guys knew about the stereo system? Damn, I must have known about it as well and forgotten. I'm afraid to go look at the press release. It's probably in there. :confused:

Yep, knew about the stereo. I'm crossing my fingers (though not holding my breath) that the Harman Kardon system going into the Stinger is on par with the Logic 7 system they put in my BMW. That stereo was excellent, and to this day among the best sounding factory systems I've heard.
 
I know BMW puts subwoofers beneath the front seats with those Logic 7 systems so Im sure thatll be a welcome feature for you in the Stinger.
 
I know BMW puts subwoofers beneath the front seats with those Logic 7 systems so Im sure thatll be a welcome feature for you in the Stinger.

Yes they did, and they worked quite well. The Bose branded system in my Audi is Walmart levels of quality by comparison. Here's hoping that the Stinger compares favorably.
 
That over 50 grand item seems like a guess more than info from Kia.

I recently went to the Philadelphia Auto Show. They had the blue 3.3T Stinger GT AWD on display. I was able to speak to one of the Kia reps. She said they bench marked the BWM 440i xDrive Gran Coupe for a number of things (performance, comfort,content, etc.). The target for pricing is to substantially undercut their benchmark. She said the 2.0T Stinger would be starting in the mid-30's and "loaded" (I asked if this included the 720 watt stereo we already knew about [sorry Jenny ;)] and she said yes) 3.3T Stinger GT AWD would come in under $50,000. No official pricing has been set yet but there are internal targets (just like for the 0-62 time).
 
______________________________
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
...I asked if this included the 720 watt stereo we already knew about [sorry Jenny ;)] and she said yes) 3.3T Stinger GT AWD...
Thanks Bamm1, this is GREAT NEWS. Cheers :D
 
Here's an article I found on U.S. News and World Report:

The Stinger is a sporty large hatchback in the mold of the Audi A7 or the Tesla Model S (though the non-electric Stinger runs with gas in its veins). Kia calls it a grand tourer, though this big hatchback has four doors and a comfortable back seat. Traditional grand touring cars have been big, comfortable coupes.

Bigger than Kia’s midsized Optima, yet smaller than the full-sized K900, the Stinger aims to beat European carmakers at their own game, with lots of power and great handling – at significantly less than the $70,000-plus that Audi charges for the A7 or BMW for the 5 Series GT. Its sleek and aggressive styling is based on the GT concept shown in Europe in 2011, which received rousing reviews.

Styling
The Stinger looks like a more grown up, aggressive version of the original Optima – a chrome-accented roof-line that sweeps well past the rear wheels before hitting the rear deck. The rear side windows kick up abruptly and get cut off by the chrome arch. Its menacing long, low hood gives it a crocodile insouciance.

Kia says that the scoops behind the front wheels and the deep air dam are functional aerodynamic aids.

The quad exhaust pipes let everybody you pass know you’ve got lots of power under the hood.

How Big?
The Stinger looks big sitting on the road. It’s a smidge shorter than the Audi A7, but almost identical in wheelbase. It’s a little bigger than Kia’s midsized Optima sedan, and a little smaller than the company’s K900 luxury sedan.

If this is a grand touring car, then it’s one with plenty of room to go grand touring with three friends. (It will seat five, but we wouldn’t recommend making long trips that way.)

It's a pretty big article and you can read the full transcript here:
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2018_kia_stinger/

Did you learn anything new? I see it has an adjustable suspension. Did I already know that and just forgot? You can get an optional 720 watt Harman/Kardon stereo with 15 speakers! That's going to be awesome! The front seats each have subwoofers beneath them so you can feel the bass. :) The car can detect when you appear to be tired and suggest you get some rest. That's pretty cool.
 
The fact of the matter is, after playing the guitar, saxophone and keyboards in bands, orchestras and a marching band early on in my life, I consider myself a true audiophile. I am hopeful that the 720 watt, 15-speaker... including subwoofers... Harman Kardon system will be offered at a reasonable premium over the standard radio. I also would like to see the Brembo disc brake system as a reasonably-priced option, too. I am also hopeful that KIA will not offer expensive stacked packages, where you will be forced to choose equipment you may not need or want when choosing your option list. Are you hearing me, KIA?
 

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