2008 Kia Borrego V8 mid-size SUV unveiled in Detroit

The Hyundai Genesis isn’t the only Korean manufacturer to be showing off their first V8 powered product at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Kia introduced their new midsize Borrego SUV, which will be known as the Mohave in some markets, most likely North America.

The Borrego will be available with a 3.8-litre V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-litre V8 DOHC engine sporting a very respectable 224kW/300hp, making the V8 Borrego the most powerful Kia ever. The V8 will use a new (to Kia) six-speed automatic transmission.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive. We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of Kia Motors America.

Which leaves two questions - will we see the Borrego in Australia and will we see Kia’s new V8 making an appearance in a future performance model?

For further details, check out Kia’s press release after the image gallery below.

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Press Release

Kia Motors Introduces All-New Borrego SUV

• Newest addition to Kia global line-up makes its debut at North American International Auto Show

• Borrego to feature Kia's first V8 engine in some markets

Kia Motors Corporation has announced the world debut of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV (to be known as "Mohave" in some markets) at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its ever growing product line-up.

Inspired by Kia's "less is more" design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia's versatile and stylish range of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles.

Set to go on sale by mid-2008 in overseas markets (domestic Korean sales commenced in early January), Borrego houses Kia's first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of Kia Motors America. "We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience."

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging

Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego's body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully-independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, both on- and off-road.

Flared-back headlamps, an upright grille and a chiselled hood project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels enable increased off-road capability.

Built on a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven people.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior

Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity® audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be enabled with three months' complimentary service with SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia's first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.

Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy access to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimise cargo space.

Unparalleled Power

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-litre V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-litre V8 DOHC engine, capable of producing more than 300-horsepower, that will be available in some markets including North America. Also unique to Borrego, and new to Kia, is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine.

Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when partnered with the V8 or 5,000 pounds with the V6, the midsize SUV offers unmatched capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Standard Kia Safety

Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) - see editor's note below.

Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both DAC and HAC are new functions on a Kia model.

Editor's note: Specifications and standard equipment based on US version and may vary depending on country/region.