The Kia Stinger stood out as a modern performance car that genuinely impressed enthusiasts. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform and offered with a twin-turbo V6, it delivered driving credentials that challenged long-standing assumptions about the Kia brand.
Yet despite critical praise, the Stinger struggled to convert that goodwill into meaningful sales success.
Now, Kia appears ready to revisit the idea of a four-door flagship, this time with electricity at its core. The Vision Meta Turismo Concept, revealed earlier this month as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, previews a bold new direction for the brand.
Historically, most concept cars evolve significantly before reaching production. To envision how the Meta Turismo could realistically make that transition, an unofficial rendering by Instagram user Chafreak reimagines the dramatic show car through the lens of Kia’s current production styling.
The result is a more practical, showroom-ready interpretation that still nods to the Stinger’s legacy, particularly through its four-door liftback proportions.
In the rendering, the rear styling remains close to the original concept, preserving much of its visual drama. Up front, however, the design appears influenced by the Kia EV6, the brand’s electric crossover that rivals vehicles like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The side profile highlights a clean, aerodynamic shape, reflecting the smooth surface treatment seen on models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6. This design philosophy is especially relevant for EVs, where reduced drag directly contributes to improved driving range.
All signs point to the Vision Meta Turismo serving as a preview of Kia’s next fully electric flagship sedan. While official powertrain specifications have yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest a production version could produce as much as 600 horsepower.
It may also ride on Hyundai Motor Group’s upcoming “eM” platform, with projected range figures reaching as high as 500 miles.
If those estimates prove accurate, Kia would enter the growing high-performance EV segment more aggressively, following a path Hyundai has already explored with models like the Ioniq 5 N. The key challenge will be avoiding the same market obstacles that limited the Stinger’s reach.
Past analysis suggests the Stinger’s struggles were driven less by its capabilities and more by brand perception. With prices exceeding $50,000 in its GT form, many buyers opted for established premium performance brands like BMW rather than spending similar money on a Kia.
At this stage, the Vision Meta Turismo Concept is believed to preview a future EV8 model. Reports indicate a potential launch around 2026, positioning it between the EV6 and the larger, three-row EV9 in Kia’s electric lineup. If executed correctly, it could represent a second chance for Kia to succeed where the Stinger fell short.
Also Read: 10 New SUVs That Balance Affordability and All-Day Comfort Best
