The heavily modified Kia Stinger convertible pictured here was built from scratch in just nine months. The changeover of the convertible top took up the vast part of that time. Less than three days passed for the rest.
This product was made by City Kia of Orlando, Florida, but was championed to completion by Aaron Vaccar, a vehicle development consultant, and Joe Manno, the head of City Kia’s Motor Vehicle Performance department. The Stinger GT-C concept is the name given to the convertible Stinger construction. The fully functional, one-of-a-kind car was unveiled to the public on March 14 at the Festival of Speed at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando.
The convertible alteration was carried out by Droptop Customs of High Springs, Florida, even though City Kia may have come up with the idea. The business has been cutting tops since 1976, manufactured a 2018 Dodge SRT Demon convertible, and made Shaquille O’Neal an unique automobile.
More than just removing the top from the Stinger was involved in the convertible modification. The body required strengthening. Side rail bracing, under structure support plates that run side to side and diagonally, and internal A- and B-pillar supports have all been installed. Steel was used to rebuild the C-pillar and full-width rear bracing. All of this made sure that the Stinger’s structure would remain solid even with its four working doors.
A four-bow brace was put behind the back seats to act as the base for the three-layer soft top. Two hydraulic pumps are used to run the power top. To conceal the top when stored, an unique rear decklid cover was made out of the hatchback panel. It may be raised manually while traveling at up to 5 mph by releasing two latches.
All the bracing and additional supports were originally made of steel, but they are currently being replicated in aluminum to assist control the weight.
Notably, when raised, the power soft-top has the identical roofline as the stock Stinger. After the pieces are recast in aluminum, according to Droptop Customs, the convertible conversion will add around 70 pounds to the Stinger.
The City team of Manno To demonstrate what the team can achieve for clients, Kia’s Motor Vehicle Performance department collaborated with other vendors to add a variety of go-fast accessories and aftermarket components. The car was initially scheduled to debut at the 2020 SEMA exhibition, but COVID-19 caused that to fall through.
As a result of an AEM cold air intake, Velossa Tech dual big mouth ram snorkels, a Mishimoto performance intercooler kit and catch can, a Borla S-Type Cat Back exhaust system, Ultimate Performance downpipes with midpipes, a RaceChip GTS chip tune, and Turbo XS hybrid blow-off valves, according to Vaccar and Manno, the modified 3.3-liter turbocharged V-6 generates 550 horsepower and 650 l Additionally, the vehicle has an XLR pedal box.
Strictly Business SBGT has additionally modified the exterior with a carbon-fiber hood, eyelids, side splitters, and rear diffuser. Along with MVP quad-rectangle exhaust tips, KDM Kia carbon fiber front fender vents and mirror covers were also added. To enhance handling, an anti-roll bar and Eibach pro-kit spring were installed. The vehicle is equipped with Toyo Proxes Sport 245/35 front and 275/30 rear tires mounted on Axe Compression Forged CF 20×9.5 front and 20×10.5 rear rims.
The interior isn’t finished yet, but to better fit the car’s existing appearance, a tailored Katzin leather package in a lighter sport gray hue will be added.
How much money was spent developing the Stinger GT-C concept was kept a secret by Vaccar and Manno. “You have to realize that a one-off cannot be valued financially. Each and every nut, bolt, and angle are handmade, “explained Vaccar. The idea was originally a Stinger GT2 at $52,304.
The owner of City Kia ordered and owns the vehicle. The Stinger GT-C will attend Orlando-area events for a while to show off what City Kia’s crew has created, but after that it might vanish into a garage for good.
In This Article...
Does Kia produce convertibles?
The popular Kia sports car platform’s first-ever convertible concept, the Stinger “GT-C, makes its premiere. The 1 of 1 prototype, which Motor Vehicle Performance created specifically for City Kia of greater Orlando, will be unveiled in March 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando’s Festivals of Speed.
The Kia Stinger convertible costs how much?
With a suggested retail price of $36,090, the redesigned 2022 Kia Stinger is one of the most affordable vehicles in its class. The starting prices for two higher trimsthe Stinger GT1 at $43,690 and the Stinger GT2 at $51,290jump dramatically.
Hyundai produces convertibles, right?
You’ve previously seen how the Hyundai Genesis coupe competes with the V-6 versions of the Camaro and Mustang, but when it comes to the convertible body type, the newcomer is left without a rival (no pun intended).
It’s odd that neither Hyundai nor neighboring Korean automaker Kia offer any convertibles, even though the Camaro’s drop-top is coming and the Mustang convertible has been in production for decades. The visual attractiveness of a topless two-door sitting in the middle of the showroom may not be comparable to other vehicles, but low-volume convertibles do not necessarily make the most money compared to other segments.
The final word? Would a Hyundai Genesis convertible look anything like these pictures created by our digital illustrator make you more inclined to tell your friends about the brand?
The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine in the coupe may make for a slow cruiser if Hyundai made the Genesis convertible heavier to keep the body rigid. We wonder how long it will take Hyundai to bring the 274-horsepower turbo-four from the 2011 Sonata sedan to the Genesis line, if at all. The 306-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6 seems to be a better fit.
A Genesis convertible would need to do more than just look fantastic to have a compelling business case. There are currently a handful of reasonably priced convertibles on the market, including the Mustang and Camaro as well as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. (Watch for an upcoming special feature piece on eight affordable convertibles.)
How do you feel? Would the Hyundai lineup benefit from the addition of a Genesis convertible?
What distinguishes a cabriolet from a convertible?
In contemporary cars, there is no functional distinction between a cabriolet and a convertible. Generally, the language you use depends on where you are from. In many European nations, a convertible is known by the name “cabriolet,” which is frequently abbreviated to “cabrio.” This naming convention is used for Mercedes-Benz vehicles because the manufacturer is German. In the 1800s, a horse-drawn carriage with a top that could be pulled over the occupants inclement weather and collapsed in fine weather was known as a cabriolet. It seems sense that the term cabriolet was also used for vehicles as the earliest automobiles were invented in Europe and were sold as horseless carriages.
Subaru produces convertibles, right?
Specifications And Features For The Subaru WRX Convertible: The most recent Subaru WRX achieved fresh civility without sacrificing any of the performance that originally made it so well-liked.
Volkswagen, do you have a convertible?
The turbocharged 2018 Volkswagen Beetle coupe and convertible are attractive, enjoyable, and reasonably priced. They come with more standard horsepower and fuel efficiency.
Why aren’t Kia Stinger sales up?
According to information coming out of South Korea, the Kia Stinger as we know it may be nearing the end of its useful life and may no longer be produced starting in December 2022.
Kia will stop producing the Stinger starting in December, according to a post on the Korean forum Autospy. This confirms a claim from the country’s DailyCar website from July 2021, which predicted that production would end in the second part of this year.
According to a story from August, Kia’s design chief Karin Habib hinted that the car would continue to exist, adding that the firm is “working on a new model for the Stinger… we want the Stinger spirit to stay at the core of hunger.”
The Hyundai Vision FK, a 500kW hydrogen-powered concept car that bears an eerie resemblance to the Stinger given that Kia is a member of the Hyundai Motor Group family, will be the most obvious reincarnation.
According to reports from Korea, the Stinger is built at the Sohari Plant, which will be converted to produce electrified vehicles starting in 2023.
More rumors that the rear-wheel-drive sedan may switch to a battery-electric powertrain have been sparked by a silhouetted image from Kia showing a future electric car with a shape similar to the Stinger.
Is the Kia Stinger a trustworthy vehicle?
It’s excellent that you’re researching your son’s potential car before buying it! The Kia Stinger has an average dependability rating, but due to the Stinger’s parts, repairs could be costly.
The Kia Stinger, however, has a top speed of 130 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 4.7 seconds, which are worth highlighting. As a result, if your son is a very careful driver, I would only suggest the Kia Stinger as a first vehicle!
You’ll need auto insurance when you buy your son a car. Check out the Jerry app to obtain a selection of insurance quotes that are suitable for you in a matter of minutes. The typical user saves $887 yearly.
Is the Kia Stinger a high-end vehicle?
Unfortunately, the 2022 Kia Stinger is probably toast in the world of high-end vehicles. It’s a very competitive market, and the Kia Stinger, particularly in its GT configuration, was a daring new contender when it made its debut in 2017. Although it was highly received by the media, the Stinger just wasn’t up to the task.
Recently, it has been claimed in numerous news sources and blogs that Kia will discontinue the Stinger. That’s a crying shame, really, considering the 2022 Kia Stinger is an excellent vehicle at a great price.
A Hyundai Genesis convertible costs how much?
What Is the Price of the Genesis G90? Retail price for the 2022 Genesis G90 is $73,950. The starting price for the 5.0 Ultimate model is $77,700; it is for the base 3.3T Premium trim.
Exist any four-door convertible vehicles?
Do you enjoy having the wind blow over your hair as you drive? Think you have to travel in a confined two-seat convertible to achieve your goals? Think again. There are some 4-door convertibles that are still being produced, however the options are few, or you can purchase an antique that is many years old.
Here are the top 4-door convertibles on the market right now. But first, let’s discuss why there aren’t many options for four-door drop-tops.
Why Do Traditional Coupes and Convertibles Have Two Doors?
Due to the lack of “B-Supports,” which are structural pillars that hold the back doors in place, most convertible automobiles only have two doors. A four-door car, on the other hand, has greater structural demands, which presents an engineering difficulty in the absence of a roof.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which debuted in 2004, is the most well-known 4-door convertible currently available. A readily detachable hardtop is also an option for the Wrangler Unlimited, which comes standard with a softtop roof that folds into the rear tailgate. Drivers who prefer a tough SUV with back seats to a sports car would find this convertible appealing. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the obvious choice if you want a four-door convertible if your outdoor activities frequently take you off-road. For the ultimate off-roading experience, all Wrangler doors can be removed if you decide you don’t need them at all.
Ford Bronco
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the much awaited Ford Bronco are both four-door convertibles now in production. All four-door variants come standard with a cloth soft top, and a hardtop with four removable parts is also an option. For passengers on road vacations or off-road excursions, it also boasts roomy rear seats. The renowned off-comeback roader’s is appealing to drivers who are daring, and it will go up against the unrivaled Wrangler Unlimited.
Hummer H1 Open Top
From the 1992 model year until the 2006 model year, a soft top convertible version of the original Hummer was offered. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Hummer H1 are both tough off-road vehicles, but the Hummer H1 is bigger and features a 300 horsepower V8 engine.
Lincoln Continental
From 1961 through 1967, the Lincoln Continental was offered as a four-door convertible. It was driven by the Hollywood Elite and had long, boxy forms and “suicide (rear-opening) doors. Look no further than the Continental if you want a four-door convertible with traditional style that epitomizes American auto manufacture to add to your garage.
The development of a four-door convertible has been tried by numerous automakers, despite the fact that two-door convertible cars have become the standard. With great fanfare, Cadillac unveiled the Ciel four-door convertible concept at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Prior to production, the carmaker abandoned the project, nevertheless. Likewise, in 2007, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Ocean Drive concept, which was based on the S-Class sedan. It was similarly never put into production like the Cadillac.
Check out iSeeCars’ selection of the Best Convertibles if you’re considering a vehicle with a classic convertible body style.
Can a convertible be driven in the winter?
It is feasible to operate a convertible vehicle during the winter. You can drive your convertible automobile all year long if you take the right precautions and care for it. However, the spring and summer seasons are generally the only times when you should open the top of your car.