Kia Sketches Upcoming Rear-Drive, Hyundai Genesis–Based “K9″ Sedan

As we've previously reported, a rear-wheel-drive Kia sedan is on the way, and the Korean automaker has now released several sketches previewing the car's look. If you were hoping that the flagship four-door would adopt the funky detailing of the GT concept from last year's Frankfurt auto show, prepare to be disappointed. Whereas the GT looked like a future-think, four-door sports car from 1960s Japan, the car in these drawings is decidedly more tame and formal. This Kia is likely to adopt a version of the Hyundai Genesis's platform, and it will hit the Korean market by mid-2012. We've been told to expect it in the U.S. within 24 months after that. The big Kia still doesn't have an official name—it has been designated "KH" and also referred to as "K9″—so whether it will be called GT or Veredus or something else altogether is still up in the air. It's important to note that the vehicle seen here is a different model than the front-wheel-drive, Hyundai Azera–based Kia Cadenza sedan that's expected to come to the U.S. soon. (Likely very soon: We recently spotted a fully finished Cadenza prowling around the Detroit area.) For a dive into Kia's upcoming products, including the new flagship and the brand's EV plans, head over to this post. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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