Kia has been steadily expanding its GT performance lineup, but the Korean automaker might have something even more exciting in mind. According to Hyundai Motor Group’s research and development boss, Manfred Harrer, there’s room for a dedicated performance model that could better define what the GT badge stands for.
Speaking with Autocar, Harrer explained that Kia’s approach to performance differs from that of sister brand Hyundai and its increasingly aggressive N models. Rather than chasing extreme driving characteristics, Kia wants its GT cars to deliver excitement without sacrificing everyday comfort.
That philosophy hasn’t stopped the company from producing some seriously quick electric vehicles. The EV6 GT, for example, packs up to 641 horsepower, while the larger EV9 GT produces 502 horsepower.
However, Harrer’s latest comments suggest Kia’s performance ambitions could extend beyond powerful versions of existing family cars. A standalone GT model might eventually give the brand a distinctive performance flagship.
Kia Wants Performance You Can Enjoy Every Day
While Hyundai’s N division embraces features such as simulated gear changes and artificial engine sounds, Kia takes a more restrained approach. “We see these technologies as an amplifier, not a substitute, for the driving experience,” he told Autocar.
Kia’s newer GT models reflect that philosophy. The EV3 GT and EV4 GT each produce 286 horsepower, while the EV5 GT delivers 302 horsepower, prioritizing accessible performance over headline-grabbing acceleration figures.
The company also offers its Virtual Gear Shift technology, although Harrer describes the simulated ratios primarily as a way to help drivers manage an electric motor’s abundant power.
Kia’s R&D Boss Is Open To Something More Exciting
Perhaps the most interesting part of Harrer’s interview concerned the possibility of a higher-performance GT model. Asked about creating something above the existing GT lineup, Harrer was receptive to the idea. “I like the idea,” he told Autocar, adding that other manufacturers are exploring similar territory.
However, he emphasized that his priority would be establishing a dedicated model that clearly represents Kia’s GT identity. That could potentially mean a spiritual successor to the discontinued Stinger, although Kia hasn’t confirmed any such vehicle.
A Spiritual Successor To The Stinger?
Harrer’s background at Porsche and BMW gives him significant experience with performance-oriented vehicles. His comments also suggest Kia sees an opportunity to develop a stronger identity for its GT badge.
A dedicated sports car could help the brand stand apart from Hyundai N while giving enthusiasts something to get excited about. Only time will tell whether that eventually leads to a Stinger successor or an entirely different performance machine.
Kia appears committed to making its GT cars fast, enjoyable, and usable every day, and the possibility of a dedicated flagship suggests the company might eventually push that philosophy even further.