Kia builds a unique Stinger GT420 track car
Once they’ve served their intended purpose, pre-production homologation vehicles are usually destroyed. Such was the fate awaiting ‘LA66 HTG’, the first Kia Stinger GT S to enter the UK which had been used for final testing, media appearances and dealer launch events.
Luckily, “an unfortunate and mysterious delay in creating the required paperwork” meant that the car’s trip to the crusher never happened. Sensing an opportunity, staff at Kia Motors UK decided to convert it instead.
The result – achieved with input from the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany – is the one-off Stinger GT420.
Every unnecessary component has been ditched. Gone are the regular seats and door cards, as well as the seatbelts, airbags and rear bumper beam. A steel panel with honeycomb reinforcement even replaces the sunroof.
As befits something designed exclusively for circuit driving, additions to the Stinger GT420 include extra body stiffening, a full roll cage, a couple of Sparco seats and a fire extinguisher system. Nevertheless, the overall weight loss is 150 kg (330 lbs) compared to the standard showroom model.
Chassis improvements comprise Eibach Pro springs, a stronger front anti-roll bar and a switch to passive dampers. OZ Racing Leggera wheels are shod with Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, plus the front axle gains better brake discs and six-piston Brembo calipers.
Last but not least, the powertrain has also received various enhancements. Thanks mainly to an upgraded air filter and exhaust, the 3.3 litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine’s output is up from 361 bhp (269 kW / 366 PS) to 416 bhp (310 kW / 422 PS). Peak torque meanwhile rises by 50 Nm (37 lb/ft) to 560 Nm (413 lb/ft). The eight-speed automatic transmission is recalibrated, too.
However, Kia hasn’t released any performance figures for the Stinger GT420, so the combined effect of all those alterations isn’t known.
Related posts:
Kia reveals the Stinger GTS limited edition
Stinger GT Federation unveiled at SEMA 2017
Luckily, “an unfortunate and mysterious delay in creating the required paperwork” meant that the car’s trip to the crusher never happened. Sensing an opportunity, staff at Kia Motors UK decided to convert it instead.
The result – achieved with input from the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany – is the one-off Stinger GT420.
Every unnecessary component has been ditched. Gone are the regular seats and door cards, as well as the seatbelts, airbags and rear bumper beam. A steel panel with honeycomb reinforcement even replaces the sunroof.
As befits something designed exclusively for circuit driving, additions to the Stinger GT420 include extra body stiffening, a full roll cage, a couple of Sparco seats and a fire extinguisher system. Nevertheless, the overall weight loss is 150 kg (330 lbs) compared to the standard showroom model.
Chassis improvements comprise Eibach Pro springs, a stronger front anti-roll bar and a switch to passive dampers. OZ Racing Leggera wheels are shod with Pirelli Trofeo R tyres, plus the front axle gains better brake discs and six-piston Brembo calipers.
Last but not least, the powertrain has also received various enhancements. Thanks mainly to an upgraded air filter and exhaust, the 3.3 litre V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine’s output is up from 361 bhp (269 kW / 366 PS) to 416 bhp (310 kW / 422 PS). Peak torque meanwhile rises by 50 Nm (37 lb/ft) to 560 Nm (413 lb/ft). The eight-speed automatic transmission is recalibrated, too.
However, Kia hasn’t released any performance figures for the Stinger GT420, so the combined effect of all those alterations isn’t known.
Related posts:
Kia reveals the Stinger GTS limited edition
Stinger GT Federation unveiled at SEMA 2017
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