The Kia Stinger GT has really been impressing reviewers and buyers alike ever since it was launched with its blend of bold styling, great quality and, last but not least, a rewarding, sporty driving experience. Now Kia intends to make the latter even better as it’s just introduced a more exclusive Stinger GTS at the 2019 New York Auto Show.

Why Does the 2020 Kia Stinger GTS Matter?

Finished in a striking shade of orange, the Kia Stinger GTS has several enhancements that place it above the regular Stinger GT. Firstly, it features a new, advanced rear-biased dynamic all-wheel-drive system (called D-AWD) that features an actual drift mode that allows the driver to really whip the car’s tail out with ease.

Compare that to Comfort mode, where only 60 percent of the power fed continuously to the rear axle or 80 percent of power sent to the rear in Sport mode.

The 3.3-liter, twin-turbo, V-6 engine is the same and remains untouched. It still makes 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet (510 Nm) of torque and the transmission is the same eight-speed that Kia makes in-house (in contrast to most other manufacturers in the segment who source their gearboxes from third-parties, the most famous of which is Germany’s ZF).

Kia Stinger specifications

Engine

3.3L Twin Turbo V6

Displacement (cc)

3,342 cc

Bore x stroke (mm)

92.0 mm x 83.8 mm

Compression ratio

10.0:1

Horsepower

365 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque

376 lb.-ft. @ 1,300-4,500 rpm

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Top Speed

167 mph


Kia says that with the revised dynamic all-wheel drive system (which is optional, by the way) the all-wheel-drive Stinger GTS feels and behaves pretty much the same as the rear-wheel-drive model, especially in Sport or Drift modes.

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It has real carbon fiber styling elements around the grille, bumper, side intakes, (fake) hood intakes, and rear valance. The mirror caps are also made from carbon fiber.

Inside, the GTS has an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, gear selector knob, and center console armrest all of which are complemented by the suede-like headliner material. GTS badges inside and out differentiate this from lesser Stingers, and you’ll also be able to tell it apart by the Stinger script on the rear hatch that replaces the Kia badge.

Just 800 examples will be built and you’ll be able to get one from $44,000 or $46,500 if you want the new dynamic all-wheel-drive system. Expect the 2020 Kia Stinger GTS to hit showrooms within the next few months.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Stinger.