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The Kia Stinger GT won't get a manual, but the US does get a louder exhaust

Kia revealed its new Stinger GT hatchback grand tourer tonight. Unfortunately for fans of the clutch pedal, a manual transmission won't come any time soon. Albert Biermann, Kia's head of vehicle testing and high-performance development, told us there are no plans for a manual. Instead, buyers will have to settle for an eight-speed automatic, which Kia's director of corporate communications, James Bell, said was chosen for its quick shifts coupled with low-speed refinement. Biermann did admit that he would enjoy driving a manual Stinger, if he had one. View 12 Photos If the lack of a manual transmission has diminished your enthusiasm for the stylish new Kia, perhaps this will help bolster it: Biermann told us that the US will get a market-specific exhaust, and it's louder than what Europe will get. He said that the US has less restrictive exhaust sound regulations, allowing up to 80 decibels. So even though the Stinger GT won't exercise your left foot much, your ears may be in for a treat. We certainly look forward to hearing it ourselves. Related Video:

2021 Kia K5 is a Stinger-inspired midsize sedan

Love the idea of the rear-wheel-drive Kia Stinger but just can't swing the price tag? The 2021 Kia K5 promises to be the next-best thing, while also delivering the practicality and comfort expected of a modern midsize sedan.  "K5" has been the name of the Korean-market Optima since its major redesign in 2010, and with the 2021 model, that name is coming to America. With this re-branding comes a major overhaul to Kia's four-door family car, including available all-wheel drive and a new performance GT model that will likely be met with approval by fans of the Stinger sport sedan.  On the outside, the K5 looks like, well, an Optima. Kia seems content with its current "tiger face" design. The new K5 design has obvious influences from the Stinger, but that car's design wasn't really all that much of a departure from the previous-generation Optima's, so the family resemblance remains strong. As with any major redesign, there's plenty more action underneath the K5's sheet metal. The new sedan will be offered with two turbocharged engines and, for the first time in a front-wheel-drive Kia sedan, an all-wheel-drive option will be offered for those who want a little more all-weather functionality.  The base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. On the base-model LX, it will be paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission (no CVT here, at least not yet) and front-wheel drive. On the LXS and GT Line, all-wheel drive will be available.  For those who want performance, the GT model is your ticket. Powered by the company's new 2.5-liter turbo-4, the GT will boast 290 hp and a class-leading 311 lb-ft of torque paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia says this combo will be good for a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.  Inside, the K5 gets numerous upgrades over the outgoing Optima. Shown here in GT-Line and GT guise, the interior will be available with perforated leather seating options with contrast stitching for a little added pizzazz. The flat-bottom steering wheel pictured is also exclusive to the GT-Line and GT trims. Other available features include wireless device charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The base infotainment system will be an 8-inch touchscreen unit with a 10.25-inch upgrade available; both will be powered by the latest revision of Kia's excellent UVO software suite.

Next-generation Kia Optima spied for the first time

On the heels of the completely redesigned Hyundai Sonata, one of our spy photographers has finally caught the next-generation 2021 Kia Optima out testing. It makes sense the family sedan would appear soon, since it will undoubtedly be based on the Sonata just like past Optimas. Unlike the Sonata, though, the new Optima looks like a very evolutionary design. The headlights are still wide and low in the nose. The "tiger nose" grille sits between the lights. It looks as though the grille may be a bit thinner than on the current model. The overall profile is still similar to the current model and the Kia Stinger, and it appears Kia will continue to have some interesting lines connecting the rear pillars and the roof. Among the subtle differences are a revised greenhouse. The pieces of glass just ahead of the C-pillars follow the curve of the roof more than the somewhat upright pieces on the current car. The rear taillights, though still thin and wide, now appear to protrude from the rear. This particular version also appears to have fake tail pipes. Though this is the first time we've seen the Optima, and it's still well-camouflaged, we expect to see the car revealed sometime next year. The reason is that the Sonata it's based on is nearly on sale, so a lot of the Optima's development is probably finished. It will likely share the Sonata's powertrains, which for now include a 191-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Each of these is mated to an eight-speed automatic. A more powerful turbo four-cylinder should be available in the near future.