[Bumblebee]

Sport sedans seems to be the new thing these days and I want to get in on the action with a Stinger sports sedan. I've always like coupes, but with the amount of 3-4 passenger trips I take, it just isn't the best option in terms of comfort and utility. Now there's something that straddles the best of both worlds and I don't doubt that it'll be reliable too.

I'll probably go with 2.0-liter turbocharged four base unit, but the 3.3-liter turbo V6 is an option depending on price. There's no hurry as I'm waiting for my lease to end next year.

 

[GTSeoul]

So you're just basing engine options off of price and nothing else? Typically an engine bump like that results in a big jump in price. What is your budget like?

 

[Thumper]

I have seen that you posted the Korean pricing so based off of that, do you now know which direction you'll be going with?

 

[GTSeoul]

Since suggested starting price is around the $30k mark I guess when you factor in the price bump to get the 3.3 we could be looking at a starting price of above $35k. That I think is reasonable especially when you consider what OTD pricing will be. Wouldn't pay more than low $40k's for a highly optioned out stinger.

 

[Bumblebee]

Low $40k seems like a very fair price for an optioned out Stinger and if you pay in cash the dealership may be willing to take a bit off as well.

 

[GTSeoul]

It sure is and gives Kia room to price out a high performance Stinger at around $50k tops if they plan to go that route. I don't know about you guys but if it gets AMG like performance for under $50k that will be a big pull to getting one. Its a lot for a Kia but they're known for offering a lot of value.

 

[Bumblebee]

Kia's current lineup doesn't really have any performance models and as far as I know they don't have a performance engineering team like AMG, so a performance Stinger doesn't seem that likely right now.

 

[GTSeoul]

Lucky for them they have race team so that will help in making sure a performance division for street application can take off and see success. Already some concepts got great feedback so its just a matter of making the models happen.

 

[kdmfan]

Lucky for them they have race team so that will help in making sure a performance division for street application can take off and see success. Already some concepts got great feedback so its just a matter of making the models happen.

Do you think the Stinger will replace the Optima Race Car they have? From what it seems to me the Optima is aging and they need something fresh.

 

[Bumblebee]

I Highly doubt it, the Optima has been in production since 2000 and after 17 years it's still selling globally. There's more incentive to renew it than scrap the badge.

 

[GTSeoul]

I Highly doubt it, the Optima has been in production since 2000 and after 17 years it's still selling globally. There's more incentive to renew it than scrap the badge.

I guess you might have a point but at the same time the Stinger kicks off a new beginning for Kia so that also might be something they could bank on right now unless the optima is poised to be the sedan version of the Stinger. Do you think that might be the case here?

 

[Bumblebee]

I doubt that'd be the case, really no need for a sedan version of the Stingern when the Stinger itself is a four door. To me, the Stinger is a sportier Sedan whereas the Optima is a family cruiser.

 

[Wheresmycoffee]

So as far as pricing goes they are going to be starting off at $35k and going upwards of $55k from what I hear you can get the v6 model for around $39k.

 

[GTSeoul]

So as far as pricing goes they are going to be starting off at $35k and going upwards of $55k from what I hear you can get the v6 model for around $39k.

For $55k we better get a lot of value because that's a lot for Kia to be asking with the way I see it. Don't know if anyone else thinks the same way but at that price you're open to quite a lot of vehicles.

 

[Bumblebee]

Depends if you feel the need to go all the way to a fully loaded V6 model. The one at MSRP will have the same excellent drive dynamics and it's supposed to be loads of fun to drive. The entry level trim is a bargain.