The Kia GT Concept, as motor enthusiasts may recall, was the Korean brand’s interpretation of what a gran turismo would look like, Kia-style. First seen at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, it wowed visitors and whet their appetite for a stylish offering that would look nothing like any Kia. Little did they know that it was a foretaste of things to come.
Some six years later, that concept is now a reality in the guise of the Kia Stinger. The four-door fastback makes its world debut at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This model, as seen from the swoopy lines and bold stance, is a far cry from the econobox, mass market designs that used to come from the humble automaker.
Thanks to the style tutelage of Kia design boss Peter Schreyet, the Stinger possesses a long hood, fastback rear, and curves in all the right places. The interior is a stylish place to be in, with first-rate materials and a slew of connectivity and creature comfort features that give it an upscale touch.
The go-fast looks are backed up by a range of powerful yet economical engines, as well as handling developed at no less than the legendary Nurburgring. This naturally heightens expectations for a car that can truly be fun to drive and comfortable at the same time.
The 2018 Kia Stinger will sit at the top end of the brand’s vehicle hierarchy when it rolls into showrooms later this year.
