Kia Motors Corporation has released the first images of the upgraded Kia Stinger, revealing a refreshed design for the high-performance fastback sports sedan.

The changes to the appearance of the enhanced model amplify its gran turismo character, while improving cabin quality and giving owners more choice of colour and material.

The upgraded model boasts a range of design updates inside and out. At the front of the Stinger, Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille sits between new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps, with a new design and LED daytime running lights.

The new lamps appear darker and sleeker with the lights out, while giving the car a more high-tech light signature, with sharp slashes of light angled slightly towards the front of the car. At the rear, a svelte new rear combination lamp displays a distinctive new light signature, extending the full width of the car and mimicking the shape of the subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.

The new turn signals comprise a collection of 10 individual LED units each, arranged in a grid pattern to mimic the appearance of a chequered flag. Buyers of more powerful examples of the Stinger now have the option to specify larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, with a more purposeful, performance-inspired rear diffuser to give the car a more muscular rear appearance.

Two new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels are also introduced, with intricate, geometric designs that enhance the sporty, grand tourer nature of the car. The Stinger is now available with a new exterior colour in many markets worldwide.

While the architecture of the cabin in the upgraded Stinger remains unchanged, with a sweeping, driver-oriented dash and comfortable space for up to five occupants, it boasts a range of subtle enhancements.

The lower section of the steering wheel features a new metallic finish, matching the chrome bezel that now surrounds the 7.0-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The latter is designed to provide crystal clear information to drivers via its high-definition display. The rear-view mirror is now frameless, creating a modern look and enhancing rear visibility.

Depending on specification, the dashboard and doors are finished with new contrast stitching, while the center console is available with aluminum or carbon fibre-style trim. Both measures enhance the sporty nature of the cabin. Sitting atop the dash is Kia's upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, accented by a new glossy black finish along the front of the dash. The cabin also features a new mood lighting system, allowing drivers to select one of 64 colours to subtly alter the character of the cabin.

The new Kia Stinger is due on-sale in the third quarter of 2020 in Korea, with many of Kia's global markets to follow later. Kia will reveal more details about the upgraded Stinger soon, including its new powertrain lineup and technologies.