Kia is open to developing a high-performance flagship inspired by the Nissan GT-R as it looks to strengthen its GT lineup and establish a clearer performance identity. However, the automaker wants to introduce a dedicated performance model first before considering a more extreme sports car, according to Kia research and development chief Manfred Harrer.
The idea could give Kia a new way to attract performance-minded buyers, particularly following the discontinuation of the Stinger in 2023. For now, the company has not confirmed development or approved production of a new flagship.
Kia Wants to Establish a Clear GT Identity
The Nissan GT-R became widely recognizable even among casual car enthusiasts, while Kia’s Stinger struggled to achieve the same level of recognition despite targeting performance-oriented buyers.
Kia R&D chief Manfred Harrer is open to the idea of a similar halo car. However, he believes the automaker should first establish its GT identity with a dedicated model before moving toward a more extreme performance flagship.
“You see a lot of car makers going that way, so why not?” Harrer said when discussing the possibility.
Kia currently uses its GT designation for performance-oriented versions of existing vehicles, following a general approach similar to Hyundai’s N lineup. Unlike Toyota’s Gazoo Racing, which offers dedicated models such as the GR Supra, Kia has primarily positioned GT as a high-performance trim rather than a standalone model family.
Harrer, who previously worked at BMW and Porsche, wants to establish a stronger foundation for Kia’s performance identity. Such a move could eventually pave the way for a spiritual successor to the Stinger.
Why the Kia Stinger Struggled to Stand Out
The Stinger offered substantial performance, including a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 365 horsepower. However, Kia’s association with mainstream vehicles may have made it harder for the sports sedan to attract buyers seeking a premium performance car.
Some performance-oriented shoppers may instead have favored competitors such as the BMW 440i Gran Coupe or Audi S5 Sportback.
After the Stinger was discontinued in 2023, Kia continued offering performance-focused vehicles through GT-branded models such as the K5 GT. The designation also extends to electric vehicles, including the EV6.
In its GT configuration, the Kia EV6 can deliver up to 641 horsepower. However, the U.S. launch of the EV6 GT, which is built in South Korea, has been delayed indefinitely amid changing market conditions and tariff-related challenges.
Could Kia Build a Nissan GT-R Rival?
Kia has been recording strong sales in the United States, with hybrid models such as the Sportage Hybrid benefiting from growing demand for hybrids amid slowing electric vehicle sales.
If that momentum continues, it could strengthen the case for a performance halo car. Such vehicles are not typically major profit drivers, but they can help elevate a brand’s image and demonstrate its performance capabilities, as the Nissan GT-R has done for Nissan.
Nissan is reportedly aiming to introduce a successor to the GT-R before the end of the decade. Kia could potentially introduce a GT-R-inspired flagship around the same period as it considers expanding its GT lineup.
Kia Has Not Confirmed a New Performance Flagship
Despite the interest in a more ambitious performance model, Kia has not confirmed that a new halo car is under development. The company has also not announced production approval, specifications or a launch timeline.
For now, Kia’s immediate priority is establishing a stronger identity for its GT performance lineup, potentially creating the foundation for a more ambitious flagship in the future.
