10th May, 2012
Kia’s new flagship K9 sedan has begun selling in Korea. The company’s first rear-wheel drive large sedan in over a decade isn’t just to be a domestic offering – it’s set to be launched in a number of key overseas markets later this year. The V6 and eight-speed transmission-equipped vehicle measures 5.09 metres long, with overall width and height being 1.90 and 1.49 metres respectively. The car has a 3.045 metre-long wheelbase, promising generous front and rear occupant space.
The K9 rolls in powered by an upgraded 290 PS Lambda V6 3.8 litre MPI engine, though a 334 PS 3.8 litre GDI engine will join the global engine line-up next year. The normally aspirated twin DOHC mill is mated to an all-new Kia eight-speed automatic transmission, which features shift-by-wire (SBW) technology. Salient points include an ultra-stiff bodyshell made with 74.3 per cent high-strength steel, as well as an electronically-controlled air suspension with five-link front and rear suspension geometry, and four driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow) enable the driver to choose a preferred set-up of suspension, steering, engine and transmission.
Depending on model, available active safety features for the car will include fully adaptive all-LED headlamps, a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), radar-based Blind-Spot Detection (BSD) and an Around-View Monitor (AVM) with four cameras.