Kia Motors Corporation has released the first images of the upgraded Kia Stinger today, revealing a refreshed design for the high-performance fastback sports sedan. 

Changes to the appearance of the enhanced model amplify its gran turismo character, while improving cabin quality and giving owners more choice of colour and material.

The new Stinger is due on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020; sales in many of Kia’s global markets will follow later. Kia will reveal more details about the upgraded Stinger soon including its new powertrain line-up and technologies.

The upgraded model boasts a range of design updates inside and out. Outside, the changes add a new touch of drama to the car’s design and give buyers more options for customisation; inside, the upgraded Stinger offers a more comfortable space in which to travel with a revised design, new higher-quality materials and updates to the infotainment system.

Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design commented: “The Stinger projects an air of elegance and comfort, and also great purpose, for long distance driving. The updated model builds on the svelte gran turismo design we introduced three years ago with modern flair and a subtle hint of aggression to enhance its on-road presence. The interior too has been enhanced, and the new design elements and technologies incorporated into the Stinger reconfirm its credentials as the consummate grand tourer.”

At the front of the Stinger, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille sits between new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps, with a new design and LED daytime running lights. The new lamps appear darker and sleeker with the lights out, while giving the car a more high-tech light signature, with sharp slashes of light angled slightly towards the front of the car.

At the rear, a svelte new rear combination lamp displays a distinctive new light signature extending the full width of the car and mimicking the shape of the subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. The new turn signals comprise a collection of 10 individual LED units each, arranged in a grid pattern to mimic the appearance of a checkered flag used in motorsport to signal the end of a race.

Buyers of more powerful examples of the Stinger now have the option to specify larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, with a more purposeful, performance-inspired rear diffuser to give the car a more muscular rear appearance.

Two new 18in and 19in aluminium alloy wheels are also introduced with intricate, geometric designs which enhance the sporty, grand tourer nature of the car. The Stinger is now available with a new exterior colour in many markets worldwide.

While the architecture of the cabin in the upgraded Stinger remains unchanged with a sweeping, driver-oriented dash and comfortable space for up to five occupants, it boasts a range of subtle enhancements. These visual and material upgrades are designed to improve the car’s grand touring ability, creating a more luxurious ambience.

The lower section of the steering wheel features a new metallic finish, matching the chrome bezel that now surrounds the 7in fully-digital instrument cluster. The latter is designed to provide crystal clear information to drivers via its high-definition display. The rear-view mirror is now frameless, creating a modern look and enhancing rear visibility.