Video: 2018 Kia Stinger GT Drifts at SEMA

CARS.COM — We were at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association aftermarket show in a Kia — that can drift.
Related: 2017 SEMA Best in Show
Kia showed off the drifting chops of its all-new Stinger GT sports sedan (really, a hatchback/fastback) at the sprawling industry event. Because with a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine, rear-wheel drive and limited-slip differential, why wouldn’t you?
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Shop the 2018 Kia Stinger near you


With professional drivers behind the wheel, the sideways Stinger show also gave us a better listen to the GT’s exhaust, which has the refreshing snarls of a performance car — Kia clearly didn’t mute the exhaust for commuters.
But if that isn’t loud enough, well, one reason Kia was at SEMA is because they partnered with various aftermarket performance manufacturers, including Borla exhaust, to debut customization parts that further boost the Stinger GT’s appeal to enthusiasts. The Borla exhaust and K&N cold-air intake are good for an additional 15 hp, according to Kia, for a total of 380 hp. Those parts were fitted to the orange Federation Stinger GT that sat on Eibach lowering springs and TSW wheels, and it was a mighty fine-looking automobile.
These parts will be available through their respective manufacturers when the Stinger launches in December 2017.
Watch the video above.
2018 Kia Stinger Specs:
- Standard 255-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- Available 365-hp, twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 (GT)
- Zero-to-60 mph in 4.7 seconds (GT)
- Rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Brembo brakes (GT)
- Top speed of 167 mph (GT)
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Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s 22 years of automotive experience doesn’t count the lifelong obsession that started as a kid admiring his dad’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — and continues to this day. Joe’s been an automotive journalist with Cars.com for 16 years, writing shopper-focused car reviews, news and research content. As Managing Editor, one of his favorite areas of focus is helping shoppers understand electric cars and how to determine whether going electric is right for them. In his free time, Joe maintains a love-hate relationship with his 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that he wishes would fix itself. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bruzek-2699b41b/
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