SEMA show: Kia goes wild with Stinger

KIA has used the SEMA show in Las Vegas to reveal a pair of enhanced Stinger GT concepts, one based on stylistic upgrades and the other showing off the best performance upgrades the American aftermarket can offer.

The more production-ready of the two concepts, the GT Federation, showcases a range of aesthetic and performance aftermarket products available for the four-door performance sedan ahead of its debut on the American market in December.

Painted in an eye-catching custom creamy orange paint colour, the GT Federation gets a rear spoiler, rear diffuser and redesigned hood vents by Air Design USA, along with 20-inch TSW wheels wrapped in Falken tyres.

Engine potency has been enhanced with the fitment of a K&N cold air intake and low-restriction quad-tipped Borla exhaust, which suppliers say boost power output by 11kW to 283kW.

Handling has also been improved, thanks to Eibach springs, thicker anti-roll bars and a reduced ride height.

The car-maker has warned that the accessories fitted to the Stinger GT Federation are not developed or warrantied by Kia, and therefore may affect the factory warranty.

Kia Australia general manager corporate communications Kevin Hepworth said that local Stingers would not be made available with any officially sanctioned aftermarket parts, save for a performance exhaust.

The other Stinger concept to feature at SEMA was a wide body GT developed by West Coast Customs, a company that shot to fame in the 2000s on the car-modding show Pimp My Ride.

Inspired by the racing GT cars of the 1970s, the GT wide body boasts beefier wheel arch fenders and wider offset tyres, while the 21-inch Keen forged wheels fit snugly with the suspension lowered 35mm at the front and 30mm at rear.

Further visual cues include a carbon-fibre aero kit and rear diffuser, and quad-port exhaust tips.

Inside, the GT wide body gets custom blue leather seat piping to match the exterior paint scheme, hand-stitched grey leather dash panel, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gloss black centre console trim.

West Coast Customs also revealed a tricked-out version of the not-for-Australia Cadenza sedan, painted in metallic black with Cosmic Copper trim elements.

The black look is bolstered by an ultra-dark ceramic window tint and black 20-inch Keen wheels.

Interior enhancements include a hand-stitched suede dashboard, brown leather seats with suede inserts and brown suede door panels, and a 630-watt premium sound system with integrated subwoofer.

SEMA fans also had the opportunity to ride along with professional Formula Drift drivers in a modified Stinger around a purpose-built drift course, flying around corners at speeds of almost 80km/h.