Kia discontinued the Stinger, but the company’s Meta Turismo GT concept hints at a high-performance electric successor. This reimagining of the concept as the “EV8 GT” could fill the void left by the Stinger, blending aggressive styling with cutting-edge EV technology. The Meta Turismo wasn’t merely a design exercise; it showcased a bold vision for where Kia’s performance ambitions are headed.
Design: Retro-Futuristic Aggression
Kia’s “Opposites Unite” design philosophy – mixing soft curves with sharp angles – would define the EV8 GT. The production model would retain the concept’s wedge-like proportions inspired by 1960s grand tourers, but with a more grounded and aggressive aesthetic reminiscent of Lamborghini.
The front fascia would feature a low-set “tiger nose” grille and an active lattice design, enhanced with carbon fiber elements on the splitter, side skirts, and hood. From the side, a fastback roofline and cab-forward stance would create a sleek profile, with flush door handles and traditional pillars. The rear would be restrained yet striking, sporting a halo-effect LED light bar and a functional diffuser.
Interior: Tech-Forward and Driver-Focused
The cabin would tone down the Meta Turismo concept’s dramatic flair while retaining its driver-centric approach. Key features like an augmented reality head-up display and smart glass would remain, complemented by deeper AI integration, including conversational voice interfaces and tools like ChatGPT.
Performance: Electric Powerhouse
The EV8 GT would likely ride on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, offering 800-volt capability and V2L/V2G functionality. Adaptive damping, torque vectoring, and rear-biased all-wheel drive would ensure a balance between comfort and performance.
Kia’s dual-motor setups are already capable of 650 horsepower. The EV8 GT could surpass this, targeting a 0-60 mph time under 3 seconds. Simulated gear shifting and synthetic noise generation would mimic the experience of a traditional high-performance car.
A 100 kWh LFP battery pack would provide a WLTP range exceeding 435 miles (700 km). While solid-state batteries would be ideal, commercial viability remains distant.
Competition: A Crowded Field
The EV8 GT would enter a competitive market, facing rivals such as the Polestar 5, Tesla Model S, Xiaomi SU7, Huawei’s Luxeed S7, Lucid Air, and Audi A6 e-Tron.
Kia’s decision to discontinue the Stinger leaves a gap in its lineup that the EV8 GT could effectively fill. By embracing electric power and bold design, Kia has the opportunity to create a halo model that redefines its performance image.
The EV8 GT isn’t just a replacement for the Stinger; it’s a statement about Kia’s commitment to a high-performance, electric future.
