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Kia U.K. builds a 420-horsepower Stinger GT track car

The Kia Stinger GT is an admirable sports sedan, er, hatchback, with 365 horsepower. But Kia's U.K. branch wanted more, leading to the 420-horsepower Singer GT420 you see here. As Kia explains, the car used to create this one-off track car is actually the first Stinger GT pre-production test car in the U.K. It was used for final testing, photography, and was even featured on Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Once its testing and publicity duties were over, though, it was slated to be crushed. But some delaying and the idea of building a track car saved it. To get it to its final output ratings of 420 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, Kia (with help from Hyundai Motor Group's technical team in Germany) added a high-flow air filter, aftermarket exhaust without catalytic converters, an upgraded transmission cooler, and an engine tune. The car also benefits from weight reduction: The whole car was gutted, taking out everything unnecessary for speed such as the sound system, rear seats, carpeting, bumper supports and more. Even with the addition of a roll cage and extra chassis braces, the car is just over 330 pounds lighter than stock. Handling and stopping capabilities were also enhanced with stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, along with six-piston brake calipers and brake cooling ducts up front. The car also gets visual changes in the form of a front splitter and rear spoiler and diffuser, plus the bold vinyl wrap. Naturally, this isn't a production car, especially with the gutted interior and emissions non-compliant exhaust. But looking at the list of modifications, it wouldn't be hard to replicate the Stinger GT420 on your own. In fact, someone could probably exceed the car's performance, since there are some areas ripe for upgrading Kia skipped over, such as upgrading the turbochargers. Your move, tuners.

Hyundai-Kia fuel-economy errors trigger $300M in federal penalties [w/video]

This amount includes $100-million in civil penalties, the largest such fines in EPA history.
Hyundai and Kia are getting more than a slap on the wrist for overstating the fuel economy of an estimated 1.2-million vehicles in their 2011-2013 model ranges. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board are hitting the automakers with collective penalties valued at around $300 million for Clean Air Act violations. This amount includes $100-million in civil penalties, the largest such fines in EPA history. Specifically, Hyundai is paying a $56.8 million penalty and relinquishing 2.7-million greenhouse gas emissions credits. Kia is paying $43.2 million in penalties and giving up 2.05-million credits.

Kia reportedly plans to increase production of Telluride SUV

A new report from overseas says that Kia will increase production of the new Telluride SUV to 100,000 units due to strong demand for the three-row hauler in the U.S. Korean news site Motor Graph reports the decision was announced on a conference call at Kia’s headquarters in Seoul; Autoblog has sought confirmation from a Kia spokesman. The news comes on the heels of word that the Telluride, along with its corporate sibling the Hyundai Palisade, were getting some minor price increases, the second for both, with the Telluride starting at $33,060, including destination, after launching at $32,735. ItÂ’s also the latest sign of the popularity and positive reviews of the Telluride, which went on sale in March of last year. The Telluride just won the title of 2020 North American Utility of the Year, vanquishing the Palisade and the Lincoln Aviator, and itÂ’s earned a slew of other honors from automotive publications and organizations. Kia builds the Telluride at its plant in West Point, Georgia and sold 58,604 models in the less than eight months it was on sale in 2019, with an established clip north of 6,000 per month by yearÂ’s end. Recent rumors have suggested Kia could be planning a range-topping trim level, complete with fancy new interior colors and an off-road package that could push the Telluride toward the $50,000 mark. Kia also plans to launch the compact Seltos crossover during the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, corporate sibling Hyundai also launched the Palisade three-row ‘ute in 2019, one of two new Hyundai nameplates last year along with the compact Venue crossover, which launched in November. From its launch in June through December, the Palisade posted sales of 28,736, with steady month-over-month increases. A Hyundai spokesman said he had no information to share about production plans but said the Palisade was seeing good demand from car buyers. The Palisade is built in Ulsan, South Korea for the U.S. market. Related Video: