Kia K9: new images and details

With the K9 Kia is entering the premium sedan automotive market. Following the launch on the domestic market, from the fourth quarter of 2012 the model will be introduced in a number of key overseas markets, where it will have a different name.

Design

The proportions are characterized by a long wheelbase which gives a generous first impression while allowing to increase the interior space.

As the engine sits further back, the A-pillar is also pushed back to create a longer hood and an impressive short front overhang.

This allowed to increase the so-called “prestige distance”, i.e. the distance between the center of the wheel and the A-pillar.

Thanks to this and the high shoulder line, the glass house sits far back and the sheet metal-to-glass ratio is significantly increased.

The pushed-back position and the small size of the glass house give occupants a “feeling of privacy and dignity”, while the nice distinctive window graphics accentuated by a chrome inlay give the car a premium feel.

Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer explains: “K9 is all about elegant simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces.”

“The class-leading long wheelbase, the prestige distance, large wheels, sharply upright short overhangs and a long sweeping shoulder line all work together in a harmony to give K9 a sporty, athletic proportion and a confident stance quintessential to a premium large rear-wheel drive vehicle.”

“While embodying a new generation of Kia design, K9 is a clear signal of our intention and determination to compete head-to-head with the European luxury brands. And for Kia, our customers, and for me – this car is like a dream come true,” concludes Schreyer.

Technical Features

At launch, the K9 will be offered with a 290 hp 3.8-liter MPI V6 engine coupled with a eight-speed transmission with shift-by-wire (SBW) technology with a joystick control and rear-wheel drive system.

A 338 hp GDI engine will be joining the global engine line-up next year.

Advanced technical features will include fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), radar-based Blind-Spot Detection (BSD), an Around-View Monitor (AVM) with four cameras and the Smart Cruise Control (SCC) which adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain the distance from the vehicle ahead.

The infotainment system will include a 12.3-inch full size Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD cluster, a HUD (head-up display), twin 9.2-inch monitors for the rear seat occupants and a 17-channel, 17-speaker Lexicon (by Harman) sound system.

A special ‘VIP’ option will offer twin heated and ventilated rear seats with a reclining backrest, sliding cushion and lower leg support for the ‘nearside’ seat, together with a front passenger seat that slides forwards when unoccupied.

(Source: Kia)