- Kia is reconsidering resurrecting the Stinger as an EV
- Success of latest “emotional” EVs might assist drive Kia’s resolution
- Some large modifications should occur to ensure that it to truly promote effectively this time round
The Kia Stinger could possibly be making a comeback. Regardless of the automaker having already pulled the plug on the fuel model of the sedan after the 2023 mannequin 12 months, the sporty sedan nonetheless lives on within the hearts of the parents at Kia. That features the corporate’s President, Ho-sung Tune, who lately confirmed that an all-new electrified model of the Stinger is “underneath examine.”
For these unfamiliar (and if that is you, we have to speak), the Stinger is a type of cool vehicles that no one anticipated, particularly from Kia. It is a sporty, rear-drive sedan—or liftback, if you wish to get technical—with some critical kick. One thing you’d anticipate from the likes of the Germans and never from Kia. And regardless of it being such a novel providing with excessive reward from reviewers, it did not precisely skyrocket to the highest of Kia’s gross sales charts. Fairly the alternative, truly, planted within the backside three yearly that it was offered.
However now Kia’s sister model, Hyundai, is not simply making waves with an onslaught of latest efficiency fashions just like the Ioniq 5 N and N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea—it is making straight-up typhoons. So, naturally, Kia’s bigwigs are scratching their heads, questioning how they, too, can faucet into this market. Ought to they provide the world one other Stinger?
What Made The Stinger Particular
I alluded to it earlier than, however the Kia Stinger really was a one-of-a-kind for the model. Hell, it wasn’t only a cool automotive for Kia; it was a standout automotive, interval.
You can possibility the Stinger with a 368-horsepower twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, and it despatched all of that energy to the rear wheels. Certain, it did not have a row-your-own gearbox, nevertheless it did have sharp dealing with and was somewhat tossable in inventory type. And if you happen to needed the identical out of every other automotive manufacturers, you would be searching for a BMW 3-series or possibly Audi A5.
Regardless of all of its quirks, the Stinger by no means actually pulled the gross sales numbers that made is a standout success. In spite of everything, it is a sedan in an SUV-loving world, and its pricing ran parallel to its luxurious German counterparts. Maybe each had been causes that the Stinger did not promote very effectively. I imply, it is not like most Audi consumers are cross-shopping a Korean sports activities automotive, proper?
So Simply Slap An Electrical Drivetrain In It
It is exhausting to disregard the advertising ways in EVs proper now. They’re one in all two issues: extraordinarily sensible, nearly equipment like; or, a totally emotional buy.
The Stinger was already a really emotional automotive that required a particular purchaser. The factor is, each Kia and Hyundai are seeing success by invoking an emotional response from its EV consumers. Kia has already proven that it is completely succesful in constructing a compelling electrical automotive—simply take a look at the EV6 and EV6 GT. However now, carry again a cult basic, and also you may need a recipe for fulfillment.
The most important query at hand is whether or not or not an electrical Stinger can have the identical emotional attraction that it had when powered by its twin-turbo V6.
On one hand, EVs are fast—like, actually fast. The instantaneous torque from a whole cease make electrical vehicles (particularly these tuned to be sporty) an absolute blast to drive. However, they’re nonetheless lacking the carnal growl of an exhaust observe and dashing air gulped up by turbochargers. Kia has to make some critical strikes with an electrified Stinger, and it is aware of it.
“That type of mannequin is underneath examine,” mentioned Tune, referencing the potential resurrection of the Stinger. “What sort of mannequin might help construct the model? That is what we at the moment are finding out.”
The Dilemma: Play Protected, Or Go Massive?
Kia has discovered itself in fairly a predicament. If the Stinger’s reincarnation is just too tame, it dangers getting made enjoyable of on the playground and dropping out on a possible money seize. But when it actually, really builds a efficiency EV modeled after the unique, it not solely has to persuade consumers that it is higher than the unique, however persuade them to truly purchase it this time.
The unique Stinger was a extremely large swing for Kia. And whereas it was a tremendous automotive, the ball did not fairly make it over the fence for a full-fledged dwelling run. In spite of everything, Kia does one factor rather well: it makes smart, inexpensive vehicles. And with hit after hit within the EV world (simply take a look at the EV6, EV9, and EV3—quickly to be out there within the U.S.), a Stinger EV would not appear to be a foul concept.
Both means, Kia might want to decide quickly. And if the model is prepared to roll the cube, it might win large this time round.
