The 2023 Kia Stinger Tribute Edition Debut Marks its Production End

Here we go again. We’ve seen this before, we’ve even memorised the script, and yet, it’s happening again. The rapid demise of pure-combustion performance cars is getting out of control, as petrolheads all across the globe ‘praying’ such incidents won’t happen again. But at least, this time around, such demise is being met with a special and memorable commemoration.

This time around, it is Kia, as the South Korean marque announced the demise of its beloved sporty saloon, the Stinger. Dubbed as the Oriental 3 Series, the Kia Stinger will get one last redux before heading for the long sleep, in the form of a special commemorative unit, named the Stinger Tribute Edition.

The Kia Stinger Tribute Edition signals "production of the ground-breaking model comes to an end,” as Kia is poised to replace it with the all-electric EV6 GT. Capped to only 1,000 units by Kia, this finale boasts a potent 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 mill that produces 368 HP and 510 NM, derived from the GT-spec Stinger.

As for now, the firm does not specify whether the Tribute Edition will be rear-wheel-drive-only, or whether there's an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option offered as well.

This Tribute Edition model comes tinted in exclusive Monoscape Matte Grey hue, aside from the standard Ascot Green paint. In terms of bodywork, nothing much has changed compared to the 2022-year model Stinger, except for the blackened finishing on its side mirrors, Brembo brake callipers, as well as the 19-inch wheels it rides on.

For the interior, the Tribute Edition comes with special individual numbering on its door sill, marked from 1 to 1,000. The cabin is draped in Terracotta Brown leather upholstery, the same material that dons its door cards and steering wheels. Juxtaposing against the leather finishing is the faux carbon fibre trim, present at the door panels and front dash.

One novel feature present on the Tribute Edition’s cabin is the wasp emblem embedded into the seats’ headrests.

Photo Credit: Top Gear Malaysia

Initially launched in 2017, the original Kia Stinger made its Malaysian debut back in 2018, set to go against other sporty saloons like the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 3 Series and more. Originally priced at RM309,888 OTR sans insurance for the range-topping GT spec, the Stinger did not fare well in our local market, with Kia Malaysia axing the model from its line-up barely a year after its local debut.

As mentioned earlier, the Stinger will be replaced by a sportier version Kia’s flagship EV, dubbed as the EV6 GT. Yet another victim of the rise of electromobility, the Kia Stinger Tribute Edition will be the one of the marque’s final pure-combustion sporty models, as it embraces the fully-electrified future.

This 1,000-unit-only Kia Stinger Tribute Edition is expected to be available next year in 2023, though its specific release date, market availability as well as pricing details are yet to be disclosed.  Considering the poor performance of the original Stinger locally, as well as its limited production number, chances of seeing one rolling down the Malaysian road is next to impossible, unfortunately.