Kia K9 rear-drive sedan spied: rumoured | Car Advice

Car Advice

Kia K9 rear-drive sedan spied: rumoured

By Brett Davis |

Reports have been circulating recently surrounding the possibility of Kia introducing a large, rear-wheel drive luxury sedan into various markets, based on Hyundai’s Genesis sedan. Now, some photographic proof of such a vehicle has surfaced.

These photos, published on Korean website bobaedream.co.kr, show what could be Kia’s version of Hyundai’s Genesis sedan. Said to be sporting the same driveline as the Genesis, this could very well be the making of the first ever V8 rear-wheel drive Kia.

Details are very hazy at this stage, but reports say the new model will feature the 3.8-litre V6 from the Genesis, producing a healthy 248kW of power. A V8 version is also on the cards, producing a hefty 287kW from a 4.8-litre configuration. Hyundai’s 5.0-litre, 320kW V8 might also power a high-end sports version.

Although Kia hasn’t confirmed if such a car is under development, Kia’s chief designer, Peter Schreyer, has been talking about the possibility of the new model, and has been quoted as saying the sedan would have to have “fantastic proportions”. Reports also say the car’s design will take inspiration from the Maserati Quattroporte.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on this one, especially if there’s any chance it will head to Australian shores.


 
  • Roadtard

    Bring it here like yesterday!

  • vti07

    Should give some hsv and fpv owners a fright at the traffic lights…

  • vti07

    Should give most HSV and FPV owners a fright at the traffic lights…

  • bangel

    Good move kia , they can see the day when ford has no RWD in OZ , they can fill the gap for the grey army of caravan lovers

    • delux

      they’ve already moved on to the Prado.

      • Devil’s Advocate

        After being forced into the Falcon because they stopped making the Toyota Crown… ;-)

  • Pistol Pete

    I’d be keen to see the outcome of this one. Seems KIA has come along way. The new Optima looks fantastic in the metal, so there is much anticipation over this car!

  • delux

    I wonder if lexus owners will be the first to defect.

  • Henry

    That’s an Equuis i Can tell the wheels the grill Kia copyed

    • Shak

      Or maybe, they could be using parts from the Family Parts bin for testing. Ever thought of that?

  • DGS

    K9

    pity about the name: it suggest KIA of 10 years ago.

    Will be very interested to see this machine when unvailed. KIA seems to be leaving Hyundai struggling to catch up in recent design refinements. This will probably look better than the Genisis, leaving Hyundai with the challenge of at least matching it in design for the next generation of Genisis sedans.

    • Buntz

      Hyundai owns Kia.

  • pabs

    @ Henry,

    the grill is actually horizontal…the vertical pieces are from the car cover. you can see the reall grill behind it

  • Devil’s Advocate

    I hope it isn’t a “dog” of a car…. ;-)