Tenet has revealed its A8 sedan, announcing production at the former Toyota plant in Shushary, just outside St. Petersburg. This full-cycle manufacturing facility, known in the Russian market for previously assembling Toyotas, marks Tenet’s push into the business-class sedan segment-a space left noticeably empty since Japanese brands pulled out of Russia.
The flagship Tenet A8 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 197 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 9 seconds. A more affordable variant featuring a 1.6-liter turbo engine is also planned, though details remain under wraps.
Dimension-wise, the A8 fits well within the business sedan category, measuring 4757 × 1832 × 1469 mm with a 2770 mm wheelbase. Tenet emphasizes rear passenger comfort, equipping the second row with dedicated climate control vents, USB ports, and a central armrest-targeting both executive drivers and chauffeur-driven usage.
Tenet A8 specifications and features
- Engine options: turbocharged 1.6L and 2.0L
- Top power output: 197 hp (2.0L)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Wheels: 18-inch rims
- Infotainment: 15.6-inch touchscreen
- Instrument cluster: 10-inch digital display
- Features: panoramic roof, Sony audio system, seat ventilation
- Winter package: heated seats, steering wheel, windshield, and nozzles
- Cabin: electrically adjustable front seats with memory settings, ambient interior lighting, physical climate control buttons
The cabin also features tactile physical climate control buttons-a notable detail, as many business sedan drivers prefer tactile controls over touchscreens, especially during Russian winters when gloves make touchscreen use inconvenient.
Tenet’s entry into the business sedan segment makes sense given the landscape in Russia. Before 2022, models like the Toyota Camry, Kia K5, and Hyundai Sonata dominated this class. After these brands exited, Chinese models such as the Chery Arrizo 8, Geely Preface, and Hongqi H5 filled the gap.
The local production of the A8 at the Shushary facility is significant not only for Tenet but for the segment overall. The former Toyota plant had been a symbol of dependable business-class manufacturing, supporting corporate fleets and government orders before shutting down.
The facility’s history adds weight to this development. Before its closure, the St. Petersburg plant produced Camry and RAV4 models, with an annual capacity near 100,000 units. If Tenet can quickly scale full-cycle production there for a large sedan, the A8 will stand out with a key advantage: genuine local assembly.
Currently, most business sedans in Russia are either imported fully built or assembled from kits, which limits availability and flexibility.
Tenet A8 pricing and market outlook
Prices, trim levels, and the sales launch date will be announced soon. That will reveal whether the Tenet A8 can convincingly replace familiar corporate sedans or add to the rapidly evolving Russian auto market’s diverse lineup.