Shanghai (ZXZC)- Chery's National Industrial Design Center was unveiled on Feb. 1, and the Chery Tiggo 8 also made its debut at the same time. Adopting a design language of "life in motion", the seven-seat mid-size SUV will be Chery's flagship SUV model, which is expected to be launched at Auto China 2018 in April.

With the opening up of the industrial design center and the latest vehicle technological platform, Chery will master world-leading R&D technologies and excellent designing capabilities among self-owned vehicle brands, Chen Anning, general manager of Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. said in great confidence.

Chen also elaborated that the design center would not only focus on exterior and interior design, but also attaches importance to the innovation and application of intelligent technologies. It will bring totally new experience for customers. Currently, Chery's strategy will transfer from price into design, Chen Anning added.

Currently, Chery owns two design centers in China. One is in Wuhu, Anhui Province and another is in Shanghai. Both centers will play crucial roles in improving the design of Chery's models.

The Tiggo 8 adopts Chery's latest design style with a hexagonal intake grille, delivering a very three-dimensional and sculptural looking. An unmistakable logo was offered in the middle of the intake grille. Featuring irregular headlights on both sides, the model looks very sharp and aggressive from the front end.

According to the spied shots, the Tiggo 8's interior resembles that of the Tiggo 5x, featuring a three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel and an electronic brake. It also boasts a premium and well-equipped cabin with a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies.

At the early phase, the Tiggo 8 will be powered by a 1.5T turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 108kW and a peak torque of 210Nm, mated with six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. In the near future, the new model is likely to be equipped with Chery's third-gen 1.6T turbocharged engine, which will be more robust and powerful.