Development and testing of the Kia Stinger continues as the approaching market introduction in 2017 nears closer. Moving away from the company’s development centre based at the Nürburgring the Stinger is undergoing extreme sub-zero testing in icy conditions throughout Sweden to ensure the Stinger is capable and refined for all environments.
Kia is pushing forward with suspension development on the surface of the frozen Uddjaure Lake making use of a skid pan, slalom test and handling circuit in the low friction environment. Since the Stinger will be available in both all wheel drive and rear wheel drive the engineering and development team will have their hands full trying to get the best out of both of the different drivetrains.
The all wheel drive system has been designed to favour a rear bias in optimal conditions for a traditional rear wheel driving experience and the Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system pushes the all wheel drive advantage for low grip surfaces by applying power and braking force to all four wheels as needed. The rear wheel drive variant can be improved with the optional limited slip differential for added traction and more predictable handling on slippery surfaces.
Kia’s Head of Vehicle Test and High Performance Development Albert Biermann stated: “Testing the car in these extreme conditions allows us to focus on the stability and predictability that the Stinger offers drivers, in every configuration and in all driving conditions. Crucially, these tests allow us to engineer a car which retains the driving appeal that buyers look for in a sport sedan. We want enthusiastic drivers to be able to enjoy the thrill of driving their Stinger in all conditions without compromising on safety.”
Winter testing will continue where the Stinger will be subjected to temperatures as low as -35°C, while not terribly relevant for Australian markets it will assist in providing durability for markets where white winters are common.
The Stinger will be available with three different engine configurations depending on the market, all paired up with an eight speed automatic transmission. A 3.3-litre twin turbocharged V6 holds the title for the most powerful engine pumping out 272kW and 510Nm of torque pushing the Stinger to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, the quickest Kia yet.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder with 187kW and 353Nm variation will also call the Stinger’s engine bay home while the 2.2-litre turbodiesel rated at 147kW and 440Nm is expected to prove popular for the European market.
