Kia has gone from strength to strength since it came onto the European market in
the 1990s: It soon shed its reputation as an Asian “budget brand” to become an
attractive, high-quality alternative to established premium brands that can make
even the German competition quake in its boots. In so doing, the Koreans have
penetrated market segments that they would not have given a second thought
just a few years ago. Enter the Stinger, a coupé-style luxury sports sedan with
366 hp (originally 370 hp) that has been vying for buyers’ attention over
competitors such as the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé and
even the Mercedes CLS since 2017.
With its dynamic design, this large Kia is the perfect candidate for out-of-theordinary
tuning projects: This is epitomized perfectly by the specimen shown
here, which was conceived by the AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign team from near Aachen
in western Germany.
Just looking at it, it is not apparent that AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign chose a specimen
with a 2.2-liter, 200 hp four-cylinder turbo diesel: thanks to the skirts on the front
and back and the LED front headlights, the Stinger now has the same extroverted
look as the top model, which is powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine.
On top of that, AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign also added an assortment of aerodynamic
attachments that further enhance its sporty look: The front spoiler lip and side
sills, for example, come from Maxton Design. The side sills were modified by
AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign to make them more in sync with the Stinger project car.
The side attachments for the rear skirt came from Ingo Noak Tuning’s product
range and, because the Stinger parts market in Germany is relatively small, AMJFahrzeugdesign
even imported some components from Korea, including the
diffuser insert and the rear spoiler – both manufactured by M&S – as well as the
LED rear lighting kit. To round it all off, the Kia logo on the trunk lid was delicately
and expertly removed. And after all adjustments were made to the bodywork –
now complete with Alubutyl insulation – Signcom joined the team to dress the Kia
in a striking designer wrapping with stylized writing and black graphical elements
with colorful, shimmering touches of glitter and neon yellow on a pearl-white
background. This stunning attire is protected from the elements by a ceramic
coating.
AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign installed Tomason TN19 rims in the wheel cases. Although
these rims measure 8.5×20” all the way round, the tires measure 225/35R20 on
the steering axle and even 255/30R20 on the drive axle. And for perfect
horizontal alignment of the wheel/tire combinations under the fenders, spacers
were also fitted.
And no tuning project would be complete without a bit of chassis-lowering. The
specialists at null-bar developed a Bilstein Performance air suspension system
with an electronic Air Lift Performance 3P controller for the AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign
Kia, so that – at the touch of a button – the driver can choose from ample ground
clearance perfect for any driving situation or the more showy asphalt-hugging
appearance of a crouched tiger. A real StingAIR!
The interior of the Stinger is already nigh-on perfect from the factory.
Nevertheless, AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign thought it could be better still, and added
extra touches to the cockpit in places that are always within the driver’s “attention
zone”: The airbag compartment of the sports steering wheel and the steering
column cover were adorned with gray Alcantara. And the car will soon be finished
with final flourishes featuring Alcantara and leather.
AMJ-Fahrzeugdesign, Kia Stinger 2.2 CRDi
