Los Angeles 2013: Kia K900, Kia Goes Further Upmarket
Following stablemate Hyundai’s move upmarket with the Genesis and Equus sedans, Kia is introducing the K900 to North America. Called the K9 elsewhere, the K900 is based on the same platform as the Hyundai luxury sedans and like them it comes standard with a 311 hp 3.8-liter V6 engine or an optional 420 hp 5.0-liter “Tau” V8. An eight speed automatic transmission is standard, though each engine will get gearboxes with specific gear ratios. The K900 is expected to arrive at Kia’s North American dealers in the first quarter of 2014.
Leather upholstery will be standard, with Nappa grade leather an option, and that upholstery gets standard heating and cooling in the front. A VIP package brings hot and cold seats to the back passengers, and buyers can choose between white sycamore and charcoal poplar for the real wood inlays. Rear seat passengers have their own climate controls.
Kia is promoting safety technology on the K900, including an “Around View” parking monitor to give drivers a bird’s eye view while backing up. Other safety features include land departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, pre-tensioning seatbelts, collision warnings and pre-pressurized braking before an anticipated collision. V8 models come with Kia’s first cross traffic alert system.
The interior features a 12.3 inch TFT instrument panel, Kia’s largest so far, and it can be configured with a variety of themes. The stereo has 17 drivers situated across the car and they are driven with a 900 watt amp.
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Cadillac, Lincoln and Buick should all hang there heads in shame over this car. Yes a freakin Kia offers a full sized RWD V8 powered sedan. Something those other 3 totally lack and should have. With that said the odd looking interior of this just lacks soul and creativity and the exterior like so many foreign makes is forgettable.
This automobile looks frag'n beautiful. To 99% of drivers, this thing looks so good.