Kia’s Futuristic K9

Kia has revealed the first official photographs of its all-new flagship sedan to be launched during the first half of this year in the Korean market. Referred to by its codename ‘KH’ until now, the company also confirmed that the Korean market name will be ‘K9’ – while the name for export markets, as well as overseas launch timings, will be revealed later this year.

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.

The model’s Korean market name, K9, will complete Kia’s domestic market ‘K’ series range of passenger cars, whose members also include the front-wheel drive K5 (Optima in overseas markets including Europe) and K7 (Cadenza in overseas markets – not available in Europe) sedans.

The letter ‘K’ represents not only Kia and the company’s home country of Korea, but also refers to the Greek word ‘Kratos’ – meaning powerful, domination and reign – and the English word ‘Kinetic’, meaning active and dynamic.

The K9’s exterior gives solid form to the recently released sketches of the new model, and presents its design concept, ‘high-tech luxury sedan’ image, with futuristic, sophisticated and distinctive charisma.

K9 is the latest continuation of Kia’s evolving design DNA, carrying its family-look ‘tiger-nose- radiator grille, bold ‘high-tech luxury car’ style LED headlamps, with classic design echoes in its voluminous hood. Viewed from the front, K9 presents an imposing and characterful image.