Kia K9 Gets Green Light as Rear-Drive, V8-Powered Genesis Double
Rumored to be in the production pipeline since 2009, Kia will reportedly move ahead with plans to introduce a flagship K9 sedan.
The K9 (following Kia’s Korean numbering scheme) will be based on the same chassis as the Genesis sedan from parent company Hyundai. That being said, it will be a true rear-wheel drive machine, likely sporting the brand’s Tau V8 (4.6-liters or 5.0-liters), mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
Set to launch next year, this report fits with a larger plan announced by Kia to expand into niche markets with more engaging vehicles.
According to CAR Magazine, the K9 won’t make its way to European soil, but is planned for North America.
[Source: CAR]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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Hail to the rear wheel drive ballsy big 8 sedan from Korea! Count on the Koreans to understand the driving desires of American enthusiasts. Hopefully this will encourage other factories to do more rear wheel beasts.
What's in a name? Maybe law enforcement in NA will use these Kias for drug-sniffing cars so they won't have to paint the name on them -- it'll already be there.