![Nissan Maxima Turns 40, Gets the Birthday Treatment [UPDATED]](https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2021-20th-Anniv-Maxima-18-source-610x371-1.jpg)
Kia earned applause for being ballsy enough to launch a rear-drive sports sedan at a time when buyers were heading in the other direction. Don’t go, Kia said, we’ve got a more affordable option for traditional driving!
Rear- or all-wheel drive greeted buyers looking for something fresh, with four- or six-cylinder power doing the motivating. Since its late-2017 arrival, the Stinger’s sales have fallen off a bit from last year’s tally, when it sold in low but consistent numbers. For 2020, the brand may be looking to reduce build configurations.
That means less four-cylinder choice and the removal of the model’s entry-level model. Apparently, this won’t cause much pain to your wallet.
This tidbit comes by way of CarsDirect, which got its hands on an early order guide. It would seem that for the coming model year, Kia aims to make the sportier GT a bigger player. Or at least its looks.
Gone are the 2.0L Base and Premium, replaced with a single four-cylinder trim called GT-Line. Reminiscent of Hyundai’s N-Line models, the new trim adopts the more aggressive styling of the V6-powered GT while skipping the cylinder bloat. Starting at $34,085 after destination, the GT-Line is only a $100 walk up from the former base model.
Sporting the 2.0-liter mill (255 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque) and an eight-speed automatic, the GT-Line adopts a meaner grille and fascia, darkened trim, body-color door handles, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, there’s stitching and badging galore. A sport-style steering wheel greets guests, wrapped in leather.
While is mostly a bonus for entry-level buyers, the news isn’t so great for those wanting extra content. With the Premium off the table, anyone looking for extra creature comforts will have to settle for the GT, which retails for $40,495 after destination. That’s a $200 bump from 2019. At least with this trim, they’ll gain a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 making 365 horses.
While the Premium was practically spooning the GT in terms of price, it did offer some features found on the loftier GT1, making its absence more strongly felt.
That said, if you can find a 2019 Premium, there’s a good chance Kia has a bundle of incentives waiting for you. November’s a good time to buy.
[Images: Kia]
Still no V8 option? Kia offer some credibility to this car, selling a V6 “sports sedan” for $50k+ is not going to win you many customers.
As is I don’t even have any interest in test driving one with the available powertrains.
Does Kia/Hyundai even have a V8?
Not one incorporating modern tech no. Clearly something they need to invest in for the genesis side or either start buying LTs from GM since they’re not using them.
K9000000 offered one IIRC.
I don’t think the K900 is offered in my country. I’ve never seen one on the road. If it is offered here, it’s probably a California only car. Like all H/K EVs.
Sure – the 5.0 Tau GDi V8, offered in the Kia K900 and the Genesis G80 and G90.
Latest generation Tau 5.0L has 420 HP on premium fuel.
I’d take it over the old – crusty architecture of the mustang and the claustrophobic interior of the camero.
I got to drive a 2020 1SS last weekend and although the LT1 is very cool, the Camaro overall is a total hot mess. No buyer’s remorse there.
Stinger vs Mustang GT is a little tricky though. It really comes down to if you need the utility of the hatch and roomier back seats because the Ford is a seriously excellent car.
Crusty? The S550 came out in 2015! (debuted in 2013). The previous model, the S197 was getting long in the tooth for sure.
I always thought that the 4 cyl Premium should have been THE 4 cyl model. 4 cyl turbo PLUS uplevel stereo, safety tech etc, only option being RWD or AWD.
Price it to undercut a 4 cyl Camry XSE.
I’m not sure why anyone would go for the stinger and opt for the 4-cylinder. I guess that plays into why they’re scrapping most of the 4-cylinder trims.
This particular vehicle is either go all out or get something else I think.
+1.
I think Mark Baruth’s friend said it best in the article a few days ago.
“No thanks, we already bought a Nissan”