2023 Stinger GT2

If you look up the window stickers using the VIN numbers of the 2023 GT2 models from the earlier Autotrader link the 2023 window sticker VIN's no longer reference the GT1 trim at all. I suspect the GT1 is actually discontinued going into the 2023 model year based on how the stickers look. It also appears there is a 300~ bump to the MSRP across the board with a slight $30 increase to the destination fee.

Some GT2's appear to have the "Grand Tourer Special Edition Package" which includes the Black Exhaust Tips, Black Fender Garnish, Black Exterior Mirrors, Black Unique Design 19" Wheel, and Suede Interior Trim w/ Red Stitching and Piping for $1000. I am guessing this replaces the 2022 Scorpion package from last year.

Other than that. it looks like everything else is pretty much the same. No sign of any GT-Line VIN's yet but i'm guessing those have not been shipped and delivered here yet.
 
______________________________
I have 2022 Elite (w/o the suede); I did not notice ANY difference in the 2023 GT2 photos from my '22. Everything I've read about the '23 model (and there really isn't much) just rehashes what was new on the '22 model-- things like a tiny bit more HP, larger infotainment screen, more stitching on the door panels, blindspot cameras, etc.-- pretty minor stuff.
 
I was able to scrape some more window stickers of 2023 GT-Line models and those are much more interesting. It has the same price bump to the MSRP and destination but it appears the 2023 GT-Line's can get the "GT Line Apex Special Edition Package" for $1000 which includes Brembo Brakes, Black Exhaust Tips, Black Fender Garnish, Black Exterior Mirrors, and Carbon Fiber Pattern Interior Trim.

The carbon fiber pattern interior trim appears to swap out the piano black center console and piano black plastic by the door handle with carbon fiber trim pieces. Everything else appears about identical to the 2022 models including the same "Sun & Sound Package" that was available on 2022 GT-Lines (Sunroof, H&K Sound, Power Passenger Seat).
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Kia is really f*cking up if they drop the GT1 package for 2023. It's a pretty big price jump from GT1 to GT2, and this will effectively price people out of the market for a Stinger. Plus there are still a lot of people who will gladly take an Audi S5 or equivalent BMW for a few grand more than a GT2, even if the German cars are the stripper models.

The Stinger had a big advantage over Audi/BMW due to the lower cost of entry for the 6 cylinder model,and now Kia is (potentially) throwing that out the window.

Really hope they continue with the GT1 trim.
 
maybe just a renaming exercise? - we never had GT1, or GT2 trim names here, GT, and GT Limited now they are called GT Limited, and GT Elite
 
Kia is really f*cking up if they drop the GT1 package for 2023. It's a pretty big price jump from GT1 to GT2, and this will effectively price people out of the market for a Stinger. Plus there are still a lot of people who will gladly take an Audi S5 or equivalent BMW for a few grand more than a GT2, even if the German cars are the stripper models.

The Stinger had a big advantage over Audi/BMW due to the lower cost of entry for the 6 cylinder model,and now Kia is (potentially) throwing that out the window.

Really hope they continue with the GT1 trim.

The difference between a GT2 w/AWD and S5 Premium is only about $500. That difference is insignificant. The GT2 will be better optioned but lawdhammercy if the shoppers are also considering service after the sale... :oops: Many will pay the extra $500 and give up the ventilated seats and HUD just to avoid having to go to a Kia service center.

A5 vs comparable GT-line w/AWD is another interesting comparison with a price delta around $1k.

For the last few years I've been saying Kia needs to get control of their price creep. GT2 w/AWD was just $51k when it was introduced, which was $4500 cheaper than a 2018 base S5. Since then the GT2 w/AWD has increased $3500 while the S5's price has DEcreased $300. At this current pace, if there is a 24 Stinger the AWD GT2 will be more expensive than a S5 (though there probably won't be a 24 S5 :thumbdown: ).

I agree, axing the GT1 trim would be a huge mistake, if Kia actually still cared about the success of the Stinger. But does anyone actually think Kia still cares how many Stingers they sell?
 
Last edited:
Kia is really f*cking up if they drop the GT1 package for 2023. It's a pretty big price jump from GT1 to GT2, and this will effectively price people out of the market for a Stinger. Plus there are still a lot of people who will gladly take an Audi S5 or equivalent BMW for a few grand more than a GT2, even if the German cars are the stripper models.
I agree, axing the GT1 trim would be a huge mistake, if Kia actually still cared about the success of the Stinger. But does anyone actually think Kia still cares how many Stingers they sell?

It appears you can just modify the link on KIA's site to display 2023 inventory by editing the URL (I would post the link but i'm not allowed as a new member) which does not display the GT1 as a trim option anymore. Sadly, it looks more and more like the GT-Line and GT2 are the only remaining trim options for 2023 along with their special packages (GT-Line Apex package and GT2 Grand Tourer package).

As the GT-Line fully optioned out with AWD and both packages can now hit 44K MSRP (AWD, Sun & Sound, Apex, and color/interior options) I guess KIA figured it didn't leave much room for the former 45K GT1 trim.

1654105022955.webp
 
The removal of trims is probably forced allocation. They only expect to produce a certain number of cars based on components that are still in short supply, so they're reducing the offerings as a result. If they only have say 5000 sets of all the chips needed to equip a car on the factory line, then they're going to want to maximize the sale price for each of the fewer total units sold. Makes perfect sense *why* they're doing it. It may have been a matter of "we do this or no Stinger at all". They still need to turn a profit.
 
______________________________
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
The removal of trims is probably forced allocation. They only expect to produce a certain number of cars based on components that are still in short supply, so they're reducing the offerings as a result. If they only have say 5000 sets of all the chips needed to equip a car on the factory line, then they're going to want to maximize the sale price for each of the fewer total units sold. Makes perfect sense *why* they're doing it. It may have been a matter of "we do this or no Stinger at all". They still need to turn a profit.
Good point, and probably the most likely reason.
 
The removal of trims is probably forced allocation. They only expect to produce a certain number of cars based on components that are still in short supply, so they're reducing the offerings as a result. If they only have say 5000 sets of all the chips needed to equip a car on the factory line, then they're going to want to maximize the sale price for each of the fewer total units sold. Makes perfect sense *why* they're doing it. It may have been a matter of "we do this or no Stinger at all". They still need to turn a profit.
I guess the upside is you can get a GT-Line with Brembo's? I also think this really is the last model year of the Stinger with the slimmed down trim options and special edition packages. We see this quite often with other automakers with the final model year/generation before the model is either discontinued or updated to a new generation.
 
I don't know if i'd be willing to pay $45K msrp for a gtline, even if it comes with all the fixings.

Some of you folks may remember the G25. It was a 2.5L NA engine inside a g37 chassis. Those cars didn't sell well. Way underpowered (~#3500+ curb). Poor man's G. Just a terrible combination.
 
I don't know if i'd be willing to pay $45K msrp for a gtline, even if it comes with all the fixings.
I definitely wouldn't, although with inflation the spending power of $45k today is what $38k might have been 2 years ago.
 
^^Transitory inflation.... per lgb....

So far, this car has enough features to keep me occupied for a long time. I can't think of any more features I'd want/need. I'm glad it didn't come with a sunroof as that's more potential headaches down the line. If it lasts a decade I'll be a happy camper.

I used to keep cars for decade +, only recently have circumstance changed such that the upgrade cycle is shortened. Had my '97 camaro from jan '98 through august 2011. It took a blown brake line to finally make me get rid of it. In addition to the line, nearly every imaginable gasket was leaking too.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
I don't know if i'd be willing to pay $45K msrp for a gtline, even if it comes with all the fixings.

The 2.5T in the new GT-Line is a great engine, but I agree 45K still seems a bit steep. Luckily the base GT-Line without any packages seems to exist going forward to the 2023 MY without any changes (apart from a few hundred dollars bump in MSRP from 2022 for $37,695 w/ destination).

However, I strongly suspect KIA will want to maximize profits and the majority of production will be skewed towards models that have the S&S package + Apex package to end up in the 42-44k range.
 
______________________________
Just peeked at my bill of sale from last august.

2022 gtline awd, ceramic paint, fancy rear view mirror and floor mats.

$37,6USD after discounts/rebates + TTL/fees.

The options were slim but tastefully chosen. Not sure why paint + floor mats cost $600 or $700. Every car comes with them. Should not be separate line items unless it's some fancy paint. If I had my way I would delete the floor mats. They get replaced with weathertech or something else in every car owned (tuxmats in this one).
 
KIA finally got around to updating their website for the 2023 MY
 
KIA finally got around to updating their website for the 2023 MY

6 cylinder=$57,905 with every box ticked
4 cylinder=$45,635 with every box ticked
 
Last edited:
$57,905 with every box ticked.
Confirmation of the loss of the GT1 trim as well, and the $45,930 GT-Line with every package and option ticked. I agree with you with the notion most people would rather buy a car from Audi etc. over a Stinger at these prices.
 
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Kia Stinger
Back
Top