Kia's first rear-drive large sedan in over a decade has just gone on sale in Korea. With sleek style and loads of technology in addition to its greater scale and engaging dynamic qualities, the 2013 Kia K9 is intended to elevate the brand into a new arena on an international scale as well as in the home market. While Kia admits there are no current plans to bring a version of this new luxury four-door to America when global sales commence in late 2012, it has left the door open to that possibility at some point in time. And a comment by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, noting that "the K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands" seems to reinforce the possibility the automaker's latest offering could indeed make an appearance here -- albeit wearing a badge better suited to the U.S. market.
With a 5,090 mm overall length and 3,045 mm wheelbase, Kia K9 offers generous front and rear occupant space. Overall width and height are 1,900 mm and 1,490 mm, respectively, which creates a spacious cabin environment.
Initially, Kia K9 will be available in some overseas markets powered by an upgraded 290 ps Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine, with a 334 ps 3.8-litre GDI engine joining the global engine line-up in 2013.
The all-new saloon will premiere a range of advanced luxury features and technologies, including fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), radar-based Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), a 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system, Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and an Around-View Monitor (AVM) with four cameras.
Every K9 comes with Kia's all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The wide spread of gear ratios guarantees brisk acceleration and high-speed refinement, while shift-by-wire (SBW) technology with a joystick control delivers fast, smooth gear changes.
K9 is Kia's first rear-wheel drive sedan. It boasts Kia's "best of the best" design, driving performance and high technology capabilities and is regarded as one of 2012's most eagerly anticipated all-new models in both Korean and overseas markets.
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