Kia confirmed to dealers, last week, that a new full-sized rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan will enter the lineup in the United States early next year.
Kia’s first-ever RWD production sedan will be called the K900, and is known as the “K9” in South Korea and as the “Quoris” in other overseas markets. It will come with advanced safety technologies, luxury features, in a package similar in size to a BMW 7-Series, according to dealers who attended Kia’s national dealer meeting in Las Vegas this week.
The K900’s engine lineup will include V-6 and V-8 engines, with the V-8 producing 420 hp. The K900’s V-6 will likely be the 290 hp, 3.8-liter mill used in the version sold in South Korea. With 420 hp, the V-8 should be the 5.0-liter V-8 from Hyundai-Kia’s Tau engine family. The eight-speed automatic transmission used in overseas models is also expected for the K900.
Other features of the model sold overseas and expected to be on the K900 include adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a 17-speaker premium audio system and a head-up display that displays cruising speed, turn-by-turn directions and other information.
Don Hobden, chairman of Kia’s national dealer council, said Kia officials at the meeting called the K900 “…a 7-Series value for a 5-series price.” Pricing was not discussed, but the Kia K900 is expected to carry a base price of between $50,000 and $70,000.
Kia will continue its trend of introducing new products during its annual Superbowl commercials. A specific launch date was not announced, but Mr. Hobden said the car will arrive in early 2014 with sales of 5,000 units expected. Could it be that the Koreans are making a legitimate assault on the market held hostage by the Germans? Get ready; the landscape of your local Country Club parking lot is subject to change.
Do you think the new Kia K900 will be able to compete with other luxury marquees?
