Stinger

Make
Kia
Segment
Sedan

The Stinger was already one of our favorite cars of 2018 but Kia promised us that it was working on several limited edition models to make the car even more exciting. The first of these special editions, the Stinger Atlantica, was supposed to include some unique paint, wheels, and features that aren't found in the US model but was canceled prior to its 500-unit run.

Now Kia has introduced a new special edition model at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It's called the Stinger GTS and this one looks even better than the stillborn Atlantica. In addition to its eye-catching Federation Premium Orange paint color, the GTS is packed with a ton of cool new features.

If the orange paint isn't enough, you'll be able to spot a Stinger GTS via its carbon fiber parts on the tiger nose grille, side mirror caps, and side vents, GTS badge, and 'Stinger' emblem replacing the 'Kia' logo on the trunk lid. Kia has dressed the inside with unique Alcantara on the steering wheel and center console as well as a suede headliner and as part of the GTS package, the Stinger comes equipped with a sunroof, 720-watt Harman/Kardon premium audio system, and a wireless phone charger.

Don't think this is just a fancy paint job and some badges, Kia has made some mechanical changes as well. Power and torque from the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 remain the same at 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque respectively going out through an eight-speed automatic.

Even though output remains the same, Kia has added a new Dynamic All-Wheel Drive system (D-AWD) that can more accurately replicate the feeling of a rear-wheel-drive Stinger GT. A mechanical limited-slip rear differential has been added to distribute power more evenly between the rear when slip is detected. Comfort mode can send up to 60% of power to the rear for greater stability while Sport mode sends up to 80% of the power for more spirited driving.

If you really want to hang the ass out, Kia has added a new Drift mode that sends up to 100% of power to the rear and holds gears without shifting. Even if none of that sounds appealing, the Stinger GTS will also be available as a RWD model. Only 800 units will be produced starting at an estimated $44,000 for RWD or around $46,500 for D-AWD.