After dumping the Cadenza / K7, Kia introduced the all-new K8 sedan in February, and today the company has revealed its technical specifications. The flagship Kia K8 will be larger than the K7, with a length of 5,015 millimeters (197.4 inches).
The posh sedan will feature a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 gasoline mill creating 296 horsepower (221 kilowatts). It is an extra six horsepower and 265 pound-feet (359 Newton-meters) or 12 lb-ft (16 Nm) than the Cadenza’s 3.3-liter V6. While more power is a welcome addition, what we like most is an all-wheel-drive system for range-topping K8.
Of note, the automaker is offering the 3.5-liter mill with liquid propane injection (LPI) as well as gasoline direct injection (GDI). The latter will deliver a lesser output of 237 horsepower (177 kW) and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm).
Those not looking for extra power can opt for a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine yielding 195 hp (145 kW) and 183 lb-ft (248 Nm) of torque. Both the 3.5L and 2.5L mills mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level K8, due later in the year, will come with a 1.6-liter engine.
Other than a more powerful engine, the new K8 comes equipped with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The engineers have also used excellent sound-deadening materials to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. For instance, Kia has used a triple sealing solution for the doors that “dramatically reduces unwanted noises.”
While the exterior looks stunning and contemporary, the interior is now more luxurious and sophisticated. Functions like “smart support” for the driver’s seat are what make the new Kia K8 more desirable and different in its segment. What smart support does is that it triggers in sport mode or automatically as the sedan goes over 81 mph (130 km/h). It then drops the height of the seat’s hip section and increases the aid to the side bolsters.
The Cadenza-replacing large sedan comes equipped with a range of facilities, including ventilated seats, a 12-inch head-up display, Kia’s first Meridian sound system (with 14 speakers), and two 12-inch digital screens. Furthermore, buyers will be able to benefit from navigation-based adaptive cruise control as well as a surround-view camera system.
The new Kia K8 will hit its home market first in April before landing in other countries. Unfortunately, it will not be available for the U.S. markets. We hope and desire to have it in the UAE, though. Even if it is not available in Gulf states, we have the Stinger that offers lots of new features and more power for the 2022 MY.
Source and Images: Motor1