The 2017 Kia Stinger is passing through the final tests of its development before going on-sale later this year… it’s just finished getting sideways on ice.
THE 2017 KIA STINGER is one of the world’s most anticipated new cars with the Australian arm hopeful it’ll make a big impact. After finishing its testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, engineers “are now subjecting Kia’s new fastback sport sedan to extreme sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions of northern Sweden,” Kia said in a statement.
Testing in Arjeplog in Swedish Lapland, allows Kia to tweak and test the car in a range of low-grip driving environments, including a skid-pan, handling circuit and slalom test on the surface of the frozen Uddjaure Lake. There are around 100 engineers on-hand in Sweden to hone the Stinger’s handling in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, as well as the characteristics of the various electronic aids.
Albert Biermann, Kia’s Head of Vehicle Test and High Performance Development, said: “Testing the car in these extreme conditions allows us to focus on the stability and predictability that the Stinger offers drivers, in every configuration and in all driving conditions. Crucially, these tests allow us to engineer a car which retains the driving appeal that buyers look for in a sport sedan. We want enthusiastic drivers to be able to enjoy the thrill of driving their Stinger in all conditions without compromising on safety.”
The Stinger will be available with a choice of three engines, depending on market. A 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine is the most powerful, with power and torque outputs of 272kW and 510 Nm. The Stinger’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable of producing 187kW and 353 Nm. The third engine, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel anticipated to account for the majority of Stinger sales across Europe, produces 147kW and 440 Nm. All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V6 needs to be an option for the the updated Sonata, looks even better if it makes production.