Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.
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KUdos for reviewing the GT-Line Stinger. Some comments...
() Comparing the Stinger to sport sedans such as the BMW 3/4 series and the G70 is misleading. The Stinger is a true GT (Grand Touring) vehicle in the European mold. Handling designed to be nimble on twisting European backroads, many of which were originally laid down by the Romans 2000 years ago, and with sufficient performance to carry 4-5 passengers and their luggage/gear comfortably for hours at a time on meticulously maintained highways at speeds well over 100 mph. Americans are typically not familiar with such vehicles where the "GT" badge is applied to 2 door coupes with massive engines and cramped interiors such as the Mustang. Vehicles comparable to the Stinger aren't European sport sedans like the BMW 3 series, much less coupes like the Mustang. They're liftback GT sedans like the Audi A5, the A7, or particularly the VW Arteon that shares many of its features, its size, and its price.
() Despite sharing a platform and many components comparing the Stinger GT-Line model to the Genesis G70 4 cylinder version is particularly misleading. The Stinger's new 2.5Lturbo 4 can't be found in the Genesis G70 where the 2.0L turbo engine the Stinger had previously shared with the G70 is still found in the Genesis. (A fact that Joe appears to be unaware of.)
() Many Americans consider "performance" to be measured by 0-60 mph and quarter mile acceleration on flat, straight pavement, ideally accompanied by smoking tires and a deafening exhaust note. Those aren't appropriate metrics for a European style GT. Even so, though, the new GT-Line Stinger's improved straight line acceleration is noteworthy. 5.2 seconds from 0-60 puts the GT-Line only about half a second (!) behind the V6 twin turbo Stinger and leaves the Genesis G70 in the dust with the latter's 0-60 times only a bit quicker than the previous 4 cylinder Stinger (6.9 seconds) in the mid 6 second range. Bottom line? The 2.0L Genesis is a slug compared to the GT-Line Stinger.
() As Joe notes, the base version of the GT-Line lacks the sunroof and upgraded 15 speaker sound system that are standard or optional on the upper GT1 and GT2 trim levels. But those features are available as part of the $2300 "Sun and Sound" option package for the GT-Line.
() All in all, the GT-Line Stinger is a huge bargain. A fully loaded (with the "Sun and Sound) AWD version has an MSRP of $40,590 plus delivery and TTL. That's a full $5300 less than a comparable GT1 V6 twin turbo model. The GT1 boasts 19" (vs 18") wheels and some superior suspension bits but lacks the 15 speaker sound system of the GT-Line (That comes with the GT2 model with an MSRP over $53,000) . If straight line performance is a high priority it means paying over $5000 for half a second quicker 0-60 time.
That's not the only comparative advantage of the GT-Line Singer . Compared to a fully loaded FWD KIA K5 GT a comparably equipped RWD GT-Line has the same 2.5L engine, significantly more upscale amenities, and the versatility of the Stinger's lift back design. The MSRP of the Stinger is $38,390, only $2655 more than the K5 GT and lacking the wheel hop and torque steer of the K5 (that lacks an LSD, a major deficiency in an FWD vehicle) when power is applied to the pavement. Add AWD to the Stinger that's not available at all on the K5 for $2200 more. Finally, compare the GT-Line Stinger to a top trim Camry or Accord neither of which offers either AWD or RWD and the Stinger again looks like a bargain for a midsize sedan.
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