2018 Kia Stinger GT Unveiled: Wow!
#46
Every automaker has to start somewhere.
Whether it does well or not, you said it yourself, its a niche product. The fact Kia had the stones to put this out (and kept it Lexus secret-esque until its unveiling) I give them props.
Hyundai being Kia's parent company still pulls a few strings. They've recently added the N Performance brand (to Hyundai). The N stands for Namyang where Hyundai Motor Global R&D is, but then the performance N models go to the infamous Nürburgring in Germany to be honed.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis all want a piece of the niche and luxury markets too. Can't blame them.
Whether it does well or not, you said it yourself, its a niche product. The fact Kia had the stones to put this out (and kept it Lexus secret-esque until its unveiling) I give them props.
Hyundai being Kia's parent company still pulls a few strings. They've recently added the N Performance brand (to Hyundai). The N stands for Namyang where Hyundai Motor Global R&D is, but then the performance N models go to the infamous Nürburgring in Germany to be honed.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis all want a piece of the niche and luxury markets too. Can't blame them.
#47
I'm certainly impressed with the effort they've put forth. From the exterior and interior design to the performance credentials they really did their homework. Meanwhile, GM on the other hand probably still can't figure out why their Chevy SS flopped on the market. It was a badge engineered car from overseas with ancient tech, unimpressive styling, and a poor interior. I'd definitely like Kia to prove me wrong as far as sales go and show that there is a place for RWD, 360 hp sedan on the market from a non-luxury brand.
#48
GM just wants to phase out Holden-based engineering...despite the fact that Holden vehicles are well-designed and generally durable. The usual reasons...it costs too much.
It was a badge engineered car from overseas with ancient tech, unimpressive styling, and a poor interior.
I'd definitely like Kia to prove me wrong as far as sales go and show that there is a place for RWD, 360 hp sedan on the market from a non-luxury brand.
#49
I'm certainly impressed with the effort they've put forth. From the exterior and interior design to the performance credentials they really did their homework. Meanwhile, GM on the other hand probably still can't figure out why their Chevy SS flopped on the market. It was a badge engineered car from overseas with ancient tech, unimpressive styling, and a poor interior. I'd definitely like Kia to prove me wrong as far as sales go and show that there is a place for RWD, 360 hp sedan on the market from a non-luxury brand.
#50
Every automaker has to start somewhere.
Whether it does well or not, you said it yourself, its a niche product. The fact Kia had the stones to put this out (and kept it Lexus secret-esque until its unveiling) I give them props.
Hyundai being Kia's parent company still pulls a few strings. They've recently added the N Performance brand (to Hyundai). The N stands for Namyang where Hyundai Motor Global R&D is, but then the performance N models go to the infamous Nürburgring in Germany to be honed.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis all want a piece of the niche and luxury markets too. Can't blame them.
Whether it does well or not, you said it yourself, its a niche product. The fact Kia had the stones to put this out (and kept it Lexus secret-esque until its unveiling) I give them props.
Hyundai being Kia's parent company still pulls a few strings. They've recently added the N Performance brand (to Hyundai). The N stands for Namyang where Hyundai Motor Global R&D is, but then the performance N models go to the infamous Nürburgring in Germany to be honed.
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis all want a piece of the niche and luxury markets too. Can't blame them.
There was nothing wrong with the car (I did a full-review on a new SS). GM just wouldn't build the darn things....they limited first-year production to just a couple of thousand (I was actually pretty lucky to find one to do a review on). I've said it many times,and I'll say it again......you cannot sell what you don't build.
#51
the other problem is that "kia" just sounds juvenile when pronounced.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
Last edited by pman6; 01-11-17 at 01:07 AM.
#52
the other problem is that "kia" just sounds juvenile when pronounced.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
#53
The main difference seems to be that Chrysler was committed to both the Charger and Challenger, whereas GM basically limited its production efforts to the Camaro.
#54
Nothing special compared to what?
#55
Well, the styling isn't any more bland than that of its chief competitor, the Dodge Charger, which sells like hotcakes......though I will admit that the SS doesn't offer the wild retro paint-color choice that the Charger does, which is reminiscent of late 60s/early 70s Dodge/Plymouth muscle cars.
The main difference seems to be that Chrysler was committed to both the Charger and Challenger, whereas GM basically limited its production efforts to the Camaro.
The main difference seems to be that Chrysler was committed to both the Charger and Challenger, whereas GM basically limited its production efforts to the Camaro.
Last edited by Lexuslvr91; 01-11-17 at 07:33 AM. Reason: Typo
#56
Well, the styling isn't any more bland than that of its chief competitor, the Dodge Charger, which sells like hotcakes......though I will admit that the SS doesn't offer the wild retro paint-color choice that the Charger does, which is reminiscent of late 60s/early 70s Dodge/Plymouth muscle cars.
#57
An SS goes down the road and non-enthusiasts wonder if its a performance Malibu.
Also, don't forget that many of the most successful American muscle-cars of all time, including 60s-vintage GTOs, Road Runners, Torino GTs, Malibu SS, etc..... were nothing but large-engined versions of the bread-and-butter mid-size coupes....Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite, Ford Fairlane, Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, etc.... Except for some hood scoops/deck-spoilers, and some minor trim differences, there wasn't much to distinguish the performance versions from the bread-and-butter ones.
#58
It is definitely a performance car. Try one out yourself, if you can find one available.
Also, don't forget that many of the most successful American muscle-cars of all time, including 60s-vintage GTOs, Road Runners, Torino GTs, Malibu SS, etc..... were nothing but large-engined versions of the bread-and-butter mid-size coupes....Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite, Ford Fairlane, Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, etc....
Also, don't forget that many of the most successful American muscle-cars of all time, including 60s-vintage GTOs, Road Runners, Torino GTs, Malibu SS, etc..... were nothing but large-engined versions of the bread-and-butter mid-size coupes....Pontiac Tempest/LeMans, Plymouth Belvedere/Satellite, Ford Fairlane, Chevy Chevelle/Malibu, etc....
#59
the other problem is that "kia" just sounds juvenile when pronounced.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
a kia k900 is no joke of a car. has it sold well? no. is it class competitive with big luxury sedans? well, not really, it's still on the 'value' side. is it great that they put it out there? sure!
i think it looks great by the way, although could do without the side buick portholes.
hyundai is still working on branding obviously, now with 3 brands in the u.s. (hyundai, kia, genesis). toyota has also had changes over time, it went to 3 including scion, but has now ditched that brand, so no one goes in a straight line toward perfection.
back to kia, i was behind a new optima the other day, looked WAY nicer than the current accord and camry. sorrento has done well. cadenza is a screaming value and very nice car. my only beef with kia and hyundai is the interiors are kinda cheap looking and not very stylish. they need a makeover. sorrento's ride has been criticized as not class competitive. sedona is excellent but in a heavily competitive segment...
so kia/hyundai/genesis will keep plugging away... one benefit they have is 'trying things' in their domestic market before bringing them here. tastes won't be exactly the same but at least they can work out some of the kinks first.
Last edited by bitkahuna; 01-11-17 at 08:08 PM.
#60
Agreed. The name is a big liability for the company. Sounds like its a clothing brand for toddlers....like osh kosh.
the other problem is that "kia" just sounds juvenile when pronounced.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.
Even Kelley Blue Book's youtube video of the stinger had the host chanting "k-k-k-kia", a spin from the Chia pet anthem.
"yo, what do you drive?"
"a kia"
not trying to be a brand snob, but just listen to the sound of that.
I wish kia lots of success, if only to push toyota, honda, and nissan to make some mainstream rwd cars themselves. Bring over some lexus and infiniti platforms, add some cloth seats, and sell em for cheaper.
Back in the 80's, everything was RWD. we need to go back to that.