The Kia K9 has made its American debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show as the 2015 Kia K900. It was revealed last month that the big sedan will be called K900, after Kia faced an injunction over the Quoris name, which was originally intended for the Kia K9’s export markets.
The K900 can be had with Hyundai-Kia’s all-aluminum ‘Tau’ 5.0 litre V8 engine with 420 hp. The GDI dual-CVVT engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Eco, Normal and Sport modes, which also alter the electric steering’s sensitivity. The K900 is also available with a 3.8L V6 with 311 hp.
The Kia brand is synonymous with value for money, and some might wonder if there’s a market in the States for a big, luxurious rear-wheel drive saloon. Kia is optimistic, though.
“Kia’s rise over the last five years has been fueled by a willingness to challenge the status quo with vehicles such as the Optima, Sorento and Cadenza, which have brought new and more affluent customers to our showrooms and dramatically raised the profile of the brand while maintaining our value proposition,” said Michael Sprague, executive VP of marketing and communications at KMA.
“The K900 is the next logical progression for Kia. It demonstrates what Kia is capable of and will help redefine what the Kia brand stands for,” he stressed.
The range-topping V8 equipped with the VIP Package is packed with limo amenities including reclining outboard rear seats and a 900-watt Lexicon high-fidelity audio system. The V6 can be had with Luxury and Technology packages. The K900 is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2014, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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