Will they or won’t they? That is the question surrounding the presunta Stinger GT EV by Kia. After the sports sedan was discontinued last year, some well-placed but anonymous sources hinted at an electric replacement, while others say the project has been scrapped entirely.
Now, Kia’s own top brass says an electric Stinger GT could still happen.
Interview with Kia President
Autocar recently interviewed Kia’s president, Ho-sung Songand he said an electric sports sedan is “under consideration.” While not a full confirmation, it does appear that the dream of an electric Stinger GT is still within reach.
“What kind of model can help build the brand?” the president asked. “This is what we are studying.” Song also said that “don’t be worried for the long-term adoption” of electric vehicles, as the European market “is becoming increasingly stronger”.
How could it be?
The Stinger GT Electric may not use the same E-GMP architecture that underpins Kia SUVs like the EV6 and EV9. Instead, Kia could adopt the new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) from Hyundai, which is lighter, more powerful and more efficient than the E-GMP. The battery could reach 113.2 kilowatt hours.
The outgoing model had a twin-turbo V-6 making more than 600 hp in its most powerful guise, but an electric version could easily surpass that. Details leaked earlier this year suggest a dual engine powertrain with a maximum power of 603 hp and an EPA-estimated range of around 600 km.
Kia EV8/Stinger, the render by Motor1.com
The design would draw heavily from Kia’s current family of electric vehicles, from the European EV3 to the three-row EV9, as well as the EV4 sedan. But Kia hasn’t confirmed whether or not the electric Stinger GT will make it to production. Fingers crossed it will make it into the lineup.
6 Photo
Source: it.motor1.com
