New car models don’t appear overnight.
That’s why it’s always a treat to drive one that actually matches all the hype that preceeds.
In this case, the all-new 2019 Kia Stinger GT (gran turismo) rear-wheeler.
The five-passenger sportback is poised to redefine a segment currently populated by European automakers. Stinger is the highest-performance production vehicle in the company’s history and is backed by Kia’s industry-leading warranty.
It’s offered in five trim levels: Stinger 2.0L, Premium, GT, GT1 and GT2.
“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us, and after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world, that dream is now a reality,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, Kia Motors America. “From its GT Concept-car origins to its tuning and refining on the legendary Nürburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning.”
With the formalities complete, let’s talk smack. The Stinger looks the part, acts the part, and comes at an affordable price that makes it accessible to most common folk.
Let’s start with looks. Stinger sits low to the ground with a steeply raked windshield and sportback to create a fast silhouette. It benefits from a long hood and short front overhang, an extended wheelbase to deliver a spacious cabin and a long rear overhang with strong shoulders. The result is an air of elegance and athleticism – not boy-racer aggression.
Better yet was the Stinger’s performance. Powered by a 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the car races from 0-to-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and generates 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The Stinger shines off the line and accelerates without hesitation, reaching a top speed of 167 miles per hour.
Kia’s Stinger seats up to five adults, and the back seat is actually functional. The sportback opens to reveal a surprising spacious cargo area. I didn’t conduct the golf bag test, but the eyeball test said they would fit.
Kia manages to make all this magic happen and still keep the sticker under $40k. As a reminder, last week’s Lexus RC F was in the mid $80k range.
Creature comforts — which all came in handy traversing Stevens Pass en route to Leavenworth — were highlighted by heated leather seats, seven-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera, smart cruise control, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Also included is a lengthy list of standard safety features including forward-collision warning and avoidance systems, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, high-beam assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning and auto rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Base Price: $39,250
Price As Driven: $39,250
Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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