Can Kia climb up the premium ladder with this new K8?
Talks between Apple and Kia may have fallen through, but the brand is still pushing through on its transformation. The first car to be fully revealed under the new “Kia” name (it used to be “Kia Motors”) and the new Kia logo will be the K8. The K8 replaces the K7, otherwise known as the Cadenza in some markets and obviously we won’t be seeing it here in Malaysia. Underneath the skin, this new K8 is essentially Kia’s take on the Hyundai Genesis (now known as the Genesis G80).
Ex-BMW and Infiniti design lead, Karim Habib, now Heads Kia’s Global Design Center. According to him, the Kia K8 takes inspiration from many of the world’s most technically advanced yachts.
Here are some design highlights on the new Kia K8:
- new signature frameless ‘tiger nose’ grille
- intricate diamond lattice pattern on grille
- front lamps include a turn signal that resembles a star
- new Kia logo on the front and rear
- 5,015mm in length
- chrome finish along Daylight Opening line and the bottom of the doors
- horizontal taillight with jewel patterned arrangements below the spoiler lip
No further information about the new Kia K8 were shared, but it’ll probably share mechanical components with the Genesis G80. If it shares the same engine options, you can expect a a 2.5L Turbo inline-4 petrol (304 horsepower, 421Nm), a 3.5L Turbo V6 petrol (380 horsepower, 530Nm) and a 2.2L Turbo inline-4 diesel (210 horsepower). An 8-speed conventional automatic with rear or all-wheel drive options should also be on the table.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Kia Corporation has today revealed the first official images of the K8, the first model for the rebirth of Kia brand to exemplify its new purpose and ambitions for the future.
The K8 represents a new model name for Kia and is the first model to show the brand’s new design identity as well as the contemporary new Kia logo.
With a focus on modern, premium quality and dynamic performance, the K8 moves forward in the sports sedan space and will build on the success of the K7(known as Cadenza in some markets) and continues Kia’s rise towards excellence in the segment later this year.
The K8 features a modern innovative sedan that combines sportiness and performance with a progressive and sleek exterior design.
All-new car, all-new name
The introduction of an all-new model name – the K8 – is part of Kia’s brand transition and represents the premium space in which the new sports sedan will occupy.
The K8 will offer a comfortable yet high-performance driving experience that will complement the simple, ergonomic ‘first class’ interior. The new model signals an upward journey in design, technology and modernity from the outgoing K7, delivering a class-leading package that redefines the meaning of sports sedan.
Due for market launch later this year, more information on the K8 will be made available to in due course.
