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Posted 22 March 2025
When Kia unveiled the Stinger in 2017, it was unlike anything the brand had produced before. A sleek, high-performance grand tourer, the Stinger challenged expectations and announced Kia’s ambition to take on premium rivals. Inspired by the classic gran turismo ethos, long-distance comfort, and thrilling performance, the Stinger marked a defining moment in Kia’s evolution.
A 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine was at the heart of the Stinger, delivering an exhilarating 361bhp to the rear wheels. Capable of accelerating from 0–60mph in just 4.7 seconds, the Stinger was Kia’s fastest production car to date. But it wasn’t just about straight-line speed. Developed with input from Albert Biermann, formerly of BMW’s M division, the Stinger offered a finely balanced chassis, precise steering, and the dynamic poise to rival established sports saloons.
With a long, sculpted bonnet, muscular stance, and fastback silhouette, the Stinger had a presence that turned heads. Its aggressive ‘tiger-nose’ grille, striking LED lighting, and quad exhausts reinforced its sporting intent, while inside, a driver-focused cockpit combined luxury with technology.
From the outset, the Stinger was met with widespread acclaim. Motoring journalists praised the car's performance, refinement, and long-distance capability, with many considering it a true alternative to the likes of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé and Audi A5 Sportback.
Awards followed swiftly. The Stinger was named ‘Best Performance Car’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards and won accolades from Auto Express, What Car?, and Top Gear. It even found itself on Jeremy Clarkson’s personal shortlist for ‘Car of the Year’. For Kia, these honours weren’t just recognition of the Stinger itself but of the brand’s ability to create a genuinely desirable performance car.
Among the most exclusive Stingers ever produced was the Kia Stinger GT420, a one-off, track-focused special built by Kia UK. Originally a pre-production press car, it was transformed into a high-performance machine, showcasing the full potential of Kia’s Grand Tourer.
The GT420’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 was tuned to produce 422bhp and 560Nm of torque, a substantial increase over the standard model. A new oil cooler, uprated exhaust system, and reconfigured transmission software enhanced its performance, while weight-saving measures, including the removal of rear seats and additional soundproofing, shaved off 150kg.
Further modifications included uprated suspension, high-performance Brembo brakes, and track-focused Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The result was a Kia Stinger engineered for the circuit, with sharper handling and greater agility. While never offered for sale, the GT420 served as a fitting tribute to the Stinger’s performance pedigree.
A custom roll cage was installed and painted and the crash pad and necessary electronics re-assembled. Underbody stiffening comprises of a cross bar at the front and a pair of bars at the rear. With the roll cage in place, a pair of Sparco race seats were bolted into place, along with race belts and the all-important fire extinguisher mounted within the cockpit, should the worst happen. Completing the weight saving measures, a Lite Blox LiPo battery is installed to replace the original item, saving 22kgs.
A Stillen front splitter and rear diffuser were added, along with a rear spoiler by Air Design. But the final pièce de résistance is an eye-catching wrap that integrates nicely with the existing HiChroma Red paintwork, adding white and graphite grey elements, advertises the race-spec upgrades and reveals the ‘GT420’ name. Every inch the racer, it looks sensational from every angle.
In 2021, Kia gave the Stinger a significant update, refining its design and enhancing technology while retaining its core appeal. The exterior was sharpened with a new full-width rear light signature, echoing the integrated spoiler, and motorsport-inspired LED indicators resembling a chequered flag. New 19-inch alloy wheels and an exclusive ‘Electric Blue’ paint option further set it apart.
Inside, the cabin took on a more premium feel. A new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system introduced advanced connectivity features, while mood lighting allowed drivers to customise the ambience with 64 colour options. A frameless rear-view mirror, gloss black dashboard trim, and metallic accents elevated the interior’s sophistication.
Technology upgrades included a high-resolution 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a Harman/Kardon 15-speaker premium audio system. Enhanced driver assistance systems, such as Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist, improved safety and convenience.
Despite these refinements, the Stinger remained true to its original concept: a powerful, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer built for driving enjoyment.
Despite its enthusiastic following, changing market trends and the shift towards electrification limited the Stinger’s time. In 2022, Kia announced the Stinger’s withdrawal from the UK market, marking the end of its production run in Europe.
However, Kia did not intend to abandon its high-performance flagship's spirit. Enter the Kia EV6 GT, an all-electric grand tourer designed to take the Stinger’s place at the top of the Kia range.
With 577bhp and 740Nm of torque, the EV6 GT is even more potent than its predecessor, accelerating from 0–62mph in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest Kia ever built. Dual electric motors provide all-wheel drive traction, while a reworked chassis, performance brakes, and a dedicated ‘GT Mode’ deliver thrilling dynamics.
Built on Kia’s E-GMP platform, the EV6 GT offers a 265-mile range (WLTP) and 800V ultra-fast charging, allowing a 10–80% recharge in just 18 minutes. Combining performance, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, it represents the next chapter in Kia’s journey.
Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK, reflected on the Stinger’s legacy:
"The launch of the Stinger will go down as a transformative moment for Kia. Its driver-focused grand tourer credentials, paired with Kia’s reputation for quality and design, made it an incredibly compelling car. At the same time, it also had a transformative effect on how people saw Kia. For the same reasons, the EV6 GT is the ideal car to take the baton from the Stinger in the UK."
While the Kia Stinger may have exited the stage, its influence lives on. It proved that Kia could create a true driver’s car, one that blended performance, luxury, and long-distance comfort. And as the brand moves forward into an electrified future, the Stinger’s legacy remains a benchmark for Kia’s commitment to thrilling, engaging motoring.
