Kia is well into testing an updated version of its Stinger sports saloon, with disguised prototypes being put through their paces at the Nürburgring.
Although this is a mid-cycle refresh for a car that has been on sale since only 2018, the mule seen here is sporting extensive camouflage. Don’t expect a radical overhaul inside or out, but we should see the usual revamp of the front end to include updated headlights, a new grille and larger air intakes.
The interior should gain some of the technology upgrades seen in the recently unveiled Mk4 Sorento, including new infotainment and additional comfort and active safety features. Revised colour and trim options should also be on the cards.
Changes under the bonnet are more significant. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines are only available while stocks last and will be dropped in Europe by the time the facelifted Stinger arrives.
Kia will retain only the 365bhp twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol V6 used in the Stinger GT S, effectively making the Stinger Kia’s halo performance model.
Question marks remain over the model's future mid-term future remain, given its negative effect on Kia's fleet average CO2 emissions. However, the Korean brand has been successful in reducing its figure with an influx of strong-selling electric cars and plug-in hybrids, which could allow the Stinger to continue for some years.
Going by the typical lifecycle for Kia models, we expect to see the facelifted Stinger before 2020 is out, with sales commencing soon after.
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adrian888
Why drop the diesel
if they have a problem with fleet CO2 figures? Seems counter productive to me. Especially if it was electrically assisted as per the Sportage.
nimmler
south korea thinks it can challenge Merc, BMW, Audi ,Lexus?LOL
They are prepared to take the hit on the fleet average because the car is a ‘halo device’. It isn't designed to actually sell or be a financial success but get more column inches like the one seen here, hype to get traffic going to website/showrooms and gain public mindshare trying to brainwash people to think that kias and hyundais are not dirt cheep south korean knock offs of their historical Superior Japanese counterparts.
Takeitslowly
it isn't designed to ACTUALLY sell...?
nimmler
south korea thinks it can challenge Merc, BMW, Audi ,Lexus?LOL
... also too add its kinda awkward when even the GDI isn't an original korean design [ hyundai licenced the tech from Mitsubishi in the late 90’s] sure south korea has come along way but the inferiority complex and leaching off Japanese r&d with a hint of hubris will always hold the koreans back from being a serious auto maker.
russ13b
nimmler
isn't kia's r&d facility in germany, with some ex-"bmw m division" people overseeing things? There's no reason why they can't if they want to
artill
The Stinger is a fine looking
The Stinger is a fine looking car. Decent price for what you get, only thing it needs is a manual box on that V6
Sundym
Sales failure
Peter Cavellini
Dunno?
It sells well?!, where?, I don't think I've seen one?!
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