Out with the gasoline GT, in the electric GT.
Rumours that the Stinger would go the way of dodo are rumored for some time. However, Kia gave its sporty grand tourer a makeover in 2020. According to South Korean reports, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe competitor will cease production in the second quarter of next year. To accommodate hybrid and electric vehicles, the Sohari Plant in Gwangmyeong will be redesigned.
It seems increasingly likely that Kia will end its relationship with the Stinger sooner than expected. When asked by Autocar at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show if there would be another generation, Karim Habib, the design chief strongly stated that it is unlikely. “The spirit and character of Stinger will continue to exist.” The EV6 is a GT-like vehicle. We are making a GT out of it, and it has the Stinger.
It’s not an exact replacement for the Stinger, is it? Karim Habib acknowledged the Stinger’s merits, even though it didn’t live up to sales expectations. “Stinger was a transformative car and opened a whole new outlook on what Kia can become, sporty, and a precise driving tool. EV6 is doing the same.
The remaining inventory should last until at least the beginning of next year, or even into 2023, even though production is expected to end next spring. The Stinger facelift was a V6-only project in Europe, while the North American version has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 45 horsepower and 300 hp. The GT’s twin-turbo, 368-hp V6 has been mated to produce 368 horsepower. Both powertrains are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Stinger was teased by Kia in 2011, with the GT Concept, before being introduced in 2017 as a production version. The EV6 was introduced earlier in the year, and a GT Concept version was released shortly after. Dual motors power the flagship model, which can produce 577 horsepower and 546 lb/ft (740 Nm) each. The electric crossover can reach speeds of 62 mph (100 km/h), and maximum speed at 162mph (260 km/h).
The EV6GT won’t be available in the United States until next year. Pricing details will be revealed closer to the launch. The Stinger is available for purchase starting at $36,090 for the GT-Line trim and $43,690 for the GT1 model. The GT2 is more powerful and starts at $51,290.