Kia will cease the production of its luxury sports sedan, the Stinger, after the 2023 model year. To pay homage to the immensely successful model, the brand has put together a Tribute Edition. The new and unique model caters to buyers who want something unique and serves as a reminder of what a great sports sedan the Stinger is.
In line with its mission, the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition stands as a beacon of everything the regular model represents, with a sleek yet aggressive design, superbly crafted interior, comfortable seats, generous technologies, and numerous amenities that will help ensure it goes down as a very memorable car. Here are 10 things we now know about the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition.
10 No Word On Price Yet
The 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition's pricing has yet to be announced, but it's expected to cost north of $52,000.
To put into perspective, the Kia Stinger GT2, which the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is based on, starts at $52,935. However, considering its exclusive status and additional bells and whistles, one would expect the Stinger Tribute Edition to cost more than its regular sibling.
9 Only 1,000 Units Will Be Made
As is often the case with special edition vehicles, Kia will make fewer examples of the Tribute Edition than other Stinger specifications. In this instance, only 1,000 units of the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition will be made, with each copy featuring a numbered plaque on the door sill to indicate which of the 1,000 special editions customers own.
8 Based On The Kia Stinger GT2
Mainly an appearance package, the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is based on the Kia Stinger GT2, with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out a healthy 368 horsepower and pairs to a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
While Kia hasn't revealed the Tribute Edition's drivetrain layout, we expect the sports sedan to bow out on a high by featuring all-wheel drive as standard.
7 Impressive Acceleration
The Stinger Tribute Edition enthusiastically generates rapid acceleration fitting of a last hurrah for a car of its caliber.
Like the V6-powered Stinger GT, the Tribute Edition rockets to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is impressive.
6 Athletic Handling Dynamics
As it is based on the GT2, the Stinger Tribute Edition rides upon the GT2's adaptive suspension system, which should help ensure a remarkable ride quality at all times.
The beauty of this system lies in the fact that it continuously balances handling needs with a high level of ride comfort in a manner that thrills even the performance-focused enthusiast. In addition, the vehicle will feature Brembo brake calipers to allow stopping distances worthy of its sports sedan status.
5 Sleek Paint Options
For a car of its standing, Kia's goal was to design the Stinger Tribute Edition in a manner that communicates its exclusive status clearly, and this it did gracefully while also offering sleek paint options.
The vehicle will be available in Ascot Green or exclusive Moonscape matte gray paint that makes this sports sedan look just as solid as it feels.
4 Brilliant Black Exterior Treatment
Imbued with impressively sleek and graceful-looking black exterior treatment, the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is breathtaking and inviting in its design.
The black exterior elements include black-finish exterior mirror housing, 19-inch gloss black wheels, and black Brembo brake calipers. Together, they enhance the cool elegance and aesthetic appeal of the 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition design.
3 Plush Interior
Exquisitely elegant and refined, the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition has a super plush cabin with advanced technologies and high-end materials.
These include unique Terracotta brown leather upholstery, a Terracotta brown leather-covered steering wheel, a wasp-shaped emblem embedded into the headrest of the seats, and numerous other features that allow you to drive around in the lap of luxury and abundance.
2 Comfortable Seats
When you purchase a limited edition car, you expect the ultimate in refined comfort. Kia is making sure that's the case with the Stinger Tribute Edition, as the sports sedan features cocooning seats to ensure you and your co-travelers make yourselves at home.
The feeling of comfort is further enhanced by the car's ample headroom and legroom in both rows, which will help everyone to feel relaxed.
1 Flashes Of Carbon Fiber
Although you don't get carbon fiber at this price point, Kia wants to ensure the Stinger Tribute Edition has an interior befitting an upscale sedan.
As such, the automaker equipped the vehicle with carbon fiber-look trim on the console and door panels. This helps imbue the cabin with a rich-looking and stylish interior that's as fashionable as it is comfortable.
Sources: KBB, Caranddriver, CNET.