The US-only Kia Stinger GTS introduces a drift mode to the grand tourer, a feature likely to extend to standard Stinger GTs when the model is updated in 2020.

While Stingers sold in the UK are only sold in rear-wheel drive form, four-wheel drive is available in other markets. However, this limited-edition Stinger GTS has a newly developed dynamic all-wheel drive system that adds drift mode, a feature popular with owners of performance cars.

Kia said that despite the accolades the Stinger has received, R&D boss Albert Biermann “strived for more”. The result is a new version of the Stinger’s four-wheel drive system “peppered with rear-wheel drive DNA”. Called D-AWD, it’s intended to close the gap in behaviour between the existing AWD and RWD Stinger GTs.

The D-AWD system has a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. There are three different drive modes; Drift mode sends 100% of power to the rear wheels and holds gears without shifting up, while Sport mode sends 80% of power to the rear and Comfort mode sends 60% to the rear.