An Enthusiast Dream That Didn’t Sell
The Kia Stinger was one of those rare modern cars that earned genuine praise from enthusiasts. Its rear-wheel-drive platform and available twin-turbo V6 powertrain gave it credentials that went beyond the typical expectations attached to the Kia badge. Despite that validation, however, the Stinger never translated that appeal into a substantial commercial success.
Now, the Korean automaker appears poised to re-enter the four-door flagship space, previewing a new direction with the Vision Meta Turismo Con...
An Enthusiast Dream That Didn’t Sell
The Kia Stinger was one of those rare modern cars that earned genuine praise from enthusiasts. Its rear-wheel-drive platform and available twin-turbo V6 powertrain gave it credentials that went beyond the typical expectations attached to the Kia badge. Despite that validation, however, the Stinger never translated that appeal into a substantial commercial success.
Now, the Korean automaker appears poised to re-enter the four-door flagship space, previewing a new direction with the Vision Meta Turismo Concept, which was unveiled earlier this month as part of the brand's 80th anniversary.
History suggests that few concept cars reach production without substantial design compromises. To imagine how the Kia Meta Turismo might translate to the showroom, an unofficial rendering by Instagram user Chafreak reinterprets the dramatic concept using the brand’s current production design language. The result is a more grounded, road-ready take that subtly echoes the spirit of the departed Stinger, thanks to a shared four-door liftback silhouette.
Imagining the Vision Meta Turismo
In the render, the rear design remains largely intact. The front end, however, appears to draw inspiration from the Kia EV6—the brand’s crossover EV that competes with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Along the sides, the design emphasizes a smooth, aerodynamic profile, following a streamlined surface-curvature approach seen on the Hyundai Ioniq 6. That approach makes sense, as improved aerodynamics play a crucial role in maximizing driving range for electric vehicles.
So yes, the Vision Meta Turismo Concept strongly suggests that Kia’s next flagship sedan will be fully electric. The automaker has not released official powertrain details. Still, early reports indicate the production model could deliver up to 600 horsepower, potentially riding on parent company Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation “eM” platform. Range estimates are as high as 500 miles.
Should those numbers hold true, Kia would gain a contender in the performance EV space, an area Hyundai has already begun to explore with models like the Ioniq 5 N. The challenge, however, will be ensuring that this new model does not repeat the commercial hurdles that limited the Stinger’s potential.
When Image Matters
According to past reports, the Stinger’s struggles were less about the product itself and more about perception. At over $50,000 in top GT trim, many buyers gravitated toward established performance marques such as BMW, rather than spending similar money on a “Kia.”
At present, the Vision Meta Turismo Concept may be previewing a future EV8 nameplate, with reports suggesting a possible 2026 launch. If that timeline proves accurate, the EV8 would slot between the EV6 and the larger, three-row EV9.
