The Kia Stinger may have bowed out with a final V6 salute, but its spirit isn’t dead. Reports out of South Korea confirm that the long-rumored Kia GT1 project is back on track, targeting a 2027 launch as a flagship all-electric grand tourer. Positioned as Kia’s first model on Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation “eM” platform, the GT1 is meant to be more than just another EV — it’s designed to be a halo car.
The Technical Blueprint
Unlike the EV6 or EV9, which sit on the older E-GMP platform, the GT1 will use the new eM architecture, giving it more flexibility and efficiency. Early details point to a massive 113.2 kWh battery pack, Kia’s largest to date, enabling an estimated 435–497 miles of range depending on trim. Performance variants could deliver over 600 horsepower through a dual-motor setup, while entry versions are expected to launch with a single rear motor.
The car will be pitched as a true grand tourer rather than a crossover, giving Kia a sleek flagship to stand alongside Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Genesis’ upcoming luxury EVs. With pricing rumored to start around $43,000 and stretching to nearly $60,000 for top trims, Kia is aiming to make long-range electric performance more accessible.
Kia
Why It Matters For Kia
The GT1 is significant because it signals ambition rather than retreat. Kia has had its fair share of headaches lately, including NHTSA probes into recalls that didn’t fully resolve engine issues in Soul and Seltos models, and delays in fixing a trim defect affecting over 300,000 K5 and Telluride units. Launching a sleek, tech-forward flagship shifts the conversation away from recall frustrations and back toward innovation.
It also shows Kia’s growing confidence in performance hybrids and EVs. Models like the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid have already proven the brand can blend power, efficiency, and value in mainstream SUVs. The GT1 takes that formula and applies it to the emotional world of grand touring — a sector traditionally dominated by premium European badges.
The Bigger EV Picture
By 2027, the EV landscape will be even more crowded, with rivals like the Polestar 5, Tesla Model S, and Lexus’ upcoming electric sedans all vying for attention. Kia’s move to give itself a flagship GT is as much about brand positioning as it is about sales volume. The GT1 is meant to move more than cars off lots. It’s Kia’s bid to be taken seriously in the performance EV space instead of being boxed in as the crossover brand.
My Final Word
The GT1 represents Kia’s boldest EV yet. It picks up the mantle left by the Stinger and reinterprets it for an all-electric era. If it delivers the range, performance, and price being hinted at, it could transform how enthusiasts and everyday buyers alike view the brand. More than just a car, it’s a statement that Kia is ready to challenge established names in spaces where it was once an outsider.
