Kia’s Vision Meta Turismo concept, unveiled during the company’s 80th anniversary celebration, has sparked rumors of a potential Stinger revival. The angular EV concept, which blends elements of a sedan and a minivan, is tied to Kia’s “Opposites United: Evolution” design language.
The concept’s design language has influenced every Kia EV, including the upcoming EV2. According to a report, Kia design chief Karim Habib explored the possibility of turning the Vision Meta Turismo into a production vehicle.
The idea is to create a new kind of sport sedan for Kia’s electric future, one that could succeed the original Stinger. However, there’s a significant obstacle: cost. EVs remain expensive to build, and a sporty sedan is not a guaranteed volume seller in today’s market.
Habib told journalists on the scene that Kia is interested in looking beyond the usual sea of SUVs and crossovers. He noted that Kia has a history with cars like the Stinger and has no interest in abandoning sporty sedans altogether.
Kia was a solid sport sedan manufacturer with a short production run, launching the Stinger in 2018 with a choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four or a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6. Despite strong reviews and a loyal fan base, they discontinued the Stinger after the 2023 model year.
If the Vision Meta Turismo becomes the Stinger‘s replacement, it will have big expectations to meet. The electric sport sedan segment is getting interesting, with cars like the 2027 BMW i3 raising the stakes.
Kia’s Electric Future
Kia’s “Opposites United: Evolution” design language has been influential in shaping the company’s EV lineup, including the Kia EV6. The language is focused on creating a new kind of sport sedan for Kia’s electric future, with electric vehicles like the Vision Meta Turismo concept leading the way.
The Challenges of EV Production
One of the main challenges facing Kia is the cost of EV production. EVs remain expensive to build, and a sporty sedan is not a guaranteed volume seller in today’s market. They are considering various options to address this challenge.
However, the company’s history with cars like the Stinger suggests that it’s not ready to abandon sporty sedans altogether. The Vision Meta Turismo concept has the potential to be a game-changer in the EV market, offering a unique blend of style and performance, much like the sports cars of the past.
According to the filing, Kia is considering a range of options for the Vision Meta Turismo, including a potential production version. While nothing is certain, it’s clear that Kia is committed to creating a new kind of sport sedan for the electric era, which could potentially offer off-road capability and other innovative features.
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