This Kia Stinger gets second life as 420 HP race car

Pre-production models are often retired from duty by being sent to the crusher after fulfilling their purpose. Only a handful of them escape death by ending up in museums or becoming a part of a manufacturer's private collection. This particular pre-production Kia Stinger was destined for the crusher when the guys over at Kia UK decided to save it and turn it into a track-spec Stinger.

Officially called the Kia Stinger GT420, it was built by the automaker's UK arm in collaboration with the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany and features a host of upgrades over the standard Stinger model.

For starters, more power was added. The standard Stinger GT S already produces 365 horsepower from a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. Thanks to new spark plugs, air filter, and a de-catted Milltek exhaust together with other upgrades, the GT420 now produces 420 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. An upgraded automatic transmission cooler has also been added to ensure the 8-speed gearbox doesn't overheat on track.

To improve handling, Kia has fitted the GT420 with larger Brembo brakes, a new front crossmember, Eibach Pro lowering springs, and new front and rear anti-roll bars. New 19-inch OZ-Racing wheels wrapped in sticky Pirelli Trofeo R tires help put the power down on the track. Inside, there's barely any interior bit left as it has been replaced by a roll cage, fixed bucket seats, and racing harnesses.

Considering that the GT420 will be used for the track-only, other creature comforts and features were also removed including the engine cover, parking sensors, trunk and hood dampers, and rear bumper beam and foam. The sunroof was also removed and was replaced by a steel panel. All-in-all, the Stinger lost a total of 150kg.

Other extra bits made to the Stinger included a Stillen front splitter and rear diffuser. Meanwhile, Air Design created a unique ducktail spoiler. Completing the makeover would be the special wrap blended with the original HiChroma Red paint.

With all the upgrades made to the Stinger, it's safe to say that the GT420 will not be road legal, turning it into a track-only toy. Then again, not like the modifications mattered as pre-production models are not allowed to be registered for street use either way.