Well, I am pulling the trigger

[Kimberly Lazarski]

On my Springfield Arms St. Victor.

OK Seriously, this is about the Stinger, not ARs. After all my complaining about how Kia keeps gimping the car, I am FINALLY putting an order in!

I FINALLY pulled the trigger on it. I originally wanted to wait until January, but given the lead time due to semiconductor shortages and COVID surging here again, I wanted to git'r'done, because the local dealers haven't gotten a GT2 in months. Kia evidently has a dealer allocation system like GM does for the Corvette - it seems Kia are doing all they can to NOT move the cars, because allocations limit the number of a model the dealer can get, so effectively Kia's dealer allocation system is potentially causing potential buyers to give it a miss.

Anyway I test drove the GT1 (until today I resisted actually driving one because I knew if I did I would buy it) and while it was reasonably quick, I was disappointed: On paper it should give a C4-era Grand Sport (which has the LT-4) a good spanking. The reality is far different; can you say tip-in delay? In comfort mode it's understandable but in sport and custom mode, when I mash the pedal down, I want it to rev NOW, not pause. It doesn't pin me to the seat, but it's reasonably quick, and fun! Once it's going it accelerates like a C4-era 'vette with the LT4, but the LT5 would walk away from it very easily. It also didn't feel explosively quick on launch like a BMW or Audi because of the delay; that delay really negatively tricks my finely-tuned butt dyno into being disappointed. I know it's a safety nanny to avoid lawsuits from the idiots who hit the wrong pedal and then sue the manufacturer claiming "unintended acceleration" but good grief, you default the car so it's not in sport mode, so why do you have tip-in delay in sport mode? I know it can be solved with Pedal Commander, but good grief, why do I need to eliminate tip-in delay on sporty cars like this? But, one thing I appreciated; if I am varying throttle like around twisty roads, throttle response is very good. It's only when I am at a stop and I mash down on it, or just going a steady speed then mash the throttle. The down side of throttle by wire is the overly-protective nannies. I could definitely feel the weight of the car, more so than the solid-feeling Corvette, and there was some body sway but it was fairly minimal, not as much as some of y'all claim. It's not a Corvette or BRZ, so I don't expect there to be near-zero lean. I have no idea about high end acceleration - I didn't take it much past 60 even on the freeway (it's not broken in and not my car).

There were no rattles, no thuds from the hatch, and the ride is far quieter than the Saab unless I am getting on it. The electronic fake exhaust - I could take it or leave it, so I turned it off. It doesn't annoy me, but it doesn't add much for me either. I Maybe I'll just leave it on because my fiance will love it. I thought the ride was fantastic, but I've got a long history of sportscars and trucks and actually loved the firm ride in the Corvettes. I never cared much for floaty cars that feel vague. The Stinger is less connected than say, the ZR1, or a Toyota MR2 or Datsun Z, but it's better than Audis and BMWs have become - at least I get some feedback. The lane keep assist actually works well (I wish I could say the same for the Forester), and I even tried the highway drive assist very briefly.

I ordered a GT2 AWD; I didn't sign for it yet because no VIN yet - I'm requesting the first available Micro Blue GT2, with Black as my second choice, and Panthera Metal as my third choice. Because the car is projected to not be manufactured until September or August by the time Kia will give them another allocation, I asked them to also hit up other dealers and see if there is one that can be transferred without being gouged. (There is a certain butthole Kia dealer chain in New England adding "market correction" markups of $5,000-$10000 per vehicle and they're reportedly doing that to other dealers as well).

For such a roomy car with cavernous cargo space and enough back seat room that I can have people comfortably sit in the back seat for long drives, it'll be a fun car to drive with teammates to travel games that are within driving distance (roller derby).

So, I guess the first accessory I will add (after the dashcam) is a throttle response tuner, then an open ear intake so I can hear the turbines spool up, then down the line a JB4 after it is well broken in. Oh - and I decided I am not going to debadge it.

I do have some questions the dealer wasn't able to answer (they don't move a lot of GT2s so I was unable to check):

- On the GT2, can the surround cameras be activated at speed? Like, if I am on the freeway and hit pinched lanes in a construction zone, can I turn the surround cameras on and see how much clearance I have on the passenger side or is it limited to <= 10mph like on the GT1's backup camera?
- In the US GT2, does highway assist nag you to touch the wheel every half minute on the supported freeways, or does it just take over for you?
- Is a wifi hotspot feature present? Is it coming? The dealer didn't know.
- Is there a remote camera view through UVO, i.e., can I check the cameras remotely like Tesla and some other tech-heavy cars have? (dealer didn't know)
- What bike carrier do y'all use with the Stinger? I don't want to scuff up the interior with my mountain bike, but also don't want the paint marred by a bike carrier.
- Is the remote star via the key fob super weird on this thing or what? On the GT1, I had to hold the remote start button for ten seconds for the car to respond

Thanks all for providing such amazing information and answering previous questions I've asked last year or so! Now I have to hurry up and wait. :-(

 

[nhcowboy28]

Fk me. Do you have a cliff notes on this post?

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Don't read it if you don't want to. You don't need to be a dick about it.

 

[StingertimeNC]

On my Springfield Arms St. Victor.

OK Seriously, this is about the Stinger, not ARs. After all my complaining about how Kia keeps gimping the car, I am FINALLY putting an order in!

I FINALLY pulled the trigger on it. I originally wanted to wait until January, but given the lead time due to semiconductor shortages and COVID surging here again, I wanted to git'r'done, because the local dealers haven't gotten a GT2 in months. Kia evidently has a dealer allocation system like GM does for the Corvette - it seems Kia are doing all they can to NOT move the cars, because allocations limit the number of a model the dealer can get, so effectively Kia's dealer allocation system is potentially causing potential buyers to give it a miss.

Anyway I test drove the GT1 (until today I resisted actually driving one because I knew if I did I would buy it) and while it was reasonably quick, I was disappointed: On paper it should give a C4-era Grand Sport (which has the LT-4) a good spanking. The reality is far different; can you say tip-in delay? In comfort mode it's understandable but in sport and custom mode, when I mash the pedal down, I want it to rev NOW, not pause. It doesn't pin me to the seat, but it's reasonably quick, and fun! Once it's going it accelerates like a C4-era 'vette with the LT4, but the LT5 would walk away from it very easily. It also didn't feel explosively quick on launch like a BMW or Audi because of the delay; that delay really negatively tricks my finely-tuned butt dyno into being disappointed. I know it's a safety nanny to avoid lawsuits from the idiots who hit the wrong pedal and then sue the manufacturer claiming "unintended acceleration" but good grief, you default the car so it's not in sport mode, so why do you have tip-in delay in sport mode? I know it can be solved with Pedal Commander, but good grief, why do I need to eliminate tip-in delay on sporty cars like this? But, one thing I appreciated; if I am varying throttle like around twisty roads, throttle response is very good. It's only when I am at a stop and I mash down on it, or just going a steady speed then mash the throttle. The down side of throttle by wire is the overly-protective nannies. I could definitely feel the weight of the car, more so than the solid-feeling Corvette, and there was some body sway but it was fairly minimal, not as much as some of y'all claim. It's not a Corvette or BRZ, so I don't expect there to be near-zero lean. I have no idea about high end acceleration - I didn't take it much past 60 even on the freeway (it's not broken in and not my car).

There were no rattles, no thuds from the hatch, and the ride is far quieter than the Saab unless I am getting on it. The electronic fake exhaust - I could take it or leave it, so I turned it off. It doesn't annoy me, but it doesn't add much for me either. I Maybe I'll just leave it on because my fiance will love it. I thought the ride was fantastic, but I've got a long history of sportscars and trucks and actually loved the firm ride in the Corvettes. I never cared much for floaty cars that feel vague. The Stinger is less connected than say, the ZR1, or a Toyota MR2 or Datsun Z, but it's better than Audis and BMWs have become - at least I get some feedback. The lane keep assist actually works well (I wish I could say the same for the Forester), and I even tried the highway drive assist very briefly.

I ordered a GT2 AWD; I didn't sign for it yet because no VIN yet - I'm requesting the first available Micro Blue GT2, with Black as my second choice, and Panthera Metal as my third choice. Because the car is projected to not be manufactured until September or August by the time Kia will give them another allocation, I asked them to also hit up other dealers and see if there is one that can be transferred without being gouged. (There is a certain butthole Kia dealer chain in New England adding "market correction" markups of $5,000-$10000 per vehicle and they're reportedly doing that to other dealers as well).

For such a roomy car with cavernous cargo space and enough back seat room that I can have people comfortably sit in the back seat for long drives, it'll be a fun car to drive with teammates to travel games that are within driving distance (roller derby).

So, I guess the first accessory I will add (after the dashcam) is a throttle response tuner, then an open ear intake so I can hear the turbines spool up, then down the line a JB4 after it is well broken in. Oh - and I decided I am not going to debadge it.

I do have some questions the dealer wasn't able to answer (they don't move a lot of GT2s so I was unable to check):

- On the GT2, can the surround cameras be activated at speed? Like, if I am on the freeway and hit pinched lanes in a construction zone, can I turn the surround cameras on and see how much clearance I have on the passenger side or is it limited to <= 10mph like on the GT1's backup camera?
- In the US GT2, does highway assist nag you to touch the wheel every half minute on the supported freeways, or does it just take over for you?
- Is a wifi hotspot feature present? Is it coming? The dealer didn't know.
- Is there a remote camera view through UVO, i.e., can I check the cameras remotely like Tesla and some other tech-heavy cars have? (dealer didn't know)
- What bike carrier do y'all use with the Stinger? I don't want to scuff up the interior with my mountain bike, but also don't want the paint marred by a bike carrier.
- Is the remote star via the key fob super weird on this thing or what? On the GT1, I had to hold the remote start button for ten seconds for the car to respond

Thanks all for providing such amazing information and answering previous questions I've asked last year or so! Now I have to hurry up and wait. :-(

nhcowboy28 had me laughing with the response.

anyway, I have a 2019 so my answers may be off slightly, but I doubt it.

surround camera doesn't work at speed
highway assist does require you to touch the wheel every 30 seconds or so
no wifi hotspot
no camera checking through UVO
get a hitch mount bike rack for safety.. I've seen at least one hitch for the stinger somewhere
I don't have remote start in the 2019. I think it was an add on module you had to buy from the dealer at the time.
I have the BMS pedal tuner and it works great. almost too good in sport mode most of the time, but at a dead stop, you still get some delay before things really get cooking.

 

[hummus]

Welcome. Glad to have your perspective on things--having some different opinions on things makes can for healthy discussion, IMO.

When you mention gimping the car, are you referring to features that have been removed or diminished? Just curious what those are, as I haven't noticed anything other than fewer trim levels prior to the face lift, and maybe some content from the GT1 with the face lift. If anything, they added some useful things (blind spot monitor and LSD on the RWD GT) as standard.

Just a heads up on the hatch rattle--it can come and go, but generally the fix is very simple if it does happen.

Regarding the throttle controllers, have you found that they actually reduce lag on a throttle stomp? I had always understood that they essentially "amplify" the throttle position, so that when you have the pedal at what would normally be the 25% position, it intercedes and presents a 40% request to the ECU. So I get how the car can feel more responsive on partial pedal. But, I thought 100% was 100%, so am curious if it actually helps the car register a stomp quicker than without.

On the tuning/responsiveness issue, to be honest I don't think it's far off what they intended. Despite what the appearance may suggest, out of the box the car seems more of an open road cruiser than a back road bruiser. There's a reason that the German makes are supplementing their turbos with 48V motors--even the best turbos will have a hard time matching the jump of an SBC.

 

[RM7]

- What bike carrier do y'all use with the Stinger? I don't want to scuff up the interior with my mountain bike, but also don't want the paint marred by a bike carrier.

There is a draw-tite for it, but it's on backorder (like most everything else). They are saying a few months out. Installation looks to be pretty intense. I'm up for it, but double check before deciding you want to install yourself.

 

[RM7]

On the tuning/responsiveness issue, to be honest I don't think it's far off what they intended. Despite what the appearance may suggest, out of the box the car seems more of an open road cruiser than a back road bruiser. There's a reason that the German makes are supplementing their turbos with 48V motors--even the best turbos will have a hard time matching the jump of an SBC.

These cars have ridiculous torque down low. It's a matter of the transmission having to downshift when you mash the gear and throttle lag. It ain't turbo lag. I had a WRX...THAT had turbo lag.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

Their description claims for improved throttle response, so I had assumed that they were reducing tip-in delay.

By "gimping" the car I mean hobbling it in the market. We see them offering diamond stitching and other upscale upholstery details in SK, suede in SK and Canada, rear LSD in the AWD car in Canada, full digital 3D instrument cluster in SK, and previous to 2022, Aussies could get the bimodal exhaust but in the US you couldn't, and Canada you pay less for the car and get maps and updates and UVO Link included, while they nickel and dime Americans for software bug fixes, and we couldn't get UVO link at any price (but you could in their cheap models)

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

There is a draw-tite for it, but it's on backorder (like most everything else). They are saying a few months out. Installation looks to be pretty intense. I'm up for it, but double check before deciding you want to install yourself.

Yeah I saw that on etrailer.com and watched the install video for it - I'd have to cut the diffuser and it would run the lines so I'm hesitant. .

 

[RM7]

Yeah I saw that on etrailer.com and watched the install video for it - I'd have to cut the diffuser and it would run the lines so I'm hesitant. .

BFD I say. It's the most forward portion of the diffuser and it's way way down there. Don't let what other people think dissuade you. This car kicks ass at autoX and everything else (except carrying 4 people) AND it has a receiver. I mean, it's a lot less of an effect than a roof-rack, which is like running around with an erector-set on top of your car all the time, not to mention it costs mileage even without bikes up there (hitch racks are in the already-disturbed air behind the car, so very little penalty).

 

[Ric 'Ochet]

Don't read it if you don't want to. You don't need to be a dick about it.

I don’t think he was being a dick, it was him being funny (which I can appreciate). That said it seems like you’ve done a lot of research, more than me, and appreciate the insight.
The car is what it is.
It’s good enough.
It’s fast enough.
And doggone it people like it.
Welcome to the club.

 

[hummus]

Their description claims for improved throttle response, so I had assumed that they were reducing tip-in delay.

By "gimping" the car I mean hobbling it in the market. We see them offering diamond stitching and other upscale upholstery details in SK, suede in SK and Canada, rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential) in the AWD car in Canada, full digital 3D instrument cluster in SK, and previous to 2022, Aussies could get the bimodal exhaust but in the US you couldn't, and Canada you pay less for the car and get maps and updates and UVO Link included, while they nickel and dime Americans for software bug fixes, and we couldn't get UVO link at any price (but you could in their cheap models)

Ah, thanks for clarifying. In the spirit of having different views, I think it is an absolute triumph that Kia even made the Stinger in the first place and offer it for an absurdly low price. The value is simply off the charts--regardless of trimmings available in other markets--and it's very under appreciated. I'm happy it's even here, and on my second Stinger, I am still counting my blessings.

I snagged what I wanted while I could: a "GT0" without sunroof or driving nannies, with all the driving awesomeness intact. In my mind, the "gimping" they did was to make an updated product mix without this trim level, as they had that slice of the market to themselves--no equivalent V6 TT within $15K of the now discontinued "GT0".

The only thing on your list I would place any value in is the rear differential. UVO link I would actually avoid if possible, and try to disable if it was forced upon me. Are the ROW bi-modal exhausts different from the ones we see in the videos here? Doesn't seem hugely impactful, especially if you are coming from SBC vehicles--nothing is going to elevate this relatively wheezy little V6 to that level of burl.

I guess it goes to show we all derive satisfaction from different things. All good. Hope everything works out with the delivery!

 

[Blueangel]

Congrats and welcome…

I love the hell out of mine!!!

 

[jthrelf]

First off congrats. Second, happy to have a female Second Amendment AND Stinger enthusiast .

I only have a GT so no remote start but most cars you have to hold the button down so it won't just unintentionally start up on you from an accidental press or sitting on it, etc.

The transmission is good, but not great. I do wish it had an Audi-like dual clutch for that very fast pedal response but it's just a less expensive car, I suppose we can't have it all.

 

[Maljey]

Awesome OP. Always love reading comparisons between the Stinger and other cars.

I have a 2022 GT1 and the remote start only takes 3 to 5 seconds to activate for me. Definitely not 10.

Also, I notice a big difference in throttle response on launch between sport and comfort. I'm not using 'launch mode,' I'm just mashing throttle at the light. Maybe your overall impression is due to some turbo lag? Frankly very few modern cars have free revving engines anymore, and those that due tend to be naturally aspirated.

Regarding the highway nannies (lane keep assist and radar/smart cruise control), they work exactly the same on the GT1 and GT2 models.

 

[HDTurbo]

Congrats Laz!

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

The only thing on your list I would place any value in is the rear differential. UVO link I would actually avoid if possible, and try to disable if it was forced upon me. Are the ROW bi-modal exhausts different from the ones we see in the videos here? Doesn't seem hugely impactful, especially if you are coming from SBC vehicles--nothing is going to elevate this relatively wheezy little V6 to that level of burl.

Not even UVO link with remote lock/unlock, geofencing, and speed and curfew alerts? For me the lack of UVO Link was the deal breaker - we have that functionality in our Subie, and we love it and want it in any fun car we buy, in event we let nephews borrow the car.

I guess it goes to show we all derive satisfaction from different things. All good. Hope everything works out with the delivery!

Agreed; the non-enthusiasts who think "400hp is too much for the streets" and "NOBODY should do _____" (regarding various mods) can get bent.

The dealer Friday was stalling (if I were them with someone who didn't have to be sold, but wanting to buy the top-trim halo car, I'd move heaven and earth to get one on hand and I'd be taking that deposit and be phoning every dealer who has one on hand to fill the order) so I called around today, found a GT2 Scorpion Edition in black (Scorpion Edition is not my first choice, Black is my second choice) and put a deposit down on it. If I can get the financing (I have spotless credit but no installment loans in the last 12 years) I hope to be driving it Tuesday or Friday.

 

[hummus]

Not even UVO link with remote lock/unlock, geofencing, and speed and curfew alerts? For me the lack of UVO Link was the deal breaker - we have that functionality in our Subie, and we love it and want it in any fun car we buy, in event we let nephews borrow the car.


Agreed; the non-enthusiasts who think "400hp is too much for the streets" and "NOBODY should do _____" (regarding various mods) can get bent.

The dealer Friday was stalling (if I were them with someone who didn't have to be sold, but wanting to buy the top-trim halo car, I'd move heaven and earth to get one on hand and I'd be taking that deposit and be phoning every dealer who has one on hand to fill the order) so I called around today, found a GT2 Scorpion Edition in black (Scorpion Edition is not my first choice, Black is my second choice) and put a deposit down on it. If I can get the financing (I have spotless credit but no installment loans in the last 12 years) I hope to be driving it Tuesday or Friday.

I definitely see the appeal of UVO link and similar services. I just like my vehicles no-frills, and I value any data air-gap around it, so I'll pursue that as best I can. Luckily for me, my nephews both have access to far more serious machinery than my Stinger so I would have no qualms with them taking it out.

Regarding your new prospect, there are definite upsides to this plan! The pearlescent Aurora Black is pure hotness and the Scorpion package could be a major cherry on top if it comes to pass that these cars go up in desirability. If the rumors of Stinger demise turn out to be true, besides being perhaps the last special edition, it's hard to argue with super tasty OEM wheels.

Fingers crossed for you all.

 

[JSolo]

The ad for uvo links touts finding your car if you forget where you parked it as a feature.

Seriously, if you can't remember where you parked, you've got bigger issues. Granted, I had that problem myself with rental cars when I was in a different city/state each week with a different rental. Sometimes I'd get mixed up thinking I had last week's rental.

But when it comes to my own vehicles, never had that problem.

I value my privacy. I think the cars today emit plenty of telemetry data as is, even without android auto/carapple. In fact, if the built in modem could be disabled, I'd be all over that.

 

[Kimberly Lazarski]

HOLY CRAP, Crowley Kia are a bunch of jerks. In trying to get this sealed, I've had a couple of dealers inquiring about cars. They wanted me to show up with CASH - not give a credit card over the phone, but withdraw and bring CASH, or wire them the funds for the down payment, either of which gives me NO protection, and carrying that much cash is rather dangerous and besides, I'd need to file forms asking Uncle Sam for permission to withdraw my own money because of our moronic unwinnable war on drugs, so it would take days for me to withdraw that much from a personal account in cash after filling out forms asking "mother may I."

Because I mentioned to them I've also been talking to other dealers, they refunded my deposit and refuse to sell me a car.

Funny, the local dealer had no problem with my calling around. Crowley are a bunch of snowflakes. Good grief.

No f&Y#$iung wonder Kia have struggled to move these cars; their dealers f#&Ying SUCK. I am ready to buy a Stinger GT2 in Micro Blue or Black or Panthera Metal Kia TODAY and your dealers all f%^&ing suck, Kia.

The car isn't selling well because Kia dealers like you F$#%^@* SUCK! They don't know how to handle customers who want to just get it done right now.