Kia Launches Rear-Drive Flagship K900

Kia Motors Corp. says the K900, its first rear-drive car, will hit the U.S. market in early 2014. The big flagship sedan was unveiled earlier this week at the Los Angeles auto show.

Built on the same underpinnings as the upcoming 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan, the K900 will push the Kia showroom's price above $50,000 for the first time. Higher-trim K900s will sticker in the mid-$60,000 range.

Base models will come equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 311 hp. Up-level models get a 5.0-liter, 32-valve V-8 with direct gasoline injection that makes 420 hp. Both engines will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The K900 comes equipped with 18- or 19-inch chrome wheels, adaptive LED headlamps and LED fog lamps, turn signals, tail lights and interior illumination. Front seats are heated and ventilated.

Electronics include standard blind spot detection, front and rear park assist cameras, a 900-watt audio system with 17 speakers, 9.2-inch high-definition display and voice-command navigation.