MenStyleFashion was required along to experience some iconic classic cars in Germany. When about a invited to think of powerful, luxurious GTs there is one manufacturer not likely to straightaway spring to mind – Kia. However with the imminent launch of the Stinger, Kia’s answerable for to Europe’s fastest, most comfortable saloons, things are set to replacement. It’s too soon to get our hands on the keys to a Stinger, but we were able to yoke some of the designers to explore some of the inspiration behind it.
Kia’s European layout team is based in Frankfurt, Germany, and is headed up by Chief Conniver Gregory Guillaume. He’s the man responsible for the Stinger; a 375bhp, rear-wheel determination 4-door GT, which represents an incredibly exciting new venture for Kia – much more advisedly known for practical, affordable hatchbacks and SUVs. The Stinger is to be a candidly petrolhead’s machine, and so when Kia Motors UK invited us to join the draw up team in Frankfurt for a classic car event of their own making, we scorned at the chance.
What Is Kia Miglia
‘Kia Miglia’ is an unofficial event started by Gregory and his combine; this is where the foundations of the Stinger start to make have a hunch. The entire team consists of petrolheads through-and-through, with sundry of them having their own classic car or two tucked up at home – the Kia Miglia started as a skilful excuse to wheel those cars out for a day of driving, and eight years later is as enjoyable as continuously.
The event has a planned route through the German countryside neighbouring Frankfurt and the team have an enthusiasm for the day which is nothing temporary of admirable. Several arrive in period clothing, and the machinery in use is smart – Jaguars, Porsches, Alfa Romeos, BMWs; mostly classics with a few brand-new counterparts for good measure.
Gregory himself was piloting his Austin Healey 3000; he’s owned it for longer than anything else in his awe-inspiring collection, which also includes a Series 1 Jaguar E-Type and a Ferrari F355. Heartland designer James Moon proudly had the oldest car on the day – a 1931 Austin Seven, but not with any other. It was converted to a race car in the ‘40s and now wears a very commonplace, streamlined body and has thoroughly uprated mechanicals. Design Strategist Monica Felicio Fragoso could be organize behind the wheel of a glorious red E-Type for most of the day.
Kia Motors UK was gracious enough to arrange a Porsche 356 Speedster and a Karmann Ghia for the finest group of journalists invited, myself included. There are some hard-nosed days in the office – this was not one of them. While the Volkswagen is a form icon in itself, the incredibly pretty Porsche got my vote.
If the Kia layout team can take an ounce of the automotive passion displayed during 2017’s Kia Miglia and spot it into the new Stinger, we’re in for a treat. And as we happened to see one being tested on the Autobahn well-founded outside Frankfurt, I can tell you that it is a good looking clique. Perhaps it could be time ‘Kia’ became parts of the sports GT vocabulary?
