Matt Prior
TESTER’S NOTES
Say goodbye to the Stinger and its 3.3- litre turbo petrol V6
It’s no great surprise to learn this week that Kia is unlikely to directly replace the Stinger. This rear-driven plus-size grand tourer has been a niche car but one that has fulfilled its purpose of showing that Kia doesn’t just do straightforward stuff. It can be exciting, too.
But if one is on a mission to phase out fuel-burning engines and reduce CO 2 numbers, the Stinger’s job can be performed by something else. And in this case, Kia reckons it will be by a quick GT version of its EV6 electric crossover. If fast cars go electric, they place no additional emissions burden on Kia’s overall f leet; and its small cars (on which it’s hard enough to make money without adding lots of electrification) can keep internally combusting for longer.