Although Kia has expanded its model range with a number of new series in recent years, a true successor to the Stinger is still not in sight. A sporty four-door is in the works, but without a petrol engine. Karim Habib, Kia's head of design, confirmed that a production version of last year's Vision Meta Turismo concept car is being developed, which is intended to serve as a "sports sedan for the gaming generation."
In an interview with Autocar, Habib said that Kia wants to explore segments outside of SUVs, which would be a good fit for a sedan. Interestingly, the fastback-style roof version is already “90 percent ready for production,” he said, giving it a realistic chance of going into production later. However, neither model will ever be equipped with an internal combustion engine.
According to Kia's head of interior design, Jochen Paesen, they expect younger buyers to be much less interested in internal combustion vehicles than older generations. In this regard, Paesen also believes that younger target groups do not understand the artificial engine sounds of electric cars - this also applies to simulated gear changes. Such features are quite popular with other manufacturers, including sister brand Hyundai, for example with the Ioniq 6N sedan.
Even without the artificial elements intended to mimic the experience of driving an internal combustion car, Kia is confident it can create an emotional connection between the driver and the electric car. The concept car suggests a GT in the style of the Stinger, which was developed from the outset as a high-performance car.
Habib admitted that the current direction of the vehicle is “hindering” development, mainly due to high costs. Instead of a sporty version of the existing model, the Vision Meta Turismo, which is close to production, is supposed to be a standalone electric car with high performance. “We have a long history with cars like the Stinger – and we don’t want to give that up. The Vision Meta Turismo is our idea of a sports sedan for the generation of gamers.”
When the concept was first unveiled last month at Milan Design Week, Kia didn't provide any technical details, but it did make some confident statements. The manufacturer promised a "more dynamic, exciting and intense driving experience" in a sedan with bold lines and a living room-style interior.
Since Kia hasn't given a specific timeframe for the start of sales, it's unlikely that this sporty electric sedan will go on sale within the next two years.
