Check out Kia Stinger GT420, the new track monster

KUALA LUMPUR: Say hello to the all-new Kia Stinger GT420. It is a track monster that has been developed by Kia European and UK engineering team together. They worked under the assistance of Tyrome Johnson, a former Ford engineer.

The Stinger GT420, as is evident from the name, is based on the standard Stinger GT model that is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol mill offering maximum power of 365 hp along with a peak torque of 510 Nm. However, for the GT420, this mill isn’t sufficient alone.

Therefore, to modify this powerplant a bit, Hyundai Europe engine team recommended the usage of HSK M45il spark plugs (for better combustion), a cat-less lightweight Milltek Sport quad-exit exhaust system, and a K&N sports air filter. All these inclusions lead to better performance figure reading - 428 hp and 560 Nm.

For better cooling, the car comes fitted with a six-row automatic gearbox cooler, also the transmission control system is now recalibrated for faster shift characteristics in Sport+ and Sport modes. The car was strip down, as lightness is a crucial factor for a race car. So, most of the things that makes the Stinger GT a Grand Tourer has been removed. This includes sound system, seats, airbags, seat belts, engine cover, interior trim, underbody cover, rear window regulator, boot and bonnet dampers, parking sensors, rear bumper foam, and beam are chucked, and lastly, lightweight doors are installed, and rear windows are glued in position. The sunroof is replaced by a steel panel, and the honeycomb panel is grafted for enhanced reinforcement.

In total around, 150 kg has been removed from the car. However, this is after the installation of the lightweight Sparco racing seats with harness, custom-built roll cage, and fire extinguisher. Saving 22 kg from the original battery setup is the Lite Blox LiPo battery unit.

The Kia Stinger GT420 uses the same standard brakes, although all corners get augmented with deflectors and cooling ducts for max cooling effect. Also, the shock absorbers are standard; however, in place of conventional dampers, it uses adaptive dampers.

On the safety front, Kia has optimized the car’s electronic stability control, ABS, and traction control for track use.