The Kia Stinger, a vehicle that redefined Kia’s image and captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts, is bidding farewell with a special edition: the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition. This limited-run model serves as a commemorative send-off, celebrating the Stinger’s impactful six-year production run and highlighting the legacy it leaves behind. With only 1,000 units available globally, and a mere 440 allocated for the U.S. market, the Stinger Tribute Edition is poised to be a coveted collector’s item for Kia aficionados and performance car enthusiasts alike.
Kia America has announced that existing Kia customers and those who have previously expressed interest in the Stinger will be given priority access to this exclusive edition, ensuring that loyal fans have the first opportunity to own a piece of Kia history. This gesture underscores the special place the Stinger holds within the Kia family and its significance in the brand’s evolution.
Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, aptly stated, “While it may be the end of the road for Stinger, its legacy lives on through our innovative products, both current and forthcoming.” He emphasized the Stinger’s role as a “catalyst” for Kia’s advancements in engineering and driving dynamics, crediting it with elevating the brand’s status among performance-oriented drivers. The Stinger’s influence is evident in models like the award-winning EV6 GT, demonstrating how lessons learned from the Stinger have paved the way for future performance innovations.
Building upon the already well-equipped 2023 Stinger GT2, the Tribute Edition boasts a 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 engine and the option of all-wheel drive, ensuring thrilling performance remains at its core. What truly distinguishes the Tribute Edition are its unique aesthetic enhancements. Buyers can choose between Ascot Green or the newly introduced Steel Matte Gray exterior color, both of which amplify the Stinger’s sleek fastback silhouette. Further enhancing its visual appeal are black accents strategically placed on elements like the exhaust tips, Brembo brake calipers, and side mirrors. Completing the exterior transformation are model-exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, adding a touch of bespoke sophistication.
The interior of the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition receives equally special treatment. Terracotta Nappa leather-trimmed seats, adorned with a custom-designed logo, create a luxurious and sporty ambiance. A synthetic suede headliner adds a premium feel overhead, while simulated carbon fiber interior trim provides a modern, high-tech touch. Each Stinger Tribute Edition will also feature a unique numbered door sill plate, further emphasizing its exclusivity and collectibility.
Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at Kia America, highlighted the priority access for loyal customers and hand raisers, stating, “By notifying them of the Stinger’s arrival first… we anticipate this customer base will flock to dealers to snag the last of the Stingers.” This approach recognizes the passionate community that has grown around the Stinger and ensures they have the first opportunity to acquire this special farewell edition.
The MSRP for the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition starts at $53,390 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $55,590 for the all-wheel-drive version (excluding a $1,175 destination charge). While marking the end of an era, the Stinger Tribute Edition arrives as a testament to the Stinger’s enduring appeal and its position as a benchmark in the sport sedan segment. Even in its final year, the Stinger continues to offer a compelling blend of striking design, exhilarating performance, and a refined driving experience. From the 300-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the GT-Line to the 368-hp 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 in the GT2, the Stinger’s powertrain options cater to a range of driving preferences.
Since its U.S. debut as a 2019 model, the Kia Stinger has consistently garnered attention from serious driving enthusiasts, selling over 65,000 units in the U.S. The Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is not just an end-of-production model; it is a celebration of this success and a fitting tribute to a vehicle that has undeniably left its mark on the automotive landscape, paving the way for Kia’s future innovations in performance and design.
