The 2018 Kia Stinger, regarded as the Korean automaker’s most ambitious model in years, seeks to make a significant impact in the high-performance vehicle sector. In an intriguing development, the Queensland Police Service in Australia has introduced what seems to be the first official Kia Stinger patrol car.
Australia has long been known for its high-speed driving activities, thanks to its vast open spaces and lengthy, straight highways. To tackle this issue, law enforcement in the region has utilized a selection of large, V8-powered vehicles, including the Ford Falcon and the Holden Commodore. However, production of both models ceased in the last two years, prompting police departments to seek suitable replacements, reminiscent of the transition observed in the United States after the Ford Crown Victoria was retired.
In June, Kia confirmed that most police departments in Australia were assessing the Stinger as a potential substitute for high-speed pursuits and general use duties as the Ford and Holden vehicles were phased out by the end of the decade. Initial tests showed favorable results for both the base model with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the more robust GT version featuring a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Notably, the Stinger successfully met the rigorous cooling and braking requirements, which led to the Ford Mustang GT being excluded from consideration during last year’s evaluations.
Kia’s communications manager, Kevin Hepworth, stated, “The brake package meets their requirement, the wiring meets their requirement, and it can be upgraded easily without any issues.” He further mentioned, “Performance figures are what they want, along with sufficient trunk space and control—and they need to determine if they can handle it properly.”
In September, a report surfaced indicating that the Queensland Police Service aimed to “outpace every other state” by incorporating the first Kia Stinger patrol car into their operational fleet. Recently, images revealed the Stinger adorned with official police markings as it prepared for its formal integration into the service.
While it may not be as iconic as the legendary Mad Max Interceptor, with impressive specifications such as a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a governed top speed of 167 mph, the Kia Stinger GT is poised to be a strong contender against any aspiring speedsters on the road.
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