“It’s stronger than the Grandeur and bigger than the G80″… Kia K8 design is unveiled

“Forget about the K7. Forget about the Granger”

Kia will launch the new semi-large sedan, the K8, which will follow the K7 as soon as possible next month. The K8, which applied the new Kia logo for the first time, is taller than the Hyundai Grandeur. The strength was also strong. It is between the Granger and the Genesis G80.

On the 17th, Kia confirmed the car name of the K7 successor model (code name GL3) as K8 and revealed the exterior design.

The K7 is the model that announced the departure of the Kia K series in 2009. As the representative model of’Design Kia’, more than 500,000 units were sold in the global market.

The K8 is the first model that Kia, who has changed its mission and logo, is launching for a’second leap forward’. It came out five years after the launch of the 2nd generation K7 in 2016.

In Korea, it competes with Granger. In addition to popular imported mid-size sedans such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Volkswagen Passat, premium imported sedans such as Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are included as competitors.

The existing K7 did not see the light due to its status as Grandeur in Korea. Granger has occupied the top spot in domestic sales for four consecutive years since 2017. Last year, 140,546 units were sold. During the same period, 41,048 units of the K7 were sold, less than a third.

The K8 grew taller and stronger in order to raise its Kia status in the semi-large market. It competes with the Granger, but rather, it is likely to target the gap between the Granger and the Genesis G80. This is to avoid carnivalization between the group’s brothers and models.

The K8 has a total length of 5015mm. The full width and full height specifications were not available. The K7 is 4995x1870x1470mm in length x width x height. The Grandeur is 4990x1875x1470mm. The Genesis G80 is 4995x1925x1465mm. The Granger and K7 are of course longer than the G80.

The wheelbase that determines the interior space is expected to be longer than K7 (2855mm) or Grandeur (2885mm) and shorter than G80 (3010mm).

On the 16th, K8 received emission and noise certification from the Ministry of Environment. It comes in four engine lineups: 1.6 turbo hybrid, 2.5 and 3.5 gasoline, and 3.5 LPG.

According to the Ministry of Environment’s automobile emission and noise certification system, the 1.6 T-GDI hybrid has a maximum output of 180 horsepower and an empty vehicle weight of 1630 kg. It replaces the 159 hp K7 2.4 hybrid.

The 2.5 GDI is 198 horsepower and 1540 kg. Equipped with the same engine as the K7 2.5 GDI.

The 3.5 GDI is 300 horsepower and 1640 kg, and the 3.5 LPI is 240 horse power and 1625 kg. It replaces the K7 3.0 gasoline and 3.0 LPI respectively.

K8 Hybrid has a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all other models have an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The maximum output of the Grandeur is 198 hp for the 2.5 gasoline model, 290 hp for the 3.3 gasoline model, and 235 hp for the 3.0 LPI model. The K8 has an engine that is more powerful than the Grandeur.

The body is designed to be dynamic and slim like the G80 by utilizing the longer overall length. A streamlined character line inspired by the appearance of a luxury yacht running on the water was applied.

With a long hood, a short front overhang, and a roofline at the rear of the second row that runs coolly to the end of the trunk, it has the same dynamic ratio as the coupe.

The brand’s first new aluminum emblem was applied to the front part. It tells us that it is the first model to open a new generation of Kia.

The frameless bumper-integrated radiator grille is inspired by diamonds. It implemented the appearance of moving light following a jewel-like pattern.

Star cloud lighting, which functions as daytime running lights and turn indicators, located on both sides of the radiator grill, also adopted the same diamond pattern as the grill.

The rear part focuses on a strong and future-oriented image based on a stable posture.

The’rear lamp cluster’, composed of left and right rear lamps and graphics connecting them, emphasizes the wide body width with a geometrical shape that feels three-dimensional.

The rear spoiler, the Kia emblem, and the K8 logo, which connect from the roof line and give a sleek and strong impression, are arranged concisely.

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