Kia saved Stinger by transforming it into Kia Stinger GT420

MANILA: Kia motors turned a Stinger GT S into a unique track car called Stinger GT420. It is an absolute track day monster and it is named after its power figures. It comes equipped with a 3.3 L twin-turbo V6 engine. The power figures have increased from 365 hp (370 PS) in the regular car to 422 hp (428 PS) in the GT420. Torque has also been raised from 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) to 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

It was 'Kia's idea of saving a pre-production homologation vehicle that otherwise would have had to be dumped. It was the car utilised for final testing and tuning in the UK, as well as a media car that emerged in many TV shows and UK car magazines such as The Grand Tour and Top Gear. Overwhelmed by the 'car's pedigree and the point that it had clocked up an exciting (for a homologation car) 10,000 miles, Kia UK chose to transform it into a track car.

The crew at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, provided the expertise to enhance the engine's output. The tuning includes a K&N air filter, different spark plugs, and Milltek Sport quad-exit exhaust with no catalytic converters. A more comprehensive automatic transmission cooler ensures the gearbox can endure extensive track work. Kia expanded the camber angle and equipped a set of 19 inches diameter with Pirelli Trofeo R wheels for better handling on the track. 

The conventional dampers are still at the edges but with Eibach Pro reducing springs and more intimate anti-roll bars. Six-piston Brembo brakes in front help in slowing down, but the back comes with the standard stoppers. Kia Press Garage in England dismissed the rear bumper beam and sound-deadening foam to cut down even more weight out of the vehicle.

The sunroof was replaced with a steel panel. The car also gained a roll cage for protection and additional chassis bars for improved stiffness. In total, GT420 weighs about 331 pounds less than a regular Stinger GT.    

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