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The K8 (K8) was the first car to wear the new Kia logo. It will be released in the domestic market within the second quarter of this year. The existing K7 disappears into history.
On the 17th, Kia decided to completely change the model of the existing semi-large sedan `K7` and then change the name of the car to `K8`, and released its appearance for the first time on this day. After the release of the first-generation model in 2009, the K7 changed its name to K8 through one complete change (2nd generation all-new K7) and two partial changes (the new K7/K7 premiere) through the third generation. As a result, the K7 will no longer be released as a new car.
The K8 has the new Kia logo on the front. For the first time in the Kia brand, the logo emblem was made of aluminum. The biggest feature is that the radiator grille corresponding to the front face is integrated with the upper bumper. With this,’frameless’ without borders was implemented.
The radiator grille creates the appearance of light moving along the jewel pattern, as if reminiscent of a diamond. ‘Star Cloud Lighting’, which is located on both sides of the radiator grill and functions as daytime running lights and turn signals, also has a diamond pattern. Kia explained, “When the light is turned on at night, the same diamond pattern as the radiator grille can create an atmosphere of floating stars.”
The length of the car (total length) viewed from the side is also longer than the existing K7. The second-generation K7 model was 4955mm, while the K8 was manufactured with a length of 5015mm over 5m. A Kia official said, “Inspired by the appearance of a luxury yacht running on the water, we emphasized the streamlined form.”
The rear part also reveals the geometric design. This is because the graphic connecting the left and right rear lamps added a three-dimensional effect. The line from the roof to the rear is almost straight, giving a sharp yet strong impression. A slightly larger new Kia logo is placed in the center of the rear.
The K8 is expected to be released in gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and hybrid models. According to industry sources, on the 16th, K8 obtained basic certifications for emissions and noise at the National Institute of Environmental Sciences’ Transportation Environment Research Center. The certification targets are gasoline 2 types (3.5 GDI·2.5 GDI), gasoline-based hybrid (1.6 T-GDT hybrid), and LPG (3.5 LPI) in total.
It is noteworthy whether the K8 can take a leap forward with the K7 reputation as it is. After its first release in 2009, the K7 came out as’The New K7′, a partial change in 2012, and in 2016, it was transformed into a second-generation model,’All New K7′ through a complete change. It will be released as a 3rd generation model this time after the’K7 Premier’, a partially changed model of the 2nd generation in 2019, was released.
The K7, which sold 30,000 to 40,000 units each year after the first generation was released, recorded sales of more than 60,000 units annually for the second consecutive year since 2016 when the second generation was released. Until last year, a total of 500,000 K7s were sold in domestic and overseas markets. Following the release of the K8’s appearance on the day, Kia will sequentially disclose the vehicle’s interior space and driving performance, as well as its own advanced driving assistance technology specifications, prior to its official launch in the second quarter.
[서진우 기자 / 박윤구 기자]
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