- Kia is reconsidering resurrecting the Stinger as an EV
- Success of current “emotional” EVs might assist drive Kia’s resolution
- Some huge modifications should occur to ensure that it to really 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 yr, 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 “below examine.”
For these unfamiliar (and if that is you, we have to discuss), the Stinger is a type of cool vehicles that no person anticipated, particularly from Kia. It is a sporty, rear-drive sedan—or liftback, if you wish to get technical—with some severe kick. One thing you’d count on from the likes of the Germans and never from Kia. And regardless of it being such a singular 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 recent 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 offer 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 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, but it surely did have sharp dealing with and was somewhat tossable in inventory type. And when you wished the identical out of every other automotive manufacturers, you would be looking 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 spite of everything, it is a sedan in an SUV-loving world, and its pricing ran parallel to its luxurious German counterparts. Maybe each have been causes that the Stinger did not promote very effectively. I imply, it isn’t like most Audi patrons are cross-shopping a Korean sports activities automotive, proper?
So Simply Slap An Electrical Drivetrain In It
It is laborious to disregard the advertising and marketing 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 automotive that required a particular purchaser. The factor is, each Kia and Hyundai are seeing success by invoking an emotional response from its EV patrons. Kia has already proven that it is completely succesful in constructing a compelling electrical automotive—simply have a look at the EV6 and EV6 GT. However now, carry again a cult traditional, and also you might need a recipe for achievement.
The largest 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 be aware and speeding air gulped up by turbochargers. Kia has to make some severe strikes with an electrified Stinger, and it is aware of it.
“That sort of mannequin is below examine,” mentioned Music, referencing the potential resurrection of the Stinger. “What sort of mannequin might help construct the model? That is what we are actually finding out.”
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 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 patrons that it is higher than the unique, however persuade them to really purchase it this time.
The unique Stinger was a very huge swing for Kia. And whereas it was a tremendous automotive, the ball did not fairly make it over the fence for a full-fledged house run. In spite of everything, Kia does one factor very well: it makes smart, inexpensive vehicles. And with hit after hit within the EV world (simply have a look at the EV6, EV9, and EV3—quickly to be obtainable within the U.S.), a Stinger EV does not look like a foul thought.
Both manner, Kia might want to decide quickly. And if the model is prepared to roll the cube, it might win huge this time round.
