Kia is placing the Stinger out to pasture after the 2023 mannequin yr, however the South Korean automaker is producing a Tribute Version as a parting reward. The Kia Stinger Tribute Version is proscribed to 1,000 examples worldwide and the efficiency sedan contains a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 Lambda engine that produces a factory-rated 368 hp at 6,000 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,300 – 4,500 rpm. All will not be misplaced for Kia’s efficiency automobile choices because the GT lineup carries on the Stinger’s legacy.

The Stinger made its debut in 2017 and was a powerful departure from Kia’s typical lineup of well-produced automobiles with stout warranties that have been aesthetically boring. On the time of the Stinger’s launch the concept of a sporty Kia with horsepower wasn’t a tangible idea however the automaker’s public notion modified within the ensuing years of the efficiency sedan’s debut.

“The Stinger Tribute Version denotes an necessary chapter within the story of Kia’s high-performance ethos. That includes an unique colour and inside trim by no means earlier than seen on the sedan, it additionally serves as a becoming celebration of the Stinger’s contribution to the Kia model,” mentioned Chang Sung Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of Buy CX Design Sub-division.

The Tribute Version has some aesthetic variations than a mere Stinger. On high of the usual Ascot Inexperienced exterior a brand new Moonscape matte grey hue is on the market, and the Tribute Version rides on 19-inch gloss black design wheels with black Brembo brake calipers peeking by way of.

Earlier than the Stinger heads to the nice gig within the sky Kia developed a wasp-shaped emblem that’s embedded within the seat’s headrests. Additional unique inside appointments embody Terracotta brown leather-based that extends to the steering wheel, door facet trim and door handles. To make it possible for your Tribute Version is bona fide a numbered door sill plate on the motive force’s facet lets you understand it’s the true deal.

Kia is shifting ahead with various gas strategies, its 2022 Kia EV6 was one U.S. Information & World Report’s “Greatest Hybrid and Electrical Vehicles” picks, and phasing out its efficiency sedan is a pure development to a bigger EV lineup.

“As we enter a brand new age of mobility, Kia will fulfill the wants of consumers who search to get pleasure from elevated ranges of dynamic driving pleasure by way of high-performance electrified fashions such because the EV6 GT. And the model’s technique to proceed accelerating the event of progressive electrification applied sciences will make sure that sustainability and powerful efficiency mix effortlessly below the Kia badge,” mentioned Chang Sung Ryu.

I’ve all the time been a fan of the Stinger. It was a pleasant change for Kia to develop and provide a correct sports activities sedan that separated itself from a reasonably staid lineup. I contemplate it a pointy wanting automobile that stood out from the group of Nissan Altimas and Honda Accords. Thanks for the nice occasions, Kia Stinger.