Kia Is Open to Building Its Own Nissan GT-R

A Korean Godzilla?

The Nissan GT-R became so popular that even casual car enthusiasts could recognize it. The same couldn’t be said about the Kia Stinger, despite also appealing to performance-oriented buyers. But according to Kia R&D boss Manfred Harrer, the Korean marque is open to developing a new halo car like the GT-R, which is more relevant than ever as the brand continues to grow its GT lineup.

Autocar reported that Harrer liked the idea, saying, “You see a lot of car makers going that way, so why not?” But he took a more cautious approach, arguing that the automaker should first build a dedicated model that would establish the GT identity before pursuing a more extreme performance flagship.

GT Needs an Identity

For the uninitiated, Kia offers performance-oriented cars through GT, similar in concept to Hyundai N. But unlike Toyota’s Gazoo Racing, which has dedicated models like the GR Supra, Kia primarily uses GT as a high-performance trim rather than a standalone model. That’s exactly what Harrer, who previously worked at BMW and Porsche, wants to establish first, which, if it happens, could help set the foundation for a spiritual successor to the Stinger.

The Stinger checked almost all the boxes for performance, including a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 making 365 horsepower. But perhaps what held it back was the Kia badge, which was largely associated with mainstream cars. As such, some performance-oriented buyers at the time may have preferred the likes of the BMW 440i Gran Coupe or Audi S5 Sportback.

Following the discontinuation of the Stinger in 2023, Kia continues to offer performance-oriented cars through GT-branded models like the K5 GT. The badge is also available on all-electric models, including the EV6, which, in its GT form, is capable of delivering up to 641 horsepower. However, in the U.S., the EV6 GT, which is built in South Korea, has been delayed indefinitely amid changing market conditions and tariff-related challenges.

Prestige Has Its Price

It is worth noting that Kia has been posting strong sales numbers in the U.S., where its hybrid models, including the Sportage Hybrid, have benefited from growing demand for hybrids amid slowing EV sales. If this momentum continues, it could strengthen the case for developing a halo car, which typically isn’t a major profit driver but can help strengthen a brand’s performance image, as seen with the Nissan GT-R.

Nissan is reportedly hoping to introduce the GT-R’s successor before the decade ends. It’s possible Kia could launch a GT-R-inspired performance flagship around the same period as it explores expanding its GT lineup. For now, the automaker hasn’t confirmed development, production approval, specifications, or a launch timeline, but it’s an exciting prospect nonetheless.