Kia Stinger Tribute Edition Reborn: AI Rendering Shows Convertible Transformation

What if the ill-fated Kia Stinger
were to be resurrected as a convertible?
Imaginative rendering created by AI is stirring up a buzz

The Kia Stinger has been evaluated as having left a significant footprint in the history of Korean high-performance automobiles. Despite favorable evaluations in overseas markets such as Europe and the U.S., it suffered from sluggish sales for a long time. It was discontinued in early 2023 with the limited edition model Tribute.

This model is always mentioned when discussing Korean models that people hope to see relaunched, and Kia has one more like it. This is Elan, one of a few South Korean convertibles. What would it look like if these two features were correctly combined and launched as a special model? A netizen created imaginative rendering through generative AI.

Detailed changes observed in the image created by Dall-E

On March 14, an image titled ‘Stinger and EV6 Convertible drawn by Dall-E (Image-generating artificial intelligence developed by OpenAI) was posted on AutoSpyShot, a South Korean online car community. Dall-E is an AI image creation site that utilizes the open AI-based search engine Chat GPT. In the imaginary rendering, the Stinger naturally showed the appearance of a convertible while maintaining its original appearance as much as possible. 

However, partial changes in detail can be captured. The number of LED light sources in the headlamp has increased from two to three, adding to the sense of proportion that makes it look low. The daytime running lights (DRL), applied in pairs in an L shape below, were moved to a straight line at the top and bottom. In the grill case, the tiger nose shape was emphasized more than before, adding to the sporty atmosphere.

EV6 convertible rendering, as well
Futuristic sensibility stands out

The Stinger’s unique front fender garnish connects to the rocker panel, and the slim proportions unique to a rear-wheel drive convertible stand out. For the interior, the headrest-integrated seats are in brown. Since the same color was applied to the interior material surrounding the rear of the interior, it appears that a soft top was used.

The post’s author also posted an imaginative rendering of an EV6-based convertible. The closed grille and widely applied LED lamps create a futuristic image. The orange stripe surrounding the vehicle’s bottom was also used for the wheels and grill to give it individuality. As for the interior, brightly colored seats and a high center console emphasize the image of a sports car.

Kia convertible Elan reemerged
Why did it remain an ill-fated masterpiece?

Meanwhile, while Kia made a convertible, Elan has been also coming to the spotlight again. In the 1990s, Kia, which needed a sports car lineup, acquired the production facilities for the lightweight roadster Elan from Lotus, struggling with financial difficulties, and launched it in South Korea. Although it was developed based on the Lotus vehicle, it was equipped with Kia’s powertrain and some interior parts, and the specifications had been changed to suit the South Korean market, making it a completely different model.

However, the IMF financial crisis occurred in 1997, a year after its launch. As it had already suffered from sluggish sales due to its high price, it was eventually recorded as an ill-fated car.