We're starting to learn new information about Kia's rear-wheel drive flagship as the car's designer, Peter Schreyer, sat down for an interview with Drive. While he couldn't talk specifics, Schreyer said the car - code named the K9 - would have "fantastic proportions." That's not much to go off of, but previous spy photos have indicated the car will have styling inspired by the Maserati Quattroporte. More importantly, since the vehicle is based on the Hyundai Genesis, engine options will likely include a 3.8-liter V6 with 333 hp (248 kW / 338 PS), a 4.6-liter V8 with 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS), and a 5.0-liter V8 that develops 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS). The Kia K9 could be unveiled at the Frankfurt or North American International Auto Show, so stay tuned. Read more: Kia K9 flagship comes into focus
KIA is a brand with a brilliant reputation and visually appealing designs curtsey of a former Audi designer. They could be the next Nissan if they are consistent with quality, reliability and exciting product lines.
Kia releases sketches of upcoming luxury sedan South Korea’s Kia has just released the first sketches of its upcoming flagship sedan. It has not yet been given a name and the company refers to it simply as the KH. When it is launched, the KH will face the tough task of taking on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class , the BMW 7-Series , and the Lexus LS, among others. It will compete in one of the most unforgiving market segments in the global auto industry, so Kia has left nothing to chance in its development. The KH was penned by ex- Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for the Audi TT and the Volkswagen New Beetle. Its exterior lines add European styling cues to the design language that has been seen on Kias for the last several years. The company brands it as a “distinctive, modern, and classic” design. No images of the interior were released. The KH is expected to ride on the same platform as the Hyundai Equus , making it the brand’s first-ever rear-wheel drive car. It will be offered with a variety of eight- and six-cylinder engines, most of which will be bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission developed in-house. Kia did not comment on when the KH is scheduled to make its debut, saying only that the first examples will reach South Korean showrooms in the first half of 2012. The next installment of the biennial Seoul Motor Show is not scheduled until 2013, so it is not out of the question to see the car at the Beijing show next April. Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/kia-kh-2013.html
^ Nose reminds me of the Citroen DS5. Quattroporte vents in the side. Profile has some KIA Optima overtones. + The CS Concept is the epitome of this BMW design language....
^ Indeed! Except for it's home market, China and Japan (maybe the U.S. since they seem to like 'bargains') - the markets where units will be shifted, the car poses no threat to established brands. One thing I can't really understand is how Hyundai positions itself vs KIA. I was under the impression that Hyundai (since being the owners of the KIA brand) is the more 'senior' of the two in it's global positioning. Albeit KIA seems to make the more 'exiting' products lately. Ok, it's their problem and not ours yet IMO they are trying to be a VAG of some sorts.
With a RWD platform, and considering what the Optima has pulled off with a FWD platform/proportions and with no real warm up time (it's basically the first decent Kia design after decades of utter garb), it can be very promising indeed.
I think so too. KIA is an underdog I'm cheering for. A large sedan will be important for the brand in manifesting itself as a Volvo alternative.
Damn, very nice actually. It still "feels" like an Asian car interior, if you really want to compare it with those it benchmarks off of, but damn if it's close. For a budget price, many people would look past the subtle lacking in authenticity. Tasteful, overall. It's too bad that Hyundai/Kia have completely ripped off M-B's historic door-seat-controls. Now M-B's gonna obviously redesign theirs and possibly F it up. Can't they patten that design or something?
KIA is getting better and better, while prices are quite low quality is reaching VW level. If the K9 is Maserati inspired, Maserati better not f*** up the Quattroporte replacement.
K9 Completely uncovered.... Surprise! New Kia K9 RWD Flagship Sedan Filmed Completely Uncovered - Carscoop Jeez, it's like a Chinese rip-off of the BMW CS + 7er + 5GT. By the way, 'K9' sounds too much like "canine" Not to be offensive, but considering in S. Korea where dog can be found on the menu, I can't help but find it a bit ironic.
