Now that's a nose.
KiaKia is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, heralded by a new logo, streamlined alphanumeric model names, a focus on electrification and crazier designs than ever before. The first production model to wear the redesigned emblem and fresh design language is the new K8 sedan, which replaces the Cadenza in the lineup. Sadly, the K8 won't come to the US, but that doesn't mean we can't still ogle over it.
Making its debut Tuesday, the K8 is about an inch longer than the outgoing Cadenza, which was called K7 in other countries, but no other dimensions were announced. Kia is positioning the K8 both as more of a premium offering and more of a sports sedan than the Cadenza, which is apparently reinforced by the name change.
The K8 continues Kia's streak of striking designs.
KiaThe first thing you notice about the K8 isn't the new Kia logo, but the massive "tiger nose" grille that sits below it. The grille is frameless so it seems like an integrated part of the bumper, and it features an intricate diamond pattern that's echoed by the LED turn signals beneath the headlights. It's extremely distinctive, and not really like any other Kia currently on sale. The new grille also seems like it could easily translate onto electric cars by closing off some of the diamond elements, which we're sure is by design.
Like the K5, the K8 has a fastback profile but a traditional sedan trunk, with Kia proclaiming that traditional sedans are being re-interpreting as fastback passenger cars. The K8's sides are sleekly surfaced and mostly unadorned, and Kia says the main character line is inspired by "yachts sailing across calm waters." There's a strange fin-like trim element in the rear windows, and a chrome strip in the lower doors kicks up to meet a strip in the quarter panel flowing off the taillights.
Get ready to see these taillights on future Kias.
KiaOur favorite part of the K8 is the rear end, which features a fabulous ducktail-esque spoiler integrated with the trunk lid above a thin, horizontal taillight strip. The LED tailights split off into two spears to form a Y shape and feature jewel-like patterns, and there's a pair of rectangular chrome exhaust tips. The angular look is really successful, and you can expect to see similar taillight shapes on Kia's upcoming crossover EV.
Kia didn't release any interior photos of the K8, just saying that it has a "simple, ergonomic, first class" interior that's more modern and tech-filled than that of the K7. No information on powertrains or chassis improvements were released either. The K8 will launch in South Korea and other markets later this year, with the brand set to trickle out more info before then.
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