Kia has revealed its all-new high-performance Stinger sports saloon at the North American International Auto Show.

The new model is set to shake up the segment, which is traditionally dominated by European brands, when it arrives in September and is the highest-performance production vehicle Kia has ever produced.

“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us, and here in Detroit, that dream is now a reality after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers and executives around the world,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at Kia Motors America.

It is based on the GT concept, which was first unveiled in 2011 at the Frankfurt motor show and the development has been focused on both performance and luxury. Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M division and now Kia’s engineering chief, oversaw development of the new model.

Initially it will be available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 255PS. There will also be a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 which is anticipated to produce 365PS, targeting a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 167mph.

A 2.0-litre diesel and all-electric model are also rumoured to be in development and likely to carry more fleet appeal.

The Stinger is Kia’s first saloon car available with rear- or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – depending on market. Rear-wheel biased for optimal control in the wet or dry, the AWD system features a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system which monitors driver inputs and road conditions and automatically applies power and braking force to the appropriate wheels to maintain course in adverse conditions. Rear-drive vehicles get the benefit of a mechanical limited slip differential to help evenly distribute power through the rear wheels.

The Stinger’s boot area is also larger than many in its class, with enough space for full-size luggage or golf bags and a power tailgate with smart functionality is available.   

A host of safety tech is also available, including autonomous braking, driver fatigue detection, smart cruise control and lane keep assist.

Connectivity, entertainment and vehicle information can be as important as a dynamic driving experience and the Stinger comes to market with the latest infotainment systems. 

A head-up display enables the driver to see key driving information reflected on the windscreen, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation, audio and cruise control settings and blind spot detection information.

Resting within the centre console is a wireless Smartphone charging pad and Bluetooth hands-free operation is standard while many of the vehicle’s subsystems may be accessed through the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

A premium Harman/Kardon audio system which pumps out 720 watts through an external amplifier will be available optionally.

The car is expected to go on sale in September this year with prices starting at £43,000, final specifications are yet to be announced.