Kia K9 Spotted In California: Does That Mean U.S. Sales?
Automotive News posted a picture of a Kia K9 luxury sedan wearing manufacturer plates on the road near Orange County, California. Does that mean we’re due to get the K9 any time soon?
Once upon a time, my father worked for Kia Canada, and the company’s head office had a frequent rotation of Korean market cars sent over for evaluation. Some, like the Carens, made it over under a different name, while others, like the Enterprise, were merely showpieces for what Kia could do with a re-skinned, decade old Mazda platform. Nevertheless, I wanted an Enterprise, complete with back massagers and headrest mounted TV screens.
The K9 could very well make it here, depending on Kia’s push to bring themselves upmarket. It would need a new name, lest it evoke visions of Iams pet food and invasive, racially motivated vehicle searches. Unfortunately, a piece of forbidden fruit wearing Manufacturer plates is not always a reliable indicator of future product plans.
More by Derek Kreindler
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K9? Who let the dogs out?
Doesn't look like a dog to me. Looks like a pretty nice car. Wait, did I miss something?
I'd say that it'll eventually make it's way to the US (after the K7/Cadenza). If Kia gives the greenlight for production of the GT, it would make for a 2 sedan luxury lineup.
I'm curious if Kia has plans for the K7 to come to the USA. I've seen a few of them here in China and I must admit I like them more than the Optima(K5). K9 I think is a bit big for what I'm looking for.