2018 Kia Stinger release date, specs news: powerful and luxurious sport sedan unveiled at NAIAS 2017

Kia Motors has finally introduced the all-new 2018 Stinger, a powerful fastback sport sedan based on the South Korean automobile manufacturer's GT concept that was unveiled back in 2011. After years in development, the vehicle finally made its debut at the North American International Auto Show.

"Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us, and here today in Detroit, that dream is now a reality after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world," said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.

Despite being a production model, the 2018 Kia Stinger is a clear evolution of the GT concept. Kia made sure that the true "gran turismo" spirit would be kept alive and that meant spending years developing, tuning and refining the sports sedan on the legendary Nürburgring circuit and making sure that every detail of the vehicle was focused on.

The all-new Stinger, despite being the fastest and most powerful vehicle that Kia has ever created, has been designed for spirited long-distance driving. It is a fast and vehicle but does not make any sacrifices when it comes to providing a luxurious, quiet and comfortable driving experience.

In terms of design, the 2018 Stinger is bold, muscular but at the same time also emits an air of elegance. The front fascia features Kia's signature "tiger-nose" grille, complex LED headlamps, a long hood and a short overhang. From the side, the vehicle's powerful fastback silhouette is evident. For the interiors, the cabin features ultra-soft and luxurious materials and is able to comfortably carry up to five passengers.

Kia will offer two powertrains for the 2018 Stinger: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is estimated to deliver 255 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and a 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that will produce 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the sport sedan will be available with a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system.

A suite of driver assistance systems will also be available including Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Assistance with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2018 Kia Stinger will go on sale in late 2017. Pricing will be announced at a later date.