HomeNews and EventsKia says adieu to Stinger with Tribute Edition

Kia says adieu to Stinger with Tribute Edition

Limited to 1,000 examples

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Kia is putting the Stinger out to pasture after the 2023 model year, but the South Korean automaker is producing a Tribute Edition as a parting gift. The Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is limited to 1,000 examples worldwide and the performance sedan features 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 is not lost for Kia’s performance car offerings as the GT lineup carries on the Stinger’s legacy.

The Stinger made its debut in 2017 and was a strong departure from Kia’s usual lineup of well-produced vehicles with stout warranties that were aesthetically boring. At the time of the Stinger’s release the idea of a sporty Kia with horsepower wasn’t a tangible concept but the automaker’s public perception changed in the ensuing years of the performance sedan’s debut.

Kia Stinger Tribute Edition
Kia Stinger Tribute Edition (Image courtesy of Kia)

“The Stinger Tribute Edition denotes an important chapter in the story of Kia’s high-performance ethos. Featuring an exclusive color and interior trim never before seen on the sedan, it also serves as a fitting celebration of the Stinger’s contribution to the Kia brand,” said Chang Sung Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of Purchase CX Design Sub-division.

The Tribute Edition has some aesthetic differences than a mere Stinger. On top of the standard Ascot Green exterior a new Moonscape matte gray hue is available, and the Tribute Edition rides on 19-inch gloss black design wheels with black Brembo brake calipers peeking through.

Kia Stinger Tribute Edition
Kia Stinger Tribute Edition (Image courtesy of Kia)

Before the Stinger heads to the great gig in the sky Kia developed a wasp-shaped emblem that’s embedded in the seat’s headrests. Further exclusive interior appointments include Terracotta brown leather that extends to the steering wheel, door side trim and door handles. To make sure that your Tribute Edition is bona fide a numbered door sill plate on the driver’s side lets you know it’s the real deal.

Kia is moving forward with alternative fuel methods, its 2022 Kia EV6 was one U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hybrid and Electric Cars” selections, and phasing out its performance sedan is a natural progression to a larger EV lineup.

“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,” said Chang Sung Ryu.

I’ve always been a fan of the Stinger. It was a nice change for Kia to develop and offer a proper sports sedan that separated itself from a fairly staid lineup. I consider it a sharp looking car that stood out from the crowd of Nissan Altimas and Honda Accords. Thank you for the good times, Kia Stinger.

David P. Castro
David P. Castro
The Santa Rosa, California native is an experienced automotive and motorsports writer with a passion for American muscle cars. He is a credentialed automotive, NASCAR, and IndyCar reporter that graduated from the University of Nevada. A devoted F1 and NASCAR fan, he currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, son, Siberian Husky, Mini Cooper, and 1977 Chevrolet C10.

1 COMMENT

  1. Big loss is the HATCHBACK with a performance sedan; was going to be my next car (a la prior 1980s-2000 Saab sedans. Disappearance of this configuration (and low sleek wagons) from the US due to the SUV craze.

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