Rumors of a more powerful version of the awesome Kia Stinger GT have been flying around ever since the Korean brand launched the sedan – and we have a rendering and speculative review for it – but the Asian carmaker has yet to confirm such plans exist. However, the company's Australian communications manager just hinted that a higher performance version could come to the U.S. soon. What's more, it appears that instead of a beefed-up V-6, Kia may use a V-8 powerplant for the range-topping four-door.
Speaking to CarAdvice, Kevin Hepworth, the brand's communications manager in Australia, said, "I believe they're developing one" when asked about a V-8-powered Kia Stinger. And while he pointed out that such a model won't make it Down Under, he added that "there may be a possibility the U.S. could pick it up." There's no word as to when it could arrive, but as we mentioned in our speculative review, a 2018 launch for the 2019 model year seems very likely. What specific engine will it use and how much power will it send to the wheels? Keep reading to find out.
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What's Under the Hood?
Given Kia's current drivetrain strategy, it's very unlikely to see a brand-new V-8 design under the hood. Instead, it will probably use the 5.0-liter V-8, Tau GDi powerplant in the Genesis G80. The unit generates up to 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel and Hyundai should be able to upgrade it for more oomph.
Currently, the most powerful engine offered in the Stinger is the twin-turbo, 3.3-liter Lambda V-6, which sends 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of twist to the wheels. An output identical to the Genesis G80 would be enough to make the range-topping version stand out, but Kia could push for more in order to compete with German sports sedans like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. With the M3 rated at 425 horsepower and the AMG C63 good for 469 horses, it would a safe bet for Kia to release a 450-horsepower Stinger GT.
The extra oomph would make it a more competitive choice in terms of performance, too, as the quickest Stinger available yet needs 5.1 seconds to hit 60 mph. A 450-horsepower version will likely need a little more than four seconds for the same benchmark, which would be closer to the M3 and AMG C63.
What About Styling?
Well, it's pretty obvious that a more powerful Stinger GT will need new aerodynamics. As seen in our rendering, we expect it to feature a large lip spoiler, larger bumper intakes with race-inspired canards, and a vented engine hood. The aero package should be rounded off by larger side skirts, a proper diffuser, and a wing atop the trunk lid.
References
Kia Stinger GT
Read our full review on the Kia Stinger GT
Kia Stinger GT Plus
Read our full speculative review on the Kia Stinger GT Plus
Read more Kia news.