Bob Lutz Walks Through The 2018 Kia Stinger GT: Video
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There’s no question about it: Kia stole this year’s North American International Auto Show. Why? Because there’s nothing like a new sports sedan to get the collective automotive media’s gears turning. The 2018 Kia Stinger GT stunned all in attendance with striking looks and big performance promises.
And who better than to go for a walk through with than former General Motors executive, Bob Lutz?
Road & Track brought their guest columnist along for a discussion regarding the 2018 Stinger, and rightfully so. Lutz has had his hands in plenty of iconic performance vehicles such as the Dodge Viper, Pontiac G8, Saturn Sky and more.
Overall, Lutz is definitely a fan of what he sees, pointing to the overall profile of the vehicle as a winner, and calling out certain elements (such as the vertical air intakes) as real eye pleasers.
He also points out probably the biggest issue with the Stinger: its badge. Kia doesn’t quite have a history making performance vehicles, and the badge still conjures up pretty sour feelings for a lot of American buyers. But, Kia certainly hopes the Stinger will begin a renaissance for what Kia is capable of.
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Bob is right. This is a cool car but the branding of it kills the self image of the car.
Muscle car buyers will not buy Korean.
BMW buyers will not buy Kia.
Many import buyers will not buy RWD.
No V8 hurts other sales.
Lack of a true performance support market kills the performance market interest.
If there is a truth to the wrong car, wrong time. wrong name and wrong place this is it.
At least it is not a coupe or that would present another issue for sales.
Kia can change the image all around with continued cool cars like this but like at Cadillac it takes time to change image and to impact the market as one car and one year can not change a brand.
When did this site become Kia Authority?
This will be the car at the Auto Show that draws some attention and many ppl will say wow that is slick and it’s gonna sell….but in reality most of those ppl are not shoppers in the market that the Kia Stinger will be competing in.
The Stinger will show disappointing sales…BMW buyers sure as hell would not want the KIA badge on their car.
KIA has the advantage in their home market since Hyundai motors is basically the only Automaker there so they have the luxury to take chances in the North American Market.
Honest observation….KIA is basically the new car choice of the lowest class here in the states. Consumers that Ford and Chevy (even Toyota and Honda) have kinda moved on from.
KIA Soul driver is usually a fat middle aged woman.
It is sad that image is more important to most people than quality, design, and reliability.
I agree…..For some people it is all image, for other’s it is all numbers and specifications. This vehicle will appeal to someone trying to balance the two. It will need to be someone who wants the passion, performance, and style of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe with interior room closer to a 6 Series Gran Coupe at a price point less than the former. They must also not be someone so practical that they would just decide the lower price and better mpg’s of a Camry/Accord/Optima/Malibu would do just as well.
Bob A,
That is the market that this car is trying to get into.
It relies heavily on image and status. That’s the way it is.