Kia K900 Brings a Rear-Wheel Drive Flagship to the US

KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
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has launched its first flagship, rear-wheel drive sedan in the US at the Los Angles Auto Show. The K900 will be available with either a new for Kia 420hp V8 or 311hp V6, and the car is not just offering power, Kia has packed the car with every technological doo-dad that it possibly can to make it even more appealing. In other markets, it is known at the K9Kia K9Republic of Korea, 2012 > present4 photos
and Quoris.

“Next year will mark Kia Motors’ 20th anniversary in the U.S. market, and the all-new K900 is a symbol of how far the brand has come and the next bold example of the challenger spirit that has benefitted Kia over nearly two decades of growth and maturation,” said Michael Sprague, head of marketing at Kia America.

From the exterior, the K900 does not look much different than the OptimaKia Optima Gen.3Republic of Korea, 2011 > present39 versions
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or Cadenza sedans. Granted, it is much larger, but the styling is similar. At the front, it has a chrome mesh grill and polished chrome surround. Underbody panels reduce drag to improve fuel economy. The V8 model gets standard LED adaptive headlights with LED running lights surrounding them. The turn signals and fog lights also use LEDs. The rear is also similar to the other cars with trapezoidal LED taillights and exhausts molded into the rear bumper.

High end features on the K900 include an auto opening/closing trunk and side view mirrors that incorporate heating, dimming, LED turn signals and blind spot detection.

Inside, the K900 really shows what it has to offer. It comes with a heated, multifunction steering wheel on most models with a Nappa leather interior with either black or white piping. All cars have full LED interior lighting and a 12-way adjustable, heated and ventilated driver’s seat. The V8 gets a 16-way adjustable seat. The standard infotainment system uses a 9.2in screen.

Rear passengers also get heated seats and their own ventilation settings. All V8 models come with a panoramic sunroof with a power retractable shade that can be controlled from the rear.

Standard technology for the K900 includes: front and rear paring sensors and cameras, cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection

For even more opulence, Kia is offering the VIP Package that adds reclining rear seats with lumbar support and multi-stage cooling. It also adds a 12.3in front LCD screen and head-up display. It also adds wide-view angle cameras to each of the car’s corners that can be viewed on the central screen at low speeds.

The engine range for the K900 is either a 5.0-liter V8 with 420hp with an eight-speed automatic transmission or 3.8-liter V6 with 311hp and the same eight-speed automatic.

The K900 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2014, and Kia will announce pricing closer to launch.