Kia's EV8 GT: A Potential Stinger Successor with Electrifying Performance

Daily Car

26/01/2026

Kia has unveiled the Vision Meta Turismo concept, a striking electric vehicle that hints at a potential successor to the beloved Stinger. This futuristic concept blends retro design cues with advanced EV technology, sparking excitement about Kia's future performance ambitions.

Key Takeaways

The Meta Turismo concept showcases Kia's 'Opposites Unite' design language.
A production version, potentially named EV8 GT, could utilize the E-GMP platform.
Performance targets include over 650 hp and sub-3-second 0-60 mph acceleration.
The concept offers a glimpse into Kia's strategy to fill the void left by the Stinger.

A Bold New Design Direction

The Kia Vision Meta Turismo concept is a captivating blend of past and future. Its design language, "Opposites Unite," merges soft, flowing lines with sharp, angular geometry, reminiscent of 1960s concept cars while incorporating a modern, aggressive edge. The imagined production version, the EV8 GT, refines this concept, featuring a low-set tiger nose grille, active lattice grille, and generous use of carbon fiber. The fastback roofline and cab-forward stance contribute to its dynamic profile, while the rear boasts a restrained design with a halo-effect LED light bar and a functional diffuser.

An Electrifying Interior Experience

While the concept's interior is dramatic, a production model would likely dial back some of the extravagance while maintaining a driver-focused approach. Key features such as an augmented reality head-up display and smart glass are expected to remain. The cabin is anticipated to feature deeper AI integration, including advanced conversational voice interfaces and tools like ChatGPT, enhancing the user experience.

Stinging Performance Reimagined

Underpinning the EV8 GT would likely be Hyundai Motor Group's robust E-GMP architecture, known for its 800-volt capability and V2L/V2G functionality. For performance, Kia's dual-motor setups are already capable of impressive figures, and the EV8 GT is expected to surpass them, potentially delivering over 650 horsepower and achieving 0-60 mph in under three seconds. To enhance the driving experience, simulated gear shifting and synthetic sound generation are anticipated. In terms of range, a 100 kWh LFP battery pack could offer a WLTP range exceeding 435 miles.

Competing in a Fierce Market

If Kia decides to bring the EV8 GT to production, it will enter a highly competitive segment. Potential rivals include established players like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air, as well as emerging contenders such as the Polestar 5, Xiaomi SU7, Huawei's Luxeed S7, and Audi's A6 e-Tron. The success of the EV8 GT will depend on its ability to capture the spirit of the Stinger while offering cutting-edge electric performance and technology.

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