Is Kia Teasing a New Stinger?

The on-again, off-again Stinger replacement finally seems to be taking shape. If these teasers are any indication, Kia is about to take the wraps off a new concept that may preview the long-rumored “GT1.” Shortly after the V-6 fastback was discontinued in 2023, reports surfaced about a potential EV successor. Judging by these shadowy images, we may be looking at a new grand tourer without a combustion engine.

Just so we’re clear, the Koreans aren’t confirming or denying that this is an electric Stinger. For now, it’s simply “The Kia Concept,” and the preview strongly suggests a more aero-focused shape than the EV4. It has a dramatically sloped roofline, potentially ending in a tailgate rather than a conventional trunk. Although the silhouette evokes the Stinger, it’s already clear this car has a significantly different look aligned with Kia’s edgy design language.

It’s too early to say whether this will be Kia’s equivalent to the Hyundai Ioniq 6 or something entirely different. For what it’s worth, the concept appears larger than the EV4, which measures 186.2 inches (4730 millimeters) as a sedan. The short front section strongly suggests an electric setup, as there doesn't seem to be much room for a combustion engine. Then again, parent company Hyundai is also planning EVs with range-extending engines.

Beyond the bulging fenders, the headlights stand out. The LED strip protrudes from the body and extends toward the pillars housing the side cameras. The front quarter glass hints at a more substantial vehicle than the EV4, leaving us to wonder whether the production model could carry the rumored EV8 badge.

Kia electric concept teasers

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Source: Kia

The absence of conventional B-pillars underscores that this is a concept rather than a production-ready car. We do hope the expansive glass roof carries over to the road-going version. Of course, that's assuming Kia intends to build it. For now, this super-slippery EV serves as a window into the brand’s next-generation lineup: “A new future is on the horizon. Our vision takes shape soon.”

As for the underpinnings, the electric fastback could adopt the Ioniq 6's hardware. If not, it may use the upcoming eM platform, which is designed to increase driving range by 50 percent compared to current EVs. Whatever the case, logic suggests rear-wheel drive for a single-motor variant, with pricier versions likely getting a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup.

Although the teasers raise more questions than answers, we’re just glad this isn’t the umpteenth crossover. As for when we’ll actually see it, Kia remains tight-lipped. We do know the EV2 will debut on January 9 at the Brussels Motor Show, but there’s currently no indication the Stinger-esque electric GT will appear alongside it.

If a production model follows, logic suggests it won’t reach showrooms until 2027 at the earliest. It would certainly help Kia achieve its goal of selling 1.26 million EVs annually by the end of the decade. However, it’s the more affordable models, such as the EV2, EV3, and EV4, that will do the heavy lifting. The car teased here is likely to be significantly more expensive, which will naturally reduce its sales volume.

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