Happenings

2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition Marks End of Production Run

BY Sean Loo

Limited to 1,000 units, say goodbye to one of the most underrated sports sedans on the market.

The Kia Stinger first made its debut way back in January 2017, and it took the world by storm. A Korean sports sedan that wants to challenge the likes of other prominent German brands, were they insane? Oh yes they were, and it truly paid off.

Designated as a performance liftback sedan, the Korean model actually became a worthy opponent to some more well-known German cars. Think something something S5, M5 and E43 .

Even with impressive performance figures and practicality, sales of the Stinger were lacklustre worldwide. Competitive pricing by others meant the Stinger never got the spotlight it deserved, and the fact it has a “Kia” badge on the front didn’t help either.

Sales figures like these casted doubts on whether Kia will even bother to make a sequel. Well, unfortunately for enthusiasts, Kia has since confirmed that production of the Stinger will come to an end. To end off the model with one final hurrah, the Stinger Tribute Edition was born.

Set to go on sale in 2023, the Tribute Edition is limited to just 1,000 units worldwide. Thankfully, Kia is basing it off the range-topping GT specification giving you all of the bells and whistles, including the butter smooth 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 ICE engine. This puppy pulls with 368 hp and 510 Nm of torque, all sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Stinger isn’t a bad-looking car by any stretch, and the Tribute Edition takes it up a notch aesthetically. A new “Moonscape matte grey” paint option is complemented by gloss black side mirror caps, Brembo brake callipers and 19-inch wheels.

Step inside the cabin, and Terracotta brown leather is used for the upholstery. This is a striking contrast to the carbon-effect finish trim which paves the centre console cover and door panels. The seats also have a wasp-shaped emblem embossed as a reference to the Stinger, and each car will have a running numbered sill plate on the driver’s side.

“As we enter a new age of mobility, Kia will satisfy the needs of customers who seek to enjoy elevated levels of dynamic driving pleasure through high-performance electrified models such as the EV6 GT. And the brand’s strategy to continue accelerating the development of innovative electrification technologies will ensure that sustainability and strong performance combine effortlessly under the Kia badge,” Chang Sung Ryu, senior vice president and head of purchase CX design sub-division, adds.

A bittersweet, but noble end to one of the coolest vehicles to have ever left the Kia factory.