Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Kia Stinger in the Supercars mix

An artist's impression of the Kia Stinger in 'Gen2' Supercars trim

Kia Australia has dropped the heaviest hint yet that it's on the cusp of committing to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, with CEO Damien Meredith confirming the company is "open to the idea of racing", and that dialogue continues with Supercars Australia and individual teams.

The weapon of choice for any Kia track attack will be the hotly anticipated rear-wheel drive Stinger sedan due for Australian launch in September this year.

Unveiled at January's Detroit motor show, Kia has positioned the car as, "Designed in Frankfurt, developed on the Nurburgring", and the Stinger has the performance credentials to back up the claim.

The top-spec version is powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 272kW/510Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.9sec.

New 'Gen2' Supercars regulations allow non-V8 powered cars to join the grid in 2018, offering the perfect opportunity for Kia to amplify the Stinger's dynamic focus through motorsport.

Mr Meredith told CarsGuide that although Kia Australia hasn't discussed specific budgets with prospective team partners he did "have a fair idea of what it will cost."

In response to the suggestion that Walkinshaw Racing, dropped by Holden as a factory Supercars team in 2016, may be open to a new brand association, Mr Meredith said, "Who's to say we haven't already had that conversation."

"Kia's never gone racing in Australia before, and we have to substantiate what a program would deliver, but we'd probably go with one team," he said.

Would the Kia Stinger add spice to the Supercars grid? Tell us what you think in the comments below.