[Kia Stinger News]

Every year automakers spend millions of dollars on a 30 or 60 second Super Bowl ad and Kia is no different. What makes this one event so special is the sheer amount of viewers that tunes in, with around 112 million people watching the show last year and a staggering 61 million people staying on for the post-game show.

This year's submission from Kia features the much celebrated Stinger GT and who better to appear alongside a "legend in the making" than Aerosmith's frontman Steven Tyler. Also appearing in this year's Stinger ad was Emerson Fittipaldi, a legend in his own right as we won both the Formula One World Championship and the Indianapolis 500 twice.

Titled "Feel Something Again", the ad features a very gracefully aged Tyler walking towards a red Stinger in what would assume to be a race against Fittipaldi. But instead of putting the car in drive, he shifts it to reverse and turns back the clock to the 1970s. Those were the times of high-waisted jean wearing fans with big hair and a love for Aerosmith. Channeling their youth, the fans charge towards a younger looking Tyler at the prime of his youth. What's more, Kia chose to use the cinematic remix of "Dream On", one of Tyler's biggest hit, as the ad's sountrack.

"The Stinger is the dream car driving enthusiasts have been longing for with its head-turning design, premium amenities and heart-pounding power at an incredibly value-packed price," said Saad Chehab, vice president, marketing communications, Kia Motors' America. "As one of the youngest mainstream car companies in the U.S., our youth - and the fearlessness that comes with it - is Kia's strength, and the youthful mindset we share with Steven Tyler and Emerson Fittipaldi is on full display in our Super Bowl ad."

 

[Bumblebee]

Let's face it, anything with Steven Tyler is just better in general and using an Aerosmith soundtrack is just foolproof on top of that. A great ad to appeal to people like me who was a fan.

 

[eflyguy]

.. or to turn off people like me who was not. I'd rather see Emi in an actual lap..

I do recognize, however, that this would appeal to many in this generation, and applaud them for doing it. With luck, the car will be a success, driving more sales, price drops, aftermarket modifications.. and perhaps I can finally order the color combo I want! lol.

 

[KoreanTune]

Love the music and was disappointed that we didn't get to see Emi give the Stinger a go around the track. Still waiting to see a video which really shows the Stinger pushed to its limits. All the various track videos I've found online are more advertisements than actual track tests. I've grown tired of hearing all the random Youtubers talk throughout the whole test drive.

 

[eflyguy]

How about on the Autobahn?

.. or on the Nurburgring?

.. or head-to-head against the Panamera and BMW 6-series?

.. or at the drag strip?

.. and Kia finally let us see Emi drive!

 

[KoreanTune]

Thanks for sharing! There's more out there than I thought. I did manage to see that drag strip race, but I'm unfortunately I think the Corvette won great to see that people are already testing its capability on the strip however, and I'm sure its only a matter of time before we see some crazy builds. I was really excited when I saw that Emi clip and then I realized it was only 40 seconds long, good commercial though.

 

[GTSeoul]

Thanks for sharing! There's more out there than I thought. I did manage to see that drag strip race, but I'm unfortunately I think the Corvette won great to see that people are already testing its capability on the strip however, and I'm sure its only a matter of time before we see some crazy builds. I was really excited when I saw that Emi clip and then I realized it was only 40 seconds long, good commercial though.

I wanted to say that a high performing Stinger could beat a Corvette on a road course track but at this rate the vetta is catching up to a point it might just out handing cars like the Stinger.

 

[Bumblebee]

Depends on the Corvette, an that upcoming mid-engine model is going to be a beast. Unfortunately, that also comes with a very high price tag, at least compared to what you pay for a Stinger. Something for my dreams I suppose, but I'm surprised to see the Stinger lead in that drag race against the C5.

 

[KoreanTune]

Its pretty amazing that the Stinger is already been testing against the likes of C5. Seeing as how they sit at such different price points, it really goes to show what kind of value you're getting with Kia. Almost keep in mind that Corvette has come a long way in terms of engineering and performance upgrades, and as we see the Stinger age/evolve I'd be surprised if it took longer than a couple years, for it to completely surpass its rivals.

 

[Bumblebee]

Different price point and the C5 has a relatively light curb weight of less than 3,300 lb. One would assume that weight savings would give it an advantage over the Stinger, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[GTSeoul]

C5 was such a long time ago that its not fair to compare the two although it does provide perspective. How much weight it holds isn't much. Heck, you rarely see C5 vettes these days which already says a lot. The stinger compared to new hatches is where its at, hatches like the Type R and Focus RS.

 

[KoreanTune]

Yeah there are quite a lot of articles and pictures which compare the Stinger with the Type R. However, I haven't been able to find any videos which actually compare their performance in a head to head style. I'd love to see who comes out on top on the track/strip.

 

[GTSeoul]

Yeah there are quite a lot of articles and pictures which compare the Stinger with the Type R. However, I haven't been able to find any videos which actually compare their performance in a head to head style. I'd love to see who comes out on top on the track/strip.

One thing to note is comparing them is a loose comparison for the fact that they are in different segments. Pricing alone, it comes down to an entry-level Stinger vs Type R or a Si.
I think if Kia gives the Stinger enough performance improvements then some trying to get away from the Honda crowd will go for the Stinger.

 

[KoreanTune]

I found a video that at least compares their acceleration/top speed. Considering their differences in price bracket and their power offerings in the higher trims, its surprising to see how close they are. I think Kia still has a ways to go in proving itself as a performance brand, but they certainly come to market with a worthy first effort.

 

[GTSeoul]

I found a video that at least compares their acceleration/top speed. Considering their differences in price bracket and their power offerings in the higher trims, its surprising to see how close they are. I think Kia still has a ways to go in proving itself as a performance brand, but they certainly come to market with a worthy first effort.

Problem is we're comparing a performance version of the Civic to a lower trim of the Stinger.
Its like comparing a Civic Si to the Focus RS.

 

[KoreanTune]

I mean yes and no. The Stinger GT still has the larger 365hp engine found in the higher end trims. It's still a good 50hp more than what's found in the Type R. But you're right that a real test would be between both models fully spec'd.