One of three models heading to South Africa next year, supposed first details of Lepas’ flagship model, the L8, has been revealed via parent company Chery’s all-new Tiggo 8.
Shown but nothing else…
Topping a range comprising the L4 and L6, the L8 made its second showing this year at Chery’s annual International User Summit in its hometown of Wuhu last month after making its world debut in April.
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>Destined for export markets and not the Chinese domestic market, the unveiling of the Tiggo 8 on Wednesday (12 November) has, however, divulged select details of the unknown-until-now L8.
..until now
Its name derived from “leopard” and “passion”, the L8’s biggest hint from the Tiggo 8 comes from the latter having the same frontal design as part of two separate facia options in China.
Called Leopard with the second wearing the Tiger reference, the former’s only other difference from the L8 involves the Chery logo on the grille being absent.
For its part, a cursive Lepas badge will be present on top of the L8’s bonnet, which the “Leopard” Tiggo 8 doesn’t have.
At the rear, the Lepas logo replaces the Chery insignia in the centre of the tailgate and the L8 decal the Tiggo 8 script on the lower left-hand section.
Dimensionally, the Tiggo 8 Leopard, and by extensions the L8, measures 4 725 mm long, 1 880 mm wide and 1 705 mm, with its wheelbase stretching 2 825 mm.
Interior
Inside, the cabin of the L8 has been changed from the Tiggo 8 to include an altered dashboard and a Mercedes-Benz MBUX-styled 15.6-inch infotainment display radiating from the centre console.
Noted on the L8 displayed at the summit, the “Leopard” Tiggo 8 has the same centre console and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
More punch
Fitted with a clip-on table at the event, the L8’s engine options are likely to mirror those of the Tiggo 8 without change.
Carried over from the outgoing model, and indeed the seven-seat Tiggo 8 Plus known as the Tiggo 8 Pro in South Africa, both have been reworked to produce more power and torque.
Still mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the 1.6 T-GDI now makes 160kW/320Nm, while the 2.0 T-GDI sends its newfound 210kW/430Nm through an eight-speed torque converter automatic.
Wait has started
As it stands, final details of the L8, and also the L4 and L6, are unknown as Lepas’ local market operations only takes off next year as mentioned.
However, with the unveiling of the Tiggo 8 now complete, don’t be surprised if select information about the L8 does emerge before the end of the year.
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