William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

September 20, 2013

As we were expecting, Kia told its dealers this week that the K9/Quoris flagship sedan will be coming to the U.S. in early 2014. The flagship will wear the K900 nameplate (WHY?!) and have a marketing blitz during the 2014 Super Bowl according to dealers.

The K900 will be Kia's first rear-wheel drive sedan sold in the U.S. and become the brand's flagship. It will come with the choice of either a V6 (likely the 3.8L with 290 horsepower) and V8 (likely the 5.0L Tau V8 from Hyundai with 420 horsepower). An eight-speed automatic transmission is expected to come as well.

Pricing wasn't disclosed, but rumors have pointed to a price range between $50,000 to $70,000. As Don Hobden, chairman of Kia's national dealer council put it, the K900 is "a 7-series value for a 5-series price."

Kia also told its dealers that the K900 rollout will begin at dealerships on the West Coast, in New England, and Florida before going on sale nationwide. Dealers will undergo special training and buy special items for their showrooms. This sounds very familiar when Hyundai launched the Equus.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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At least it's better than the Credenza.

I'd rather have the Equus from a styling and interior perspective. I just wish you could get a bit better gas mileage with it.

It's funny they mention the 7 series because it looks like they copied the styling from it too.

I just don't understand why someone would buy a $70,000 Kia. I would be perfectly happy with a BMW 5 series, Mercedes C Class or Audi A6 instead.

Looks dated, uninspired and unremarkable. Can't imagine anyone ponying up for this generica.
And what's with the Buick VentiPorts (of sorts)?

You don't get 5-series value at 3-series price with the Cadenza, why would I believe a similar equation with the K900?