As you already known, Kia is currently working on updating production line inside Sohari plant in South Korea in order to start production of the Carnival Hybrid and All-electric EV9 large SUV from 2023, something that means the discontinuation of Stinger. Now we have first spy pictures of the hybrid powertrain testing on the current Kia Carnival.
Back in July, Kia released its production plans for all of its South Korean plants, including the Sohari Plant, for the 2022 year and revealed bad news for Stinger. According to that plan, Kia will cease the production of the Stinger by the second quarter of 2022 after several adjustments due to continued sluggish sales.
During second quarter of 2022, Kia will transform the lines at Sohari Plant in South Korea to start the mass production of electrified vehicles such as the Carnival Hybrid variant so this is the first time that the Stinger fate has been formalized. Now, seeing the first prototype testing alongside the EV9 is just another step on the discontinuation.
It is expected that Carnival Hybrid powertrain will be shared from Sorento, so we can expect a 1.6 Turbo GDi engine delivering 180 hp and an electric motor with a total output of 230 hp. Despite the PHEV, looks like Kia will skip it and will focus on a full-electric Carnival, but for now we will have to settle for the hybrid.
Pictures by ShortsCar
