Kia confirms the imminent end of production for its lauded rear-drive sports sedan
Kia has pulled the wraps off the new 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition – a limited-run special that’s sure to become the Korean brand’s most desirable combustion model yet as it confirms the end is nye for the critically-acclaimed rear-drive sports sedan.
“The Tribute Edition pays homage to Kia’s high-performance vision and celebrates the Stinger sedan’s significant contribution to the brand since its introduction in 2017, as production of the ground-breaking model comes to an end,” said Kia HQ in a statement today.
Just 1000 examples of the Tribute Edition, which is being billed as the ‘ultimate-specification’ Stinger, will be produced globally, but Kia Australia has revealed it has no local plans to release the tarted-up limited-edition as it continues to manage almost overwhelming demand Down Under.
More pressure has been added to Kia’s attempt to fill local orders now that the end of Stinger production is approaching and carsales understands the dreaded confirmation will come within the next month or so.
Until then, however, Kia Australia says it’s working hard with the factory to secure as many Stingers as possible while it can, and there is no sign of local order books closing any time soon – let alone confirmation of what will replace Stinger highway patrol vehicles in states like Queensland.
The Tribute Edition uses the mainstream V6 Stinger GT as its basis, but debuts a bunch of previously unseen cosmetic and material upgrades.
A new ‘Moonscape’ matte-grey paint finish is contrasted against black mirror caps, black 19-inch alloy wheels and black Brembo brake callipers. ‘Ascot Green’ paint will also be available for the body.
Inside the cabin is a “carefully curated collection of design and material upgrades”, including a unique Terracotta brown leather upholstery, fake carbon trim, embossed wasp-shaped head restraint emblems and a unique numbered door sill plate to denote each vehicle’s exclusivity.
“The Stinger Tribute Edition denotes an important chapter in the story of Kia’s high-performance ethos,” said Kia Purchase CX Design boss Chang Sung Ryu.
“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.”
No changes have been made to the V8-baiting 274kW/510Nm force-fed 3.3-litre V6 lurking under the bonnet, nor the eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels with the help of a standard limited-slip differential.
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Keyword: Last-hurrah Kia Stinger Tribute Edition revealed