It's no secret that Kia Stinger is getting a significant update for the 2021 model year. In addition to a styling facelift, reports have claimed the refreshed Stinger will have a new, more potent powertrain under the hood. And now we have proof.

The Korean Car Blog has caught Kia testing a prototype Stinger powered by a new turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. This is the same 2.5-liter T-DGI unit that will power the Kia Optima, Genesis G80, and Genesis GV80, which is expected to produce 285 horsepower. Currently, the entry-level Kia Stinger uses a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 255 hp, so this would be a considerable power bump.

Likewise, the range-topping Stinger GT's 365 hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 is expected to be replaced with a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, but this hasn't been confirmed. In the Genesis G80 and GV80, this unit is expected to produce 380 hp, so we're hoping the 2021 Kia Stinger GT will match this output.

The photographers also managed to snap a few photos of the interior, revealing that the 2021 Kia Stinger facelift will feature a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster replacing the analog dials, and a new steering wheel design. Other than that, the interior layout looks identical to the current model, with the higher trims equipped with nappa leather seats.

As for the exterior, spy shots have shown the 2021 Kia Stinger will be updated with a full-width LED light bar connecting the taillights and a larger quad exhaust system.

The 2021 Kia Stinger will reportedly be revealed in South Korea this July. Let's hope the upcoming 2021 model year update can improve the Stinger's lackluster sales and convince Kia there's enough demand for a second-generation model. While the next-generation Kia Stinger is in doubt, the new engine lineup suggests the Stinger still has a few more years of life left in it yet.