Going to the arcade was, and still is, one of my favorite pastimes. Arcades are like time machines, transporting us to a simpler time when our biggest concern was becoming the Skee-Ball champion of the world. Here is where many of us would excitedly climb behind the wobbly steering wheel of a racing game, having just waited our turn somewhat patiently, prepared to learn to drive the challenging digital roads ahead. It is behind this steering wheel that many of us learned how fun driving could be, developing a taste for the open road. Now, as adults, we long to feel that excitement again, eagerly browsing our local Kia dealer for a vehicle that can keep up with our dreams.
If you long for those arcade afternoons too, well, you are in luck because Kia has just the car, and it is the 2023 Kia Stinger. If the name is not enough to give you an inkling as to what is in store, then the design sure is. The Kia Stinger is an arcader’s dream, available in two heart-racing trims – the GT-Line and the GT2. Each option has its own thrilling features, equating to a ride that just will not quit.
Special editions of the GT are available as well, letting you change up the overall vibe of the Stinger. The APEX Edition adds a unique Carbon Fiber patterned interior and black exterior trim details like mirror caps and fender flares. The Tribute Edition is another option that offers unique exterior colors and sleek black Brembo Brake Calipers. The Tribute also includes exclusive black wheels and other black trim add-ons. Rest assured, whether you choose the GT-Line, GT2, or one of the Special Editions, you will definitely be stopping traffic.
The Perfected Performance Of The Kia Stinger
No detail was overlooked in the creation of the Stinger, providing every element with an edge of excitement and thrill. The GT-Line begins with a roaring 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, maxing out at 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Mated with an optimized eight-speed transmission, the GT-Line can go from zero to sixty in an incredible 5.3 seconds.
For anyone looking for a bit more sting in their Stinger, the GT2 is equipped with a V6 twin-turbo 3.3-liter engine that covers zero to sixty in an even more impressive 4.7 seconds. The V6 pumps out 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, a smooth and sweet boost for the adrenaline junkie. The GT2 is also gifted a specially tuned transmission, making those shifts seamless. Either trims you choose will have you flying past in a buzz.
Equipped with the ever-popular MacPherson Strut front suspension and Sway bar combo, the GT-Line has a flexible but strong suspension. The rear features a traditional five-link and together primes the GT-Line for some serious motoring. The GT2 has a similar setup but also includes a series of sensors and solenoids that adjust the suspension on demand, resulting in a more intuitive ride.
Both trim options are rear-wheel drive standard with a highly responsive limited slip differential to help keep you in control. Rear-wheel drive has several benefits, including fuel efficiency. However, that does not discount the appeal of all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is an available option on both trims and provides more stability and control in select situations.
The Drive Mode Selector can also increase stability and control by allowing you to customize your drive settings. There are five modes available on the GT trims, including SPORT, ECO, and COMFORT mode, each of which prioritizes the driving style by changing specific settings. Selecting a mode means saving some gas or optimizing traction and control for some spirited driving, and it depends on what matters most to you.
Daring Design Features
The design of a vehicle matters. Especially when it comes to a vehicle bred for performance, the styling of a vehicle not only indicates the kind of vehicle it is but can also play into how well the vehicle performs. Consider, for a moment, a mini-van. Its size and overall shape could be more conducive to speed since it is likely to slow against heavy winds. Thanks to its size and shape, it could also topple over more easily, lacking a low center of gravity.
If you switch to the Kia Stinger, you will see how it has been meticulously crafted so that every element of the vehicle works toward the goal of speed and performance. One look at the Stinger’s profile reveals its aerodynamic design, which contributes to its agility. A sloped roof, aggressively angled windshield, and side scoops narrow the vehicle, allowing it to cut through the air and reduce drag. The hood is elongated, creating a sort of cone, and the whole car is dropped lower to the ground.
Other exterior features, such as the dual exhaust and side fins, add a sporty feel to the vehicle while providing a function. This collaboration of style and functionality is one of the many reasons to love the Stinger. Special editions even swap out some of these options, letting you customize these unique additions.
Inside the cabin is a similar story, with every detail contributing to the Stinger’s performance rep. Front bucket seats are styled so that the driver and passenger will feel more supported and comfortable. The ergonomic shape reduces fatigue, letting you concentrate on what matters most. The seats are wrapped in high-end materials offset by the metallic trim throughout the cabin.
Of course, the Kia Stinger would not be a modern marvel without technology components, like the 10.25” touch screen that sits atop the center stack. This vibrant central hub provides access to some of the most important programs available, like navigation. Several available features are add-ons that would improve everyday use of the Stinger, such as the Head-Up Display. Head-up displays let you pay attention to the road and receive important information more safely and conveniently.
If you want to have the ultimate soundtrack in your life, another upgrade is the premium Harman Kardon sound system comprising 15 individual speakers. Joined with Clari-Fi for enhanced sound, the premium system fills every nook of the Stinger with rich music. Every movie about putting the pedal to the medal deserves its own soundtrack.
What’s The Buzz About
For some people, driving is simply a task that must be performed. For others, driving is a daily adventure that allows you to feel a freedom seldom experienced outside the car. There is a certain excitement that comes with getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and turning the key, listening to the roar of the engine as it ignites goosebumps across your arms. That excitement occurs when you put the correct driver and the right car together, and the right vehicle is definitely the Kia Stinger.
Both the GT-Line and the GT2 are excellent options that will allow you to let loose and enjoy the finer side of driving. Special editions take it further, adding unique design elements and performance pieces, equipping you with your ultimate ride. You might be wondering if there is a vehicle out there that can keep up with you, but the real question is, can YOU keep up with the Kia Stinger?
