Kia Wheels Out Stinger GTS In New York

The Stinger GTS wowed audiences at the 2019 New York Auto Show, where it set itself apart from its regular stablemate with carbon fibre trimmings, side mirror caps and side vents, a distinctive GTS badge—and of course don’t forget the colour—which Kia called Federation premium orange.

It’s not all cosmetics and good looks though, the GTS package slaps all sorts of luxury onto the already very nice Stinger, with a sunroof, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system and the increasingly prolific wireless phone charger technology.

But wait, there’s more: with a name like GTS it of course needs a little extra oomph.

While the engine remains the same - a 3.3 litre twin turbo V6 with 365 horsepower coupled with an eight-speed automatic - Kia has added an all-new ‘Dynamic All-Wheel Drive’ (D-AWD) system that adds drift mode.

Yes, drift mode.

The company said that the D-AWD was “designed to enhance traction and distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels when slip is detected.”

Kia is clearly confident that buyers in the States will snap up the GTS, saying in its release...exactly that.

“With sport-inspired styling elements including genuine carbon fiber parts and a splashy new color that demands even more attention, the limited edition GTS is the one automotive enthusiasts will be lining up to drive,” said the release.

The Kia Stinger GTS will sell for US$46,500 with D-AWD and will be limited production, though buyers can drive away - sans drifting, in a RWD variant at US$44,000.