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Kia flagship to take on BMW

Kia has revealed the latest batch of photographs of its new flagship sedan to be launched during the first half of 2012 year in Korea.

The new K9 is the Korean automaker's first rear-wheel drive sedan and derives its name from Kia’s domestic market "K" series range of passenger cars which includes the Optima.

TECHNICALS SECRET

The K9’s exterior carries Kia’s evolving design DNA, with its "‘tiger-nose" radiator grille, diode lights and a voluminous hood.  Viewed from the front, the car presents an imposing and characterful image... not to mention more than a passing resemblance to BMW's 5 Series GT.

Kia K9

GOING GREEK: The letter "K" not only represents Kia and its home country, Korea, but also refers to the Greek word "kratos" which means powerful, domination and reign.

Kia has yet to reveal any real technical information but the new model will share a its platform with Hyundai's Genesis sedan. This means it could feature the same range of petrol engines, which includes a 193kW 3.3 V6, 213kW 3.8 V6 and 269kW 4.6 V8.

Soon-Nam Lee, director of the overseas marketing group, said: “The K9 is our first rear-wheel drive sedan, created without compromise in its design, driving performance and new technologies. It sets a whole new level of standards and values in the large sedan segment, and its design will be another Kia demonstration of our brand’s power to surprise."

Kia has yet to designate a name for export markets and will reveal its global launch date later in 2012.

Read more reports from the 2012 Geneva auto show.
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