- Kia is reconsidering resurrecting the Stinger as an EV
- Success of current “emotional” EVs might assist drive Kia’s choice
- Some massive modifications must occur to ensure that it to truly promote effectively this time round
The Kia Stinger might be making a comeback. Regardless of the automaker having already pulled the plug on the gasoline 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 Music, who just lately confirmed that an all-new electrified model of the Stinger is “beneath examine.”
For these unfamiliar (and if that is you, we have to discuss), the Stinger is a kind of cool automobiles 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 count on 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, really, 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 actually was a one-of-a-kind for the model. Hell, it wasn’t only a cool automobile for Kia; it was a standout automobile, interval.
You would 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, however it did have sharp dealing with and was relatively tossable in inventory kind. And if you happen to needed the identical out of another automobile manufacturers, you would be searching for a BMW 3-series or perhaps 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 any case, 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 isn’t like most Audi consumers are cross-shopping a Korean sports activities automobile, proper?
So Simply Slap An Electrical Drivetrain In It
It is onerous to disregard the advertising ways in EVs proper now. They’re considered one of two issues: extraordinarily sensible, nearly equipment like; or, a totally emotional buy.
The Stinger was already a really emotional automobile 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 automobile—simply take a look at the EV6 and EV6 GT. However now, convey again a cult basic, and also you might need a recipe for achievement.
The most important query at hand is whether or not or not an electrical Stinger may 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 automobiles (particularly these tuned to be sporty) an absolute blast to drive. However, they’re nonetheless lacking the carnal growl of an exhaust be aware 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 sort of mannequin is beneath examine,” mentioned Music, referencing the potential resurrection of the Stinger. “What sort of mannequin can assist construct the model? That is what we are actually learning.”
The Dilemma: Play Secure, 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 shedding out on a possible money seize. But when it actually, actually 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 massive swing for Kia. And whereas it was a tremendous automobile, the ball did not fairly make it over the fence for a full-fledged residence run. In any case, Kia does one factor rather well: it makes wise, reasonably priced automobiles. 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 look like a nasty thought.
Both manner, Kia might want to decide quickly. And if the model is keen to roll the cube, it might win massive this time round.
