
Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here. While the Europeans at that price point might be the default choice, anyone looking for a sport sedan should at least give the Stinger GT a whirl (especially in Canada) before making their final decision.īecome an AutoGuide insider. It’s not fair to the Kia, but it is the way it is. The new GT Line with the 2.5-liter engine will find many buyers but the 3.3 V6 Turbo will probably be overlooked in favor of the Germans despite being at least $4,000 cheaper than the cheapest equivalent BMW or Mercedes. The only real issue with the Kia is the badge. Just as an example, Mercedes requires you to pay $1,700 extra for adaptive cruise control on the AMG C43.
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Plus, the standard driver assistance systems package surpasses all its German rivals. While not a corner carver, it is still enjoyable in the corners thanks to its chassis balance and is also a fantastic long-distance tourer. It might not have the sharpness of a BMW M440 or the Mercedes-AMG C43 but that doesn’t make the Stinger any less impressive. Showing us just how serious Kia is when it comes to performance, the range-topping twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 powered Stinger is good for 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. While you have to squint and hunt for a badge to differentiate the Stinger’s rivals from their regular trims, you will not mistake 2022 Kia Stinger GT for anything else. You can manually override the gearbox by pulling at the paddle shifters but if you let it be for six seconds or more, the Stinger retakes control.
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It doesn’t however let you have full manual control over gear shifts. Quick overtakes and fast freeway merges are child’s play. Mash the throttle and it kicks down two almost in an instant and the copious amounts of mid-range torque does the rest.

SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia K5 GT Review: An Almost-Perfect Everyday Sport Sedan The redline is a sacred place beyond turbo whistle or VTEC engagement - its the max - its everything - the best.

It’s quick for a torque converter and very precise. Interestingly, the eight-speed automatic leaves nothing to be desired. Regardless of the gear you’re in, the Stinger pulls effortlessly. It makes its peak torque from as low as 1,300 rpm giving the GT a very strong mid-range and great tractability.

On the move, however, things change rather drastically. During a test by Car and Driver, an all-wheel-drive. I expected a low growl, but it was more like a subdued bark. Schreyer reportedly drove a pre-production Stinger GT at a top speed of 269 km/h (167 mph) on the Autobahn. Despite the new exhaust, the note, at startup at least, is quite underwhelming. The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 now makes 368 hp, three more than before thanks to a new exhaust and 376 lb-ft of peak torque.
