After being launched this January, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT has finally been brought in to Malaysia....albeit in preview form at MAEPS, Serdang. This is a left hand drive model by the way. Pricing hasn't been announced yet to date.
Kia's first foray into performance segment is set for Malaysian launch sometime next year. This writer imagines this Stinger GT will certainly 'sting' the driver's appetite due to the fact the chassis tuning is headed by non other than former BMW M chief Albert Biermann.
To recap, the Stinger GT will be powered by either the smaller 2.0 litre Theta II turbocharged inline 4 dishing out 255 hp at 6200 rpm and 353 Nm of torque from 1400-4000 rpm, or the more potent 3.3 litre Lambda II twin turbo V6 making 365 hp at 6000 rpm and 510 Nm of torque from 1300-4500 rpm. Power flows to either just the rear axle with mechanical LSD or rear-biased all wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control. 8 speed automatic transmission is the only transmission option available, so manualphiles look away!
Word on the floor suggests Malaysian market will receive the more palatable 3.3 litre turbo V6 (JPJ wants to make more money??) and possibly all wheel drive as implied by the AWD badge on the tailgate. Whatever it is, fingers cross. To me personally, I hope we'll be getting the 2.0 litre version as I believe from personal experience having a small engine doesn't necessarily detract from smiles per miles. Don't get me started with the all-pervasive turbocharging trend. Those snail shape blower easily transforms small engines into a brute. Crucially in Malaysia, small engine capacity lowers the total road tax that needs to be paid.
Will the Stinger GT deliver unadulterated, exhilarating 'stinging' experience? Let's hope it does once Kia unveils the production version in Boleh Land!
