Kia: Stinger News
#201
Moderator
Impressive video above, a ~50k car keeping up with ~80k cars from BMW & Porsche.
#202
Team Owner
Yah.. the part i dont understand is why didnt they use the 440GC instead of 640GC?
440GC is a hatch just like Stinger.
IMO, S5 sportback and 440GC are what Stinger is going after... not 640GC - which is just a normal sedan (with less head room).
440GC is a hatch just like Stinger.
IMO, S5 sportback and 440GC are what Stinger is going after... not 640GC - which is just a normal sedan (with less head room).
#203
Moderator
Didn't even catch that. I imagine more people would cross shop the 440GC with the Singer GT, than the 640GC.
The price gap is a lot smaller from the Stinger GT to the base 440GC as well. 38.3k for the Stinger GT to 43.3k for the 440GC
The price gap is a lot smaller from the Stinger GT to the base 440GC as well. 38.3k for the Stinger GT to 43.3k for the 440GC
#204
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I'm just wondering if we are into performance bargain, what do people feel about the Dodge Charger RT Scat Pack. It's about $40k and makes 485hp. It's even faster than the Stinger. It'd also bigger than the regular 3 series, etc. Heck, from the reviews, it even has pretty decent handling.
#205
Team Owner
I am not going to get into the details but you do not have a lot of Dodge Scat pack buyers crossshop BMW/Audis and vice versa.
Just as a Hellcat is the same price, or maybe even cheaper than a M3... yet people who buy want to buy Hellcat will get hellcat and M3/M4 buyers will not consider a Hellcat even tho it will blow the doors and some off the M3/M4.
Just as a Hellcat is the same price, or maybe even cheaper than a M3... yet people who buy want to buy Hellcat will get hellcat and M3/M4 buyers will not consider a Hellcat even tho it will blow the doors and some off the M3/M4.
#207
Ex-OEM King
I'm waiting a bit longer for the lease MF's to come down. Right now the demand is high and that'll change pretty quick. Once that happens, I may very well lease one. I don't want to buy because the resale on something like this will be abysmal.
#209
Ex-OEM King
Kia's warranty is good but I'm concerned over the aftermarket for something like this. The Golf R has a TON of stuff for the aftermarket where you can't really get bored. Once the warranty expires, you slap a new tune on it and magically have what feels like a different car. Also the Golf R with Remus exhaust is .
Also, yes daily driver. I already have a not daily lol.
#210
Team Owner
If you get a Golf R, get it with the DSG. The 6MT in that car sucks.
#211
Ex-OEM King
#212
Race Director
#213
Banned
You prefer an automatic to a manual? I understand that the DSG is more efficient, but sorry IMO the 6MT doubles the fun, specially in a small car. I already had the traumatic experience of a 1980 automatic Rabbit, no thanks.
#214
Race Director
C/D on the blown four-banger w/power at all four corners ....
We’ve tested a couple of 2018 Stingers before, first a rear-drive example and then another with all-wheel drive. Both cars were top-of-the-line GT models powered by a 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 and with $50,000 sticker prices. All Stingers share a rear-wheel-drive chassis with the Genesis G70; our test car’s all-wheel-drive system added $2200 to its sticker price and a claimed 181 pounds to its curb weight, which still totaled only 3845 pounds on our scales.
This time, our test vehicle represents the Stinger that most people will pay monthly for, and it has a sticker price of $37,000. Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that also does duty, albeit mounted sideways, in the less expensive, front-wheel-drive Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata family sedans.
The four-cylinder is rated at 255 horsepower, and its torque peak of 260 lb-ft hits at just 1400 rpm. It isn’t quite as smooth as some other turbocharged 2.0-liters out there and it doesn’t rev as high, topping out at a 6500-rpm redline, but the double-overhead-cam engine gets the job done, with a flat torque curve and a nice kick just over six grand.
The powertrain’s shortcoming is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which Hyundai/Kia designed and builds in house. It’s geared well for this package and its performance is satisfying around town, but play Lewis Hamilton on your favorite twisty road and the eight-speed is lethargic. Flicking the paddle shifters delivers an eventual gearchange, but they could be snappier.
[...]
The 2018 Stinger 2.0T isn’t perfect, but its strong performance, style, and spaciousness is a compelling combination. Sure, we prefer the Stinger GT with its additional power and features, but the four-cylinder Stinger remains a driver’s car, and with a base price just under $33,000 (with rear-wheel drive), its value is undeniable.
2018 Kia Stinger 2.0T AWD
The four doesn't bore.
We’ve tested a couple of 2018 Stingers before, first a rear-drive example and then another with all-wheel drive. Both cars were top-of-the-line GT models powered by a 365-hp twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 and with $50,000 sticker prices. All Stingers share a rear-wheel-drive chassis with the Genesis G70; our test car’s all-wheel-drive system added $2200 to its sticker price and a claimed 181 pounds to its curb weight, which still totaled only 3845 pounds on our scales.
This time, our test vehicle represents the Stinger that most people will pay monthly for, and it has a sticker price of $37,000. Under its hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that also does duty, albeit mounted sideways, in the less expensive, front-wheel-drive Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata family sedans.
The four-cylinder is rated at 255 horsepower, and its torque peak of 260 lb-ft hits at just 1400 rpm. It isn’t quite as smooth as some other turbocharged 2.0-liters out there and it doesn’t rev as high, topping out at a 6500-rpm redline, but the double-overhead-cam engine gets the job done, with a flat torque curve and a nice kick just over six grand.
The powertrain’s shortcoming is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which Hyundai/Kia designed and builds in house. It’s geared well for this package and its performance is satisfying around town, but play Lewis Hamilton on your favorite twisty road and the eight-speed is lethargic. Flicking the paddle shifters delivers an eventual gearchange, but they could be snappier.
[...]
The 2018 Stinger 2.0T isn’t perfect, but its strong performance, style, and spaciousness is a compelling combination. Sure, we prefer the Stinger GT with its additional power and features, but the four-cylinder Stinger remains a driver’s car, and with a base price just under $33,000 (with rear-wheel drive), its value is undeniable.
#216
Team Owner
You need to drive it before you judge. I am all about 6MT cars... but it was boring as fuck in the Golf R I drove. The shifter felt very anemic and the clutch was meh also. It was one of the first times I drove a manual car and thought to myself "wow, I'd be happier with the auto"
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
#218
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If I were to get one, it would definitely be the GT. I guess I care about straight line performance too lol...Whereas the GT is as fast, if not faster than anyone else in the 3 series segment, while being much cheaper, the 2.0T is quite slow. It's on par with C300 and IS200t but the A4 2.0T and 330i are much faster. It could've used another 30hp or so, given its high curb weight.
#219
Azine Jabroni
You need to drive it before you judge. I am all about 6MT cars... but it was boring as fuck in the Golf R I drove. The shifter felt very anemic and the clutch was meh also. It was one of the first times I drove a manual car and thought to myself "wow, I'd be happier with the auto"
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
#220
I could leave a super long review after an extended test drive, but would rather not. Let me just say that if there is ANY car in the market that gives remotely near the bang-for-buck this car does, please tell me so that I can check that car out as well. I LOVE the fact that it is a hatchback, rear legroom is great in my perspective (5'10), has all the features you would expect in a car these days if you're spending 40k+ (HUD, heated & cooled seats, heated steering wheel, rear cross traffic alert, power folding side mirrors, etc.), makes amazing low end power, and is a lot of fun to drive. I'll nit pick about a couple of things... The transmission could be a little bit more responsive. It does not shift like an M3 or RS4, but then again it costs almost half the price. I'm not a huge fan of the shifter. You use the shifter to put it into everything except for park. "Park" has its own button. Also worth noting is the warranty Kia offers with their cars if you're worried about reliability. Basically the best in the market.
Problem w/ that 8 spd AT is that it is an auto that was developed as a luxury gearbox and not with much performance in mind (the Q60 RS has the same issue with its trans).
That transmission is holding back what that 3.3TTV6 can do (Kia also seems to have limited torque at the lower gears in order to prolong the life of the transmission).
There have been signs that Kia has been testing a Stinger with a (wet?) DCT (supposedly w/ the V8), but Kia has denied that there will be a Stinger with even more performance (could just be corporate-speak).
Personally, while a V8 Stinger would be great, that's not as needed as a more performance-oriented trans, esp. as tuners have already modified the 3.3TTV6 so that it puts out over 400HP.
Would also like to see a Stinger with firmer coils/bushings and a larger sway-bar - to sharpen up the handling beyond being a Gran Turismo.
More impressive to the typical layperson if the Stinger can beat the 640GC and a base Panamera in certain areas.
If I were to get one, it would definitely be the GT. I guess I care about straight line performance too lol...Whereas the GT is as fast, if not faster than anyone else in the 3 series segment, while being much cheaper, the 2.0T is quite slow. It's on par with C300 and IS200t but the A4 2.0T and 330i are much faster. It could've used another 30hp or so, given its high curb weight.
Not only more power/torque but one of the best sounding 4-bangers.
While definitely a minority, there have been a few buyers who passed on an M4/M4 or AMG for the top spec Stinger GT.
One of the mods on a Lexus forum - not only traded in his RC-F, but also sold his '17 IS F Sport (which had replaced his '17MY A4) - so a 2-for-1.
Last edited by YEH; 01-30-2018 at 01:51 AM.
#221
Ex-OEM King
I feel like the Stinger would be the same way with the MT being an afterthought to appease the purists even though it sucks.
#222
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
I love manuals .. but holy shit, the transmission / shifting is an engineering marvel and made me giddy AF.
There's nothing like feeling 0 interruption of power and seeing the speedo sweep into triple digits with what seems like only a few seconds
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SamDoe1 (01-30-2018)
#223
Team Owner
That's all fine and dandy but I drove both the 6MT and the DSG in the Golf R and the DSG wins hands down. It's so much faster and engaging than the manual is and the farts and bangs it makes when the cogs swap is magical. The 6MT is pretty crappy, it's an ok box that feels like they lifted it out of the base Jetta. The clutch sucks, the feel sucks, the throw sucks. It was definitely an afterthought for a car designed to be a DSG model. A manual transmission in a car designed to be a MT car is awesome, anything else isn't nearly as fun.
I feel like the Stinger would be the same way with the MT being an afterthought to appease the purists even though it sucks.
I feel like the Stinger would be the same way with the MT being an afterthought to appease the purists even though it sucks.
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SamDoe1 (01-30-2018)
#224
Ex-OEM King
I drove a 599 GTO w/ the dual clutch while my wife and I were on our honeymoon .. I will respectfully disagree with that 1 person who wants to drive a manual Rav4.
I love manuals .. but holy shit, the transmission / shifting is an engineering marvel and made me giddy AF.
There's nothing like feeling 0 interruption of power and seeing the speedo sweep into triple digits with what seems like only a few seconds
I love manuals .. but holy shit, the transmission / shifting is an engineering marvel and made me giddy AF.
There's nothing like feeling 0 interruption of power and seeing the speedo sweep into triple digits with what seems like only a few seconds
#225
Team Owner
Truth be told, I don't think Kia nor Hyundai have ever had a solid 6MT shifter. I've heard the one in the Genesis coupe wasn't anything all that great. Not sure how much more development they've done, past that car.
#226
I feel the need...
You need to drive it before you judge. I am all about 6MT cars... but it was boring as fuck in the Golf R I drove. The shifter felt very anemic and the clutch was meh also. It was one of the first times I drove a manual car and thought to myself "wow, I'd be happier with the auto"
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
The 6MT Golf R was not that fun and we know it is way slower than the DSG version. I see no reason to go with it. As I've read on vwvortex, apparently the 6MT was an afterthought on that car, only added to appease the purists. But it's not very good.
That's all fine and dandy but I drove both the 6MT and the DSG in the Golf R and the DSG wins hands down. It's so much faster and engaging than the manual is and the farts and bangs it makes when the cogs swap is magical. The 6MT is pretty crappy, it's an ok box that feels like they lifted it out of the base Jetta. The clutch sucks, the feel sucks, the throw sucks. It was definitely an afterthought for a car designed to be a DSG model. A manual transmission in a car designed to be a MT car is awesome, anything else isn't nearly as fun.
I feel like the Stinger would be the same way with the MT being an afterthought to appease the purists even though it sucks.
I feel like the Stinger would be the same way with the MT being an afterthought to appease the purists even though it sucks.
Of course mine is not tuned, nor do I repeatedly do high RPM clutch drops, nor do I constantly slip the clutch. But, I don't baby it. And if I really feel the need to be a stoplight drag racer, I can hop in my other car.
I'm all about choices, and if Kia offers the 6MT in the Stinger, kudos to them for having the cojones to do so.
#227
Ex-OEM King
I feel the need to chime in as very satisfied owner of a 6MT Golf R. Do I wish it were snickety~snick like an old school Honda manual? Sure. But coming from a mediocre ZF 9AT, I am thrilled to row the gears and find it much more engaging as a daily driver than the DSG.
Of course mine is not tuned, nor do I repeatedly do high RPM clutch drops, nor do I constantly slip the clutch. But, I don't baby it. And if I really feel the need to be a stoplight drag racer, I can hop in my other car.
I'm all about choices, and if Kia offers the 6MT in the Stinger, kudos to them for having the cojones to do so.
Of course mine is not tuned, nor do I repeatedly do high RPM clutch drops, nor do I constantly slip the clutch. But, I don't baby it. And if I really feel the need to be a stoplight drag racer, I can hop in my other car.
I'm all about choices, and if Kia offers the 6MT in the Stinger, kudos to them for having the cojones to do so.
In any case, if I were to get an incredible deal on a 6MT and not on the DSG, I'd take it. If not, then DSG all the way for me. IMO of course.
#228
Team Owner
I saw a battle ship grey colored Stinger yesterday with tinted out windows, and man, did that thing have road presence. It was late out and I saw the tail lights from a distance- at first I thought I might've been looking at Maserati tail lights.. until I got closer. That car was getting looks from everyone around... and it looked good!
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00TL-P3.2 (01-31-2018)
#229
Team Owner
I feel the need to chime in as very satisfied owner of a 6MT Golf R. Do I wish it were snickety~snick like an old school Honda manual? Sure. But coming from a mediocre ZF 9AT, I am thrilled to row the gears and find it much more engaging as a daily driver than the DSG.
Of course mine is not tuned, nor do I repeatedly do high RPM clutch drops, nor do I constantly slip the clutch. But, I don't baby it. And if I really feel the need to be a stoplight drag racer, I can hop in my other car.
I'm all about choices, and if Kia offers the 6MT in the Stinger, kudos to them for having the cojones to do so.
Of course mine is not tuned, nor do I repeatedly do high RPM clutch drops, nor do I constantly slip the clutch. But, I don't baby it. And if I really feel the need to be a stoplight drag racer, I can hop in my other car.
I'm all about choices, and if Kia offers the 6MT in the Stinger, kudos to them for having the cojones to do so.
#230
Azine Jabroni
Acura needs to fire all their marketing people and hire the Stinger marketing team. Everything: The message, the slogan, the catering to the feelings of the driver ALL are things Acura sorely needs.
#231
Team Owner
That's pretty awesome
#232
Team Owner
You mean the Leno-Seinfeld NSX commercial didn't cut it for you?
#233
Azine Jabroni
#234
Team Owner
For Acura, they also have to have a decent product to back up the advertisement. Or it is just false advertisement.
#235
Azine Jabroni
#236
We'll see how the MT in the 2.0T G70 fares in reviews.
Speaking of the 2.0T, the 4-banger Stinger should be seeing a bump up in power to around 300 HP (2.5L) with the new Theta III engine family.
Didn't particularly care for the Tyler advert, but supposedly did garner a lot of views.
#239
Team Owner
Yah like what we said when we first saw the interiors shots last year, it is like a bad copy of C class interior. That huge chunk of black plastic on the dash should be covered by some kind of trim
#240
Moderator
I'm tempted to try a Stinger Premium, since the GT is likely out of our budget, if we decide to retire/trade the F150.
Will be looking at a sporty/fun to drive sedan/wagon/hatch in the $35-40k range.
Will be looking at a sporty/fun to drive sedan/wagon/hatch in the $35-40k range.