As you may have noticed, the Kia Stinger that you are seeing in this article is not like the others. Created by Kia's British division (Kia UK) with support and assistance from Hyundai Motor's technical center in Germany, the Stinger GT420 aims to reveal the full potential of the top of the range of the South Korean brand.
The history of this one-off model is, to say the least, curious, having started its life as a pre-series example of the Stinger GT-S, more precisely the first to arrive in the UK. Therefore, it not only accumulated kilometers (about 16 000 to be precise) but also appeared in several publications and even in Top Gear and The Grand Tour programs.
Despite that demanding start in life, unlike what usually happens with pre-series examples, the Stinger GT-S was not eventually destroyed, being instead transformed into the most radical of the Stinger, precisely the Stinger GT420 that you we talk today.
Slimming cure was the first step
For starters, a diet: the Stinger GT420 is lighter by 150 kg than the GT-S on which it is based. This is due to the slimming cure the interior has gone through that has seen the rear seats, power rear windows, sound system, panoramic roof and even the steering wheel airbag disappear.
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Other innovations in the interior were the installation of a rollcage, two Sparco bacquets, four-point belts and a small lithium polymer battery (to replace the original) which saved 22 kg.
Sparco bacquet replaced the original seats.
The “muscle” of the Stinger GT420
But the Stinger GT420 wasn't just about losing weight. So, under the bonnet the 3.3 l twin-turbo V6 saw power rise from the original 366 hp to a more impressive 422 hp , while the torque went from the original 510 Nm to 560 Nm.
This increase was achieved thanks to some “tweaking” in the ECU, the use of HKS spark plugs, the adoption of a K&N sport air filter and even a Milltek Sport exhaust system without catalytic converters and four outlets.
As for the gearbox, this continued to be the eight-speed automatic transmission used by the Stinger GT-S. However, it did not "escape" the changes, having received not only a new mapping as a larger oil radiator.
(Aero)dynamics has also been improved.
On a dynamic level, the Stinger GT420 received stiffer springs from Eibach Pro, recalibrated shock absorbers from Mando, a larger front stabilizer bar, six-caliper Brembo brakes at the front with 380 mm discs and 19” wheels from OZ, each 5 kg lighter than the originals, “shoes” with a Pirelli Trofeo-R.
ABS and ESP were also revised. On the outside, aerodynamics were not forgotten with the Kia Stinger GT420 receiving a front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and a longer rear spoiler, in addition to the special paintwork reminiscent of a race car.