The US-only Kia Stinger GTS introduces a drift mode to the grand tourer, a feature likely to extend to standard Stinger GTs when the model is updated in 2020.
While Stingers sold in the UK are only sold in rear-wheel drive form, four-wheel drive is available in other markets. However, this limited-edition Kia Stinger GTS has a newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system that adds drift mode, a feature popular with owners of performance cars.
Kia said that despite the accolades the Stinger has received, R&D boss Albert Biermann “strived for more”. The result is a new version of the Stinger’s four-wheel drive system “peppered with rear-wheel drive DNA”. Called D-AWD, it’s intended to close the gap in behaviour between the existing AWD and RWD Stinger GTs.
The D-AWD system has a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. There are three different drive modes; Drift mode sends 100% of power to the rear wheels and holds gears without shifting up, while Sport mode sends 80% of power to the rear and Comfort mode sends 60% to the rear.
The Stinger GTS uses the same powertrain as the standard Stinger: a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 with 365bhp and 376lb ft of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Revealed at New York motor show, the special edition, which is limited to 800 units, has bright orange paint, uses carbonfibre parts around the 'tiger nose' grille and side vents and gets a GTS rear emblem. Inside, the steering wheel and centre console are trimmed in Alcantara, while it also features a sunroof and Harman Kardon audio system.
The GTS with D-AWD costs from $46,500, $13,600 more than the US starting price. In the UK, the Stinger is priced from £32,475. The UK's top-spec V6 Stinger is, confusingly, called the GT S but is unrelated to this new special edition.
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