Kia’s last gasoline-powered GT car may soon exit production, as Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) accelerates its shift toward electrified performance offerings, citing tightening global emissions standards and evolving market demands, according to an interview with CarSales.
Speaking to CarSales, HMG’s Australian product chief Roland Rivero said the group is moving away from combustion engines in its performance lineup, as part of a broader response to international climate regulations and long-term product strategy.
“The N tagline is being more and more applied to electrified product, and for a bunch of reasons,” Rivero told CarSales. “You’ve got to satisfy the global situation, and CO2 regulations are tightening all around the world. Ours is going to catch up very, very quickly too.”
Kia’s K5 GT is expected to be the final combustion-powered GT car from the brand, following the discontinuation of the Stinger GT, a model widely regarded for its 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. While the GT badge will remain, its future will increasingly be tied to electrified platforms.
Rivero added that developing performance cars under new regulatory constraints will rely heavily on advanced technologies to preserve the driving experience.
“There’s no reason why an electrified product can’t give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and what not,” he said in the CarSales interview.
Hyundai has already confirmed plans for a next-generation Elantra N, reportedly featuring a more powerful engine, while electrified models like the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N have gained momentum among performance enthusiasts for their acceleration and handling.
The CarSales report also noted speculation around hybrid or range-extended EVs potentially entering Hyundai’s N lineup, which could pave the way for similar offerings from Kia, though no specific models have been confirmed.
As more automakers reassess their electrification strategies, Hyundai Motor Group appears to be positioning itself to maintain a performance presence while aligning with emissions targets and consumer shifts.