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All the bracing and additional supports were originally made of steel, but they are currently being replicated in aluminum to assist control the weight.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...
Do Kia convertibles exist?
by MVP City The popular Kia sports car platform’s first-ever convertible concept, the Kia 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.
A convertible Kia costs how much?
What Is the Price of a Kia Stinger? 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?
The Kia Sonet can be converted.
Don’t misunderstand me. In the near future, the Kia Sonet Convertible won’t be available in the manufacturing form on the Indian market. In fact, because to factors like high cost and unfavorable weather, there are no mass-market convertible automobiles in India. So, it is improbable that Kia will take such a big risk to release the Sonet Convertible in our nation.
Making a convertible car might drive up the cost of a car to unbelievable heights. Many people have tried to have their vehicles converted into convertibles at nearby garages, however it should be noted that this process may affect how strong the car’s construction is, which makes it extremely risky to drive on public roads.
Returning to the standard Kia Sonet, the brand-new sub-4-meter SUV from Kia has been introduced at a very affordable beginning price of Rs. 6.7111.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Kia Seltos served as a major source of inspiration for the new Kia Sonet 2020, which is also offered in Tech Line and GT Line trims with the latter having just one option. A 1.5-liter turbo-diesel engine, a 1.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, and a 1.2-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine are the three powertrain options available for the Sonet.
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 greater standard horsepower and fuel efficiency.
A Genesis convertible is 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.
What are Kia Stingers priced at?
Price of a 2023 Kia Stinger Prices for the 2023 Stinger sport sedan are anticipated to range from from $37,000 for the GT-Line to roughly $52,000 for the GT2. All-wheel drive should cost around $2,200. Without the Stinger’s hatchback, the nearly comparable Genesis G70 has a starting price closer to $38,000 and is a genuine sedan.
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.
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.