By Deji Osas
Kia’s Vision Meta Turismo concept is more than just a dramatic design exercise — it is a signal of where the brand is headed next. According to Kia’s head of design, the futuristic electric fastback points toward a new flagship model and marks the beginning of a fresh styling era for the automaker.
Unveiled late last year, the Vision Meta Turismo is a sleek, all-electric concept that subtly echoes the proportions and spirit of the now-discontinued Kia Stinger sports sedan. While Kia insists the concept is not a direct preview of a production car, it clearly indicates the company’s interest in returning to the sporty, emotional performance segment — this time with electric power.
Speaking to AutoExpress, Kia design boss Jochen Paesen stopped short of confirming an electric Stinger successor but strongly suggested something similar is in development. He said the brand believes “the time is right” to explore more emotional and expressive vehicles, noting that the Meta Turismo is just one way Kia is testing those ideas internally.
Paesen described the concept as an internal study that unexpectedly made its way into the public eye. According to him, the project challenged Kia’s designers to rethink how technology and emotion coexist in modern vehicles. The aim, he explained, was to reduce reliance on screens while creating a richer, more immersive driving experience that still aligns with Kia’s core values.
Speculation about an electric replacement for the Stinger has circulated for years, even before the petrol-powered model was axed in 2023. Although Kia has never officially confirmed such plans, Paesen’s comments represent the clearest indication yet that a new electric halo car is on the horizon. He added that the Meta Turismo explores a more emotional design language and introduces ideas that are not currently represented in Kia’s lineup.
Kia has already trademarked the EV7 and EV8 names, with industry watchers widely expecting EV8 to be reserved for the brand’s upcoming halo model. However, because of its flagship status, Kia could choose to abandon its standard EV naming strategy and revive the Stinger name, which still enjoys strong recognition thanks to its bold design, upscale cabin and engaging driving dynamics.
Regardless of its final name, the new model is expected to debut Kia’s next-generation Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA). This software-defined platform is designed to replace the current E-GMP architecture, offering better efficiency, improved scalability and lower production costs. It is also expected to retain an 800-volt electrical system while delivering faster charging speeds than the current peak of about 240 kW.
A full reveal could happen as early as this year, though its availability in the U.S. remains uncertain. Kia currently builds the EV6 and EV9 at its Georgia plant in West Point, which also produces several gasoline models and has an annual capacity of 350,000 vehicles.
There is also the possibility that the new electric flagship could be produced at Hyundai Motor Group’s Metaplant Georgia — a dedicated EV manufacturing facility with a planned annual output of 500,000 vehicles. While only Hyundai and Genesis models have been confirmed for the plant so far, Kia vehicles could eventually be added to the production mix.
Taken together, the Vision Meta Turismo concept makes one thing clear: Kia is preparing to re-enter the emotional performance space with an electric flagship that could redefine the brand’s design and identity for the next decade.
