Not that this concerns us, since all the Stinger units heading to our market are rear-wheel drive (RWD), but Kia has unveiled a variant of its new sports sedan that mixes all-wheel drive (AWD) stability with RWD drift-ability.
It’s called the Stinger GTS, and it achieves this setup using a new version of the vehicle’s AWD system that utilizes a mechanical limited slip rear differential and a drive mode selector featuring a ‘drift mode.’
Keep the selector in ‘Comfort,’ and the AWD Stinger GTS sends 60% of its power to the rear for stability. Shift it to ‘Sport’ and it sends 80% of its power to the back. Finally, kick it into ‘Drift Mode’ and it’ll send every bit of oomph at its disposal to the rear wheels. You can still get the Stinger GTS in pure RWD form, too, if that’s more your thing.
Powering the Kia Stinger GTS is a 3.3-liter V6 engine capable of 365hp and 510Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission—the same as Philippine-spec units.
Aesthetically, the GTS gets an exclusive premium “Federation” orange paint job, genuine carbon fiber parts (side mirror caps, side vents, some trim, etc.), a ‘GTS’ rear emblem, and a central ‘Stinger’ emblem instead of a Kia one. Inside, the steering wheel and center console are covered in Alcantara, there’s a wireless charger, and it’s fitted with a premium 720-watt Harman/Kardon sound system.
Again, we don’t get this here locally—unless Kia Philippines decides to bring in a few of the 800 units being made available. Do you want the Kia Stinger to be available in AWD here, too?