The Kia Stinger established a new era in Kia’s history when it debuted in 2017 and graced roads the following year. It served to confidently showcase Kia’s ability to produce a sports sedan that can compete and be ranked among other prominent in the segment. After demonstrating this capability, the time for arguably the best-looking Kia sedan to be retired is nigh since it could be facing the axe as soon as April 2023.
The Kia Stinger was a success when it came out, catapulting the Korean brand to new levels with a mix of luxurious, modern and stylish designs while a potent twin-turbo V6 served as a cherry on top. The design is purely hailed for its enthusiastic spirit and well-calculated proportions. Kia has not confirmed the exact date when the last Stinger will roll off the line but we do know that the Kia will be celebrating the retirement of their flagship model with a commemorative sendoff called the Stinger Tribute Edition, only 1000 units are set to be produced worldwide.
The special edition Stinger comes with a number of interior and exterior upgrades but sadly it will not come with any more power as it still embodies the twin-turbo 3,3-litre V6 engine that produces 274 kW of power and 510 N.m of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels, there is also an option to opt for an all-wheel drive version. With a top speed of 270 km/h, the Kia Stinger is good enough for a 0-100 sprint time of 4,9 seconds.
The Tribute Edition focuses instead on visual upgrades, available in either Ascot Green or a new Moonscape matte grey paint job. The side view mirrors, Brembo brake callipers, and 19-inch wheels are all finished in a stealthy gloss black. Stepping inside the Tribute addition you will be immediately greeted with a Terracotta brown leather interior along with a carbon effect finish, a wasp emblem is stitched into the headrests as a reference to the stinger name, while the driver’s door sill plate will feature a numbered plate from 1 to 1000.
The Kia Stinger is bowing out after only one generation that lasted five years in the market. After the Stinger retires it will hand over the reins to the electric EV6 GT set to take over as Kia’s new performance flagship model.
