[Kia Stinger News]

What a sports car sounds like does factor into the purchasing process and the new Kia Stinger's exhaust note may be enough to entice customers away from rival brands like BMW, Audi, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

At 4.83m, the Stinger is a bit longer than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (4.64m) and Audi A5 Sportback (4.73m), but there's a reason for that. The increase in overall length and 2.9m wheelbase improves ride comfort and stability. But what's a nice package without a matching sound?

Two videos of the exhaust in action were recorded at a preview event for the Stinger in Asia and it looks to be the range-topping 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 model if the slightly blurry GT badge is any indication.

Kia's first foray into the luxury rear-wheel drive sedan segment has 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque on tap. That's enough to rocket the Stinger from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and it won't stop until it hits the 167 mph. What's more, the Stinger's max torque can be accessed from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm.

Speaking with CarAdvice, Kia Australia media and corporate communications general manager Kevin Hepworth said they were "determined to get the right sound from the car," though the local team will still be developing the sound until August.

Do you think they've delivered the right sound so far? Let us know what you think below.

 

[Bumblebee]

i think it sounds great, but some are saying that it doesn't sound aggressive enough. Depending on where the country, there could be decibel limitations put on a vehicle. I think Korea is one of them, but other markets could get something louder.

 

[GTSeoul]

i think it sounds great, but some are saying that it doesn't sound aggressive enough. Depending on where the country, there could be decibel limitations put on a vehicle. I think Korea is one of them, but other markets could get something louder.

then they probably haven't heard enough from most vehicles today because if they did, very soon they'd realize this is the best it gets for anyone who is limited to this segment and surrounding segments.

 

[Thumper]

I find that the tone of it doesn't match the "look". Like a big muscular dog with a chihuahua bark, not that drastic of a difference, but you get the point.

 

[GTSeoul]

I find that the tone of it doesn't match the "look". Like a big muscular dog with a chihuahua bark, not that drastic of a difference, but you get the point.

Welcome to the current reality of the market.

Fast looks > fast performing = mass appeal
We've seen this play out a lot of times over the recent years.

what really matters is what a high performance trim will be like

 

[Bumblebee]

There's always aftermarket options for those who really wants a different sound, but how the Stinger drives is what's really important and with how good sound insulation are these days, you won't really hear it anyways.

 

[Thumper]

I agree which is why I'm not too worried about it. Removal of a few resonators or something could be a simple solution alone.

Driving dynamics is something that if you don't like, will involve a bit more dollars and work to get just right for you as everyone has different preferences and it involves everything from braking, suspension, etc.