Updated: 30/08/08
Kia engineers have taken a few 2010 Sorento prototypes to Death Valley, CA to do some hot weather and towing testing under the scorching sun.
We've seen the Sorento in its full glory so expect the newcomer to take hints of the Kue and KND-4 SUV. The Sorento is much longer than the outgoing model but will not accommodate 3rd row seats since sales could interfere with the recently launch Borrego. Kia is also working hard to ditch its "cheap and cheerful" reputation in favour for a more upmarket, classier and posher reputation.
Heaps of car magazines are speculating numerous engines that will go under the hood of the newcomer. For petrol engines, expect a 2.4 litre 4 cylinder from the Santa Fe, 3.3 litre V6 from the current model and a revised Lambda 3.8 litre V6 from the Borrego at a later date, with the latter mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.2 litre 4 cylinder from the Hyundai Santa Fe is speculated, alongside a 3.0 litre V6 which may find its way under the Veracruz and Borrego. The diesel engine will defiantly be popular in Europe. No word on American sales though.
In pursuit of more car-like feel, the Sorento will abandon its current body-on-chassis configuration in favor of a unibody platform that will also be shared by the Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe.
Production will begin at Kia's new West Point, Georgia plant in November 2009.
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