Hey, remember the Kia Stinger? Yeah, that awesome liftback, euro-inspired sport sedan from Korea that impressed us so much when it came out in 2018 it actually took home our “Best of the Year” award in our Drivers’ Choice Awards.
We certainly haven’t forgotten about it and we’re glad Kia hasn’t either, evident by an exclusive new Tribute Edition. It’s a celebration of Kia’s high-performance vision; however, it sadly doubles as a send-off, too, as Kia has confirmed the end of the Stinger production after the 2023 model year. Limited to just 1,000 global units, this special trim is said to be the “ultimate embodiment of Kia’s high-performance Stinger sedan.”
That statement makes it sound like it sees a major performance upgrade; alas, that isn’t the case here. Still, the Tribute Edition is powered by the Stinger GT’s already-potent 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque sent through an 8-speed automatic; so in regards to performance, the previously-supplied powertrain still offers the Tribute plenty of “go fast.”
So what sets it apart? For starters, the Stinger Tribute Edition can be finished in either the existing Ascot Green paint or the new Moonscape matte gray. The body is accentuated by black contrast found on the mirrors and 19-inch wheels, behind which are matching Brembo brake calipers.
The interior sees a bespoke Terracotta brown leather wrapping the Stinger’s sport seats as well as the door inserts, though the door panels themselves are given a carbon-effect finish along with the center console. The headrests are embedded with a newly introduced wasp-shaped emblem; also special, the numbered door sill plates which denote an authentication of exclusivity.
Again, the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition will be limited to just 1,000 units worldwide. Unfortunately, pricing is yet to be disclosed, though for reference a 2023 Stinger GT2 RWD starts at $52,935, with the GT2 AWD starting at $55,135, both prices including a $1,145 destination charge. Expect the Tribute Edition to come in around, if not a little more than that.
We were impressed enough by the Kia Stinger GT we even took it out for a full-fledged track test. We found it to be fun, engaging, and worthy of the buzz it created in the automotive press. So do you need a Tribute Edition to love the Stinger? Absolutely not, as the Stinger is already praise-worthy as-is.