Kia could be considering a dedicated performance model to define what its GT badge represents, with Hyundai Motor Group R&D chief Manfred Harrer acknowledging that a car positioned above the brand’s current offerings is an appealing idea.

Harrer discussed the possibility in an interview with Autocar, referencing the kind of market space previously occupied by Nissan’s GT-R. The R35 GT-R ended production in August last year without a direct replacement, removing a high-performance model that combined supercar-like pace, distinctive styling and a lower price than many cars it could outperform.

A dedicated model could define Kia’s GT badge

Rather than immediately pursuing a GT-R-style flagship, Harrer indicated that Kia’s more immediate priority could be creating a dedicated model that establishes the meaning of GT within the brand. He described the idea of first developing a standalone car capable of showing what the badge represents.

Kia has previously expressed its performance ambitions through the rear-wheel-drive Stinger, while the EV6 GT later became the brand’s most powerful performance offering. The EV6 GT produces 641 horsepower, or 478 kW, although that version is currently taking a break from Kia’s lineup. The gap leaves room for the company to reconsider how it presents its highest-performance models.

The GT-R comparison

Nissan’s R35 GT-R served as both a sports car and a defining halo model for its manufacturer. Its twin-turbocharged V6, all-wheel-drive system and years of continued development helped sustain its reputation through an unusually long production run.

A similarly distinctive model could give Kia a clear flagship, but Harrer’s comments suggest the company may approach that goal incrementally. A dedicated GT car could establish a foundation for more serious performance development if buyers respond positively.

That would represent a different direction from Kia’s recent focus on exceptionally quick family-oriented vehicles. The source does not confirm that a GT-R-style Kia has been approved or scheduled, but the company’s R&D leadership has indicated interest in exploring a model that sits above the existing range.