A new report has suggested it is increasingly likely Kia’s flagship, the Stinger large sedan, will not be replaced with a second-generation model due to low demand.
Citing recent rumours it’s heard, Korean Car Blog claims the Stinger’s “situation is getting worse after the coronavirus outbreak”, with its recent sales in key markets, including the United States and domestic South Korea, pushing it closer to retirement.
Korean Car Blog added the Stinger’s fate hasn’t been helped by the mechanically related G70 from Hyundai’s premium brand, Genesis, which has proved more tempting for buyers due to its upmarket positioning as well as its shorter wheelbase.
Either way, the Stinger is still getting a facelift, which is due in Australia in the third quarter of this year. However, it allegedly won’t be as significant as previous reports out of South Korea had indicated.
Earlier this month, it was suggested the Stinger would get two engine transplants, with its current 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder and 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 to be replaced by more potent 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre units respectively, while its existing eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission would be superseded by a dual-clutch unit.
Instead, Korean Car Blog says the Stinger’s engines and transmission will carry over, albeit with minor tweaks, including a variable exhaust system. Minor changes are also set for its front and rear fascias, while a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system will be introduced inside.
From an Australian perspective, the Stinger is viewed as spiritual successor of sorts for the homegrown Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, both of which were also available as rear-wheel-drive sedans with plenty of power and torque.
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