Maybe this time it will be appreciated.
The Kia Stinger may return as an all-electric vehicle, according to an exclusive report in a South Korean publication. Per etnews, Hyundai has finalized the specifications of its next-generation drivetrains and batteries, which will likely be used in the 30-plus EVs the group will introduce by 2030.
The report doesn't name the Stinger specifically, but there is mention of a model internally referred to as the Kia GT1, due to be launched in 2025. Its platform designation is eM, which suggests a slightly larger version of the E-GMP scalable platform currently used to underpin the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The battery capacity is said to be 113.2 kWh, and performance will depend on the chosen dual-motor setup. GT1 will apparently be available with a 160 kW motor front and rear or a 200 kW motor in the front and a 250 kW unit on the rear axle. That's a combined output of 430 horsepower in the lesser model and 603 hp in the top dog.
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That claimed battery size is impressive and larger than any pack equipped to a current electric sedan. It even beats the Lucid Air's 112-kWh unit, which is the current outright leader when it comes to range. This suggests Kia wants to be near the top of the high-mileage EVs, which the source article confirms. The range for this particular version of the E-GMP platform is claimed to be between 438 to 500 miles.
The 600-hp power output puts it close to the Kia EV6 GT, which has 576 horses to play with. Thanks to Albert Biermann, who used to be in charge of Hyundai's N division, this particular dual-motor setup can provide up to 620 hp.
Everything tracks so far, apart from the name. Looking at the specs, it could just as easily be an all-electric replacement for the defunct K900.
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We think the secret lies with the internal codename. As we know, high-performance variants of Kia's EVs wear the GT badge. The previously mentioned EV6 GT is already available, and an EV9 GT might be introduced sooner than we expected.
The “GT1” designation suggests a halo GT model, and bringing the Stinger name back would make the most sense. To be blunt, nobody cared about the K900, but the Stinger is a special car. We were so moved by its untimely passing that we wrote an obituary.
Hopefully, the Stinger will be more successful and actually appreciated as an electric vehicle.
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Keyword: Rumor: Kia Stinger To Return As 600-HP Halo Model